Quality Control Specialist Jobs in California
Quality Control Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, medical devices, food and beverage manufacturing, and semiconductor fabrication, with openings at every level from entry-level inspector through senior QC engineer. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Jose Bay Area, where anchors like Northrop Grumman, Boston Scientific, and Intel maintain large California operations. The most in-demand specialties are FDA-regulated medical device inspection, AS9100-compliant aerospace QC, and food safety auditing under California's strict regulatory environment. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Quality Control Inspector to join our manufacturing team. In this vital role, you will ensure that all products meet strict quality standards and regulatory requirements, maintaining the integrity of our production process. Your keen eye for detail and technical expertise will help uphold our commitment to excellence, safety, and compliance across all manufacturing operations. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-quality product delivery in a fast-paced environment dedicated to continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive quality inspections using precision measuring instruments such as height gauges, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and vision inspection systems to verify dimensional accuracy and mechanical integrity.
- Interpret mechanical blueprints, manufacturing documents, and technical specifications to ensure products conform to design intent and quality standards.
- Perform regular quality audits in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 13485, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), and FDA regulations to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance.
- Utilize GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) principles to assess complex measurements and mechanical features accurately.
- Collect, analyze, and document data related to quality metrics, non-conformances, and inspection results for continuous process improvement.
- Collaborate with production teams to address quality issues promptly, providing guidance on regulatory/legal compliance standards in production.
- Support calibration and maintenance of measuring instruments such as height gauges, calipers, micrometers, and vision systems to ensure measurement accuracy.
Experience
- Proven experience in quality assurance or quality control within a manufacturing environment, preferably involving medical devices or regulated industries.
- Strong knowledge of ISO standards (ISO 9001, ISO 13485), GMP practices, HACCP principles, and FDA regulations related to manufacturing processes.
- Hands-on experience with dimensional measurements using precision measuring instruments including coordinate measuring machines (CMM), height gauges, and vision inspection systems.
- Familiarity with interpreting mechanical blueprints, technical drawings, and production documents for accurate inspection procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to perform quality audits, analyze data effectively, and implement corrective actions based on findings.
- Mechanical knowledge combined with basic math skills for precise measurement calculations and analysis.
- Excellent attention to detail with strong analysis skills necessary for identifying deviations from quality standards in complex manufacturing processes.
Join us in ensuring the highest levels of product quality through rigorous inspection practices! Your expertise will be instrumental in maintaining our reputation for excellence while supporting a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.
Pay: From $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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Find JobsQuality Control Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Control Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Manufacturing
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Technology & Software
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality control specialist jobs across California.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in a life science, engineering, or related technical field
- Hands-on experience with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, and CMM equipment
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, or HACCP quality standards
- Proficiency with quality management systems and nonconformance documentation software
- ASQ Certified Quality Inspector or Certified Quality Technician certification preferred
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
Quality Control Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality control specialist in California?
California does not require a state-issued license specifically for quality control specialists, but employers consistently expect a combination of formal education and industry-recognized credentials. Most roles require at least an associate degree in a technical field, and certifications from the American Society for Quality such as the Certified Quality Inspector or Certified Quality Technician credential give candidates a clear edge. Those targeting medical device or pharmaceutical roles should also become familiar with FDA 21 CFR Part 820 requirements, which California employers in those sectors treat as baseline knowledge.
How much do quality control specialists make in California?
Quality control specialists in California earn a median of about $54,300 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $38,750 for the lowest 10% to over $88,210 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire quality control specialists in California?
Employers hiring quality control specialists in California right now include Avid Bioservices, Revolution Medicines, and Pegasus Support Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, FDA-regulated medical device manufacturers, and large food and beverage producers means demand is broad and relatively consistent across the state's major industrial corridors.
Which California cities have the most quality control specialist jobs?
The cities with the most quality control specialist openings in California are San Diego, Los Angeles, and Irvine. Los Angeles drives volume through its aerospace and defense manufacturing base, San Diego draws demand from its dense cluster of biotech and medical device companies, and the Bay Area sees steady openings tied to semiconductor fabrication and tech hardware production in and around San Jose.
Are there remote quality control specialist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Quality control work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical inspection of products, components, or production lines, so most roles are on-site by nature. About 6% of quality control specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to concentrate in documentation-heavy functions such as quality systems auditing, supplier qualification review, or regulatory compliance writing rather than floor inspection work.
How can I get hired as a quality control specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a quality inspector or production associate role at a California manufacturer, which requires less experience than a specialist title and builds the hands-on skills employers expect. Large California food producers and contract medical device manufacturers frequently hire for entry-level inspection positions with on-the-job training. Completing an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector exam while working in an adjacent role such as manufacturing technician, lab assistant, or receiving inspector demonstrates commitment and accelerates promotion into a specialist title.
Where can I find and apply to quality control specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to quality control specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries including aerospace, medical devices, food manufacturing, and semiconductors. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly.
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