Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in California
Quality Assurance Lead jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in technology, life sciences, medical devices, aerospace, and consumer electronics across the full seniority range from associate QA lead through senior and principal levels. The highest hiring volume is in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Apple, and Northrop Grumman maintain major operations and ongoing QA needs. The most in-demand specialties are software quality assurance, regulatory compliance QA for FDA-regulated products, and automated testing. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Quality Assurance Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 364+ Quality Assurance Lead jobs
Monday-Friday (with potential weekend work) - 1st shift
Legendary is launching a new project and is seeking a flexible and detail-oriented Quality Assurance professional. This role requires schedule flexibility, as candidates may be assigned to 1st shift one day and 2nd shift the next based on operational needs.
- Perform inspections of materials, products, and paperwork to verify compliance with specifications.
- Create and maintain accurate and complete records of work performed.
- Perform lab tests and seal test.
- Perform line clearance inspections, lot clearances, and 1st piece inspections.
- Notify Production Supervisors, and Quality Supervisors promptly when non-conformances are identified.
- Perform quality checks for foreign material with the verification of mesh screens, detectors, etc.
- Verify and perform specified quality test on random finished cases such as count verification, label conformity, seal conformity, lot code and expiration verification, etc. on pallets for shipping to customers.
- Assists in the development of quality control specifications and procedures.
- Promote a strong quality culture and serve as a resource.
- Complete all compliance training (e.g., sexual harassment, workplace violence, active shooter) and department focused training.
- Adhere to all company policies, industry standards, and food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, HACCP).
- Use of visual, auditory or special protective equipment (e.g., hairnet, beard net (if applicable), and gloves)
- Demonstrate a culture of ethical conduct, safety and compliance.
- Ensure production areas are clean, sanitized, and organized, adhering to food safety.
- Identify and correct hazards; comply with all safety policies and best practices.
- All other duties are based on business needs.
Qualifications:
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and accomplish multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to work both independently and with a team.
- Prolonged periods of standing, bending, twisting, reaching and grasping with both hands.
- Ability to continuously lift up to 15lbs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook, Excel) and quality data systems.
- Bilingual (e.g., English/Spanish) is highly desirable.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with fluctuating temperatures and noise levels.
- Maintain company attendance standards.
- Flexible work schedule (e.g., weekends and holidays)
- Bilingual is highly desirable.
- CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) certification.
- HACCP certification.
- SQF experience.
- Experience with 3rd-party audits.
- High School Diploma or Equivalent Experience.
- Minimum of 2 years of quality assurance experience in a regulated food or dietary supplement manufacturing environment.
See All 364+ Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Assurance Lead JobsQuality Assurance Lead Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Assurance Lead Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Medical Devices
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality assurance lead jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, life sciences, or a related technical field
- Minimum three to five years of quality assurance experience with demonstrated lead or supervisory responsibility
- Proficiency in QA methodologies including JIRA, Selenium, or similar test management and automation tools
- Experience with FDA 21 CFR Part 820 or ISO 13485 for roles in California's medical device and life sciences sector
- Strong knowledge of SDLC, Agile, or Scrum frameworks in software or hardware product development environments
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Quality Auditor credential preferred by California technology and manufacturing employers
Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality assurance lead in California?
The most direct path in California is to build foundational QA experience in a regulated industry such as medical devices, aerospace, or software, then move into a lead role by demonstrating ownership of test cycles and team mentorship. California does not require a state-issued license for most QA lead roles, but candidates who earn an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Quality Auditor credential consistently stand out with hiring managers across the state's technology and life sciences employers.
How much do quality assurance leads make in California?
Quality assurance leads in California earn a median of about $128,740 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,890 for the lowest 10% to over $201,070 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire quality assurance leads in California?
Employers hiring quality assurance leads in California right now include Bachem, Gilead Sciences, and Pacific Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's dense concentration of medical device manufacturers in San Diego and major tech firms in the Bay Area means demand stays active across a wide range of industries throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most quality assurance lead jobs?
The California cities with the most quality assurance lead openings are San Diego, Los Angeles, and Irvine. The Bay Area leads because of its high concentration of software and semiconductor companies, San Diego is driven by its large medical device and biotech cluster, and Los Angeles pulls volume from aerospace, entertainment technology, and consumer electronics firms headquartered there.
Are there remote quality assurance lead jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, because a significant portion of QA lead work in California is software-focused and can be done remotely. About 38% of quality assurance lead openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the state's tech-heavy employer mix. The most remote-friendly sub-areas are automated testing, test strategy, and QA process management, while roles tied to physical products or manufacturing lines typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a quality assurance lead in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is to start as a QA analyst, QA engineer, or software tester at a California tech or life sciences company and pursue a lead role after demonstrating ownership of a testing workstream. Large California employers in the Bay Area and San Diego often post associate QA or junior QA openings that build directly toward lead eligibility. Earning an ASQ certification or completing a CQAP or CSTE credential strengthens your profile considerably, and lateral moves from roles like business analyst or technical support are common entry points in smaller California firms.
Where can I find and apply to quality assurance lead jobs in California?
You can find and apply to quality assurance lead jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 364+ Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Assurance Lead Jobs