Quality Control Chemist Jobs in California
Quality Control Chemist jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, food and beverage production, and medical device development, with openings at every level from entry-level lab technician to senior QC scientist. The largest hiring markets are San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where established employers such as Genentech, Abbott, and Thermo Fisher Scientific maintain significant California operations. The most in-demand specializations include method validation, raw material testing, and regulatory compliance under FDA and USP standards. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.
JOB SUMMARY
The QC Chemist is responsible for performing routine and non-routine chemical and biochemical assays on protein-based therapeutics and raw materials.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Perform various QC / Quality Control testing (i.e. product release testing, stability testing, in-process testing, and other protocol testing) as directed by the laboratory supervisor or senior chemist.
- Compile and enter data into computer database (i.e. LIMS - Laboratory Information Management System) to be used for reporting and trending purposes.
- Review test results against specifications.
- Will share general responsibilities for laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration, housekeeping, and other lab support functions (e.g., inventory of consumables and reagents).
- Maintain sample logs on a daily basis to ensure timely testing and tracking of all samples.
- Maintain Instrument Usage and Calibration Logs based on instrument usage during the preparation and testing of samples.
- Strict adherence to procedures and practices according to FDA regulations.
- Strong emphasis on documentation according to FDA regulations.
- Adhere to departmental corporate safety policies.
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or closely related scientific discipline is required.
- Related experience in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA regulated testing laboratory is preferred.
- Requires a basic understanding of analytical methodologies and protein biochemistry (e.g. IC, HPLC, GC, etc.).
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions on a routine basis.
- Must be proactive, results oriented, and have strong attention to detail.
- Self-starter with strong work ethic and the ability to exercise good judgment.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet targeted deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levels in a team environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
- Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Specific experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is preferred.
- Must be flexible with working hours / shifts in order to accommodate the 24 hour, 7 day plant operation.
This job description is accurate at the date of publication. It is intended to provide information essential to understanding the scope and general nature of the work performed by job holders within this position. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Other duties may be assigned and qualifications required may change over time.
COMPENSATION
- The estimated pay scale for the QC Chemist role based in California, is $26.22-$28.00. Additionally, the position is eligible to participate in up to 5% of the company bonus pool.
We offer a wide variety of benefits including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays and up to 5% 401(K) match and tuition reimbursement. Final compensation packages will ultimately depend on education, experience, skillset, knowledge, where the role is performed, internal equity and market data. We are committed to offering our employees opportunities for professional growth and career progression. Grifols is a global healthcare organization with employees in 30 countries focused on patient health and providing impactful results. Since our humble beginnings in 1909, Grifols has been a family company that prides itself on its family-like culture. Our company has more than tripled over the last 10 years, and you can grow with us!
LOCATION
Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : CA-Los Angeles:US403 - LA CA-QC Building
Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:
Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.
EEO STATEMENT
Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws, including but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
See All 9 Quality Control Chemist Jobs in California
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Find Quality Control Chemist JobsQuality Control Chemist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Control Chemist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- AHMC Healthcare1

- ATOCO1

- Clean Harbors1

- Excelsior Nutrition1

- Grifols1

Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals4
- Science & Research2
- Chemicals & Materials1
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Distribution & Wholesale1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality control chemist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related natural science
- Hands-on experience with HPLC, GC, UV-Vis, or other analytical instrumentation
- Working knowledge of cGMP, FDA regulations, and USP testing standards
- Proficiency in writing and reviewing standard operating procedures and batch records
- Experience with laboratory information management systems such as LIMS or SAP
- Familiarity with California environmental health and safety regulations for laboratory settings
Quality Control Chemist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality control chemist in California?
Most quality control chemist roles in California require a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related science. California does not issue a state-specific license for quality control chemists, but employers in pharmaceutical and biotech sectors strongly prefer candidates who understand FDA cGMP regulations and USP standards. Gaining lab experience through a university co-op, internship at a California biotech or food manufacturer, or an entry-level analytical technician role is the standard path to full QC chemist positions.
How much do quality control chemists make in California?
Quality control chemists in California earn a median of about $59,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $44,070 for the lowest 10% to over $88,900 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire quality control chemists in California?
Employers hiring quality control chemists in California right now include AHMC Healthcare, ATOCO, and Clean Harbors, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of pharmaceutical manufacturers, food processors, and biotech firms means consistent year-round demand for QC talent across the state.
Which California cities have the most quality control chemist jobs?
Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Irvine have the most quality control chemist openings in California. San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area drive volume through their established biotech and pharmaceutical clusters, while Los Angeles draws demand from food manufacturing, cosmetics, and medical device companies headquartered or operating in the region.
Are there remote quality control chemist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Quality control chemistry is inherently hands-on work involving physical samples, instrumentation, and regulated laboratory environments, which limits remote options. About 0% of quality control chemist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions typically involve documentation review, data analysis, or regulatory compliance writing rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a quality control chemist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an analytical technician or QC associate role at a California pharmaceutical or food manufacturing company, where on-the-job training under cGMP conditions builds the foundational skills employers require. Large California biotech employers such as Genentech and Gilead run new-graduate programs, and contract research organizations operating throughout San Diego and the Bay Area regularly hire candidates with strong undergraduate lab coursework. Completing an internship, developing hands-on HPLC or titration skills through coursework, and earning a working knowledge of FDA documentation standards gives candidates a meaningful edge over other applicants.
Where can I find and apply to quality control chemist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to quality control chemist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
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