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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The following responsibilities would characterize the requirements of this position. Must possess the skills necessary to perform the majority of the listed functions:
- Review and approve the documentation setting forth the basis for qualification of any supplier
- Prepare compounds, test solutions, and reagents to conduct tests and experiments, then advising and coordinating on test procedures
- Determine the relationships of chemical and physical properties, composition, and structures
- Develop, improve and customize equipment, products, formulas, analytical methods, and processes
- Document findings in technical papers and reports, preparing specifications, and testing standards
- Clean and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment
- Making sure that all the technology is working correctly
- Conduct quality control tests to ensure no compounds or equipment are contaminated
- Order laboratory supplies and chemicals, keeping an eye on expiration dates
- Follow all company and governmental safety procedures
- Create thorough reports on tests and your findings
- Evaluate testing protocols and suggest improvements
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical or related field is required
- Hands-on experience a must with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICPMS). And High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery is a plus
- ISO 17025 Lab Manager experience preferred
- Strong background in Food Science and Chemistry is highly desirable
- Previous experience working in biotechnology, or research laboratory is preferred
- Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry principles
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and wet chemistry methods
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
- Familiarity with regulatory guidelines
- Commitment to safety and adherence to laboratory protocols
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
- Life Insurance
- LTD
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
The following responsibilities would characterize the requirements of this position. Must possess the skills necessary to perform the majority of the listed functions:
- Review and approve the documentation setting forth the basis for qualification of any supplier
- Prepare compounds, test solutions, and reagents to conduct tests and experiments, then advising and coordinating on test procedures
- Determine the relationships of chemical and physical properties, composition, and structures
- Develop, improve and customize equipment, products, formulas, analytical methods, and processes
- Document findings in technical papers and reports, preparing specifications, and testing standards
- Clean and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment
- Making sure that all the technology is working correctly
- Conduct quality control tests to ensure no compounds or equipment are contaminated
- Order laboratory supplies and chemicals, keeping an eye on expiration dates
- Follow all company and governmental safety procedures
- Create thorough reports on tests and your findings
- Evaluate testing protocols and suggest improvements
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical or related field is required
- Hands-on experience a must with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICPMS). And High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) machinery is a plus
- ISO 17025 Lab Manager experience preferred
- Strong background in Food Science and Chemistry is highly desirable
- Previous experience working in biotechnology, or research laboratory is preferred
- Strong knowledge of analytical chemistry principles
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and wet chemistry methods
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and concisely
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
- Familiarity with regulatory guidelines
- Commitment to safety and adherence to laboratory protocols
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
See All 5 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
Top Industries Hiring
- Chemicals & Materials
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 Excelsior Nutrition, Linde, and Mask Off Company, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Anaheim, Monrovia, and Los Angeles 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 August 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.
See All 5 Quality Control Chemist Jobs in California
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