Quality Control Technician Jobs in California
Quality Control Technician jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where industries from aerospace and medical devices to food and beverage processing keep demand steady at every level from entry-line inspector to senior QC specialist. Employers including Northrop Grumman, Abbott Laboratories, and Dole Food Company maintain large California operations and hire quality control technicians on a consistent basis. The most in-demand specialties are incoming inspection, process validation, and FDA-regulated manufacturing quality. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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- Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB; HKEX: 9688) is an innovative, research-based, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company based in China and the United States focused on bringing transformative medicines for oncology, autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders to patients in China and around the world. Our goal is to leverage our competencies and resources to positively impact human health worldwide.
Founded in 2014, our experienced team has secured partnerships with leading global biopharmaceutical companies, generating a broad and late-stage pipeline of innovative drug candidates. Based on our proven track record of success, Zai Lab has earned the reputation as a trusted partner of choice for global biopharmaceutical companies seeking to not only access the Chinese market but also find a long-term strategic partner for global clinical development. Our unique business model builds on our in-licensed assets and innovative partnerships to expand our internal discovery and development capabilities and has created a portfolio of potential best-in-class and/or first-in-class therapies. Zai currently has four products on the market in China
Zai Lab was successfully listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market in September 2017 and completed secondary listing on Hong Kong Stock Exchange in September 2020. In 2022, Zai Lab became dual-primary listed on both the Nasdaq and the Hong Kong Stock Exchanges. Since its inception, Zai Lab has expanded significantly with several offices across China. In 2021, Zai Lab established its U.S. Headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. As of January 2022, the Company has a global team of approximately 2000 employees.
Job Description
Primary Function:
The Clinical QC Manager is a Clinical Operations–based role responsible for conducting independent quality control (QC) assessments to confirm that investigational sites are executing clinical trials in accordance with study protocols, GCP, and company procedures. This role performs targeted, risk‑based QC oversight through on‑site QC visits and focused documentation and process reviews to verify that critical study activities are being performed as intended.
Working in partnership with Clinical Trial Managers (CTMs), CRAs, and other Clinical Operations staff, the Clinical QC Manager independently assesses site execution and protocol adherence and collaborates with the study team on follow‑up actions. The role identifies protocol adherence gaps, recurring operational issues, and process risks, and supports timely follow‑up with accountable owners. This position does not replace routine monitoring activities or serve as the primary site management function; rather, it strengthens study execution by evaluating site processes, identifying trends, and supporting issue resolution across studies.
This position reports to the Executive Director, Head of US Clinical Operations, and is based remotely. Frequent travel to investigational sites is required to support on‑site QC visits and assessments.
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
QC Planning, Assessments, and Reporting
- Develop and maintain study‑specific QC plans, updating based on study progress, complexity, and risk assessment.
- Create and maintain QC tools (e.g., checklists, templates, trackers) to support consistent execution of QC activities.
- Conduct risk‑based, on‑site QC visits to investigational sites to assess protocol adherence and execution of critical study processes (e.g., informed consent process checks, protocol‑required procedures, safety reporting processes, and essential document maintenance).
- Conduct in‑house QC activities (remote or in‑office reviews) as needed, ensuring QC activities are completed within defined timelines and quality expectations.
- Evaluate site processes and documentation to confirm studies are being conducted consistently and as intended.
- Prepare clear, objective QC Visit Reports documenting scope, observations, trends, and required follow‑up actions.
- Escalate significant compliance, patient safety, or data integrity concerns through defined Clinical Operations escalation pathways.
Issue Identification, Follow‑Up, and Trend Analysis
- On a regular basis, in partnership with Clinical Operations teams, identify protocol deviations, recurring site‑level issues, and operational risks through QC activities.
- Support study teams with root cause analysis (RCA) and contribute to the development of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), as needed.
- Track QC findings and follow‑up actions to closure and contribute to cross‑site and cross‑study trend analysis.
Inspection Readiness Support
- Support inspection readiness activities across preparation, conduct, and follow‑up phases, including self‑checks and targeted readiness reviews.
- Perform targeted reviews of site and study documentation as part of QC assessments to support ongoing inspection readiness.
- Provide QC summaries and documentation to Clinical Operations leadership and study teams, as requested.
Training, Knowledge Sharing, and Operational Improvement
- Contribute to training activities for Clinical Operations teams based on QC findings, common site execution gaps, and protocol adherence challenges.
- Incorporate lessons learned from QC activities and regulatory inspections into training, guidance, and study team communications.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement based on QC observations and trends.
- Support implementation of applicable SOPs and study processes by reinforcing procedural expectations and providing training or clarification on relevant procedures.
Qualifications
REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in medical science or a related field, with five years’ experience in clinical research, including hands‑on experience with quality‑related activities, such as QC oversight and inspection‑related activities; or equivalent combination of higher education, training and experience.
PREFERRED:
- Deep knowledge and understanding of clinical trial processes and quality management.
- Strong working knowledge of ICH‑GCP as well as applicable regulations and guidelines.
- Solid understanding of the skills and knowledge required to deliver a clinical study (e.g., international guidelines, study management, site management, and monitoring).
- Strong communication and influencing skills: able to communicate effectively and concisely, clearly articulate viewpoints, and align with stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and resolve complex issues.
- Ability to think strategically and objectively, demonstrating creativity, innovation, and sound judgment.
- Demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of integrity and ethics.
Additional Information
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $140 and $160K/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a sign-on bonus, restricted stock units, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.
If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
At Zai, we are proud of the gender diversity of our company and our promotion of women in biotech. We have achieved gender base pay equity at all levels, 58% of our employees are women and 54% of our management positions are held by women. We are committed to the health of patients and our planet. That’s why our environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance strategy, called “Trust for Life” is integrated within our business.
Disclaimer: This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirement for the position. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or based on disability.
Zai Lab is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information we collect and to being transparent about the purposes for which we use your information. We have a Privacy Notice which sets forth our policies and practices for handling the information we collect and use in the employment context. Privacy Notice available upon request.
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Control Technician Job Market in California
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals10
- Medical Devices6
- Manufacturing3
- Staffing & Recruiting3
- Technology & Software3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality control technician jobs across California.
- High school diploma or associate degree in a science or technical field required
- Experience with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, and gauges
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, GMP, or FDA quality management standards
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and specifications
- Proficiency with quality documentation systems and nonconformance reporting
- Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to work in regulated environments
Quality Control Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality control technician in California?
Most California employers require at minimum a high school diploma or GED, though an associate degree in manufacturing technology, biology, chemistry, or a related field significantly improves your chances. California has no state-issued license specific to quality control technicians, but certifications from the American Society for Quality such as the Certified Quality Inspector or Certified Quality Technician credential are widely recognized by California manufacturers. Many candidates enter through production or laboratory assistant roles at regulated manufacturers before moving into dedicated QC positions.
Which companies hire quality control technicians in California?
Employers hiring quality control technicians 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 contractors, FDA-regulated medical device makers, and large food processing companies means quality control technician demand is distributed across a wide range of industries rather than clustered in one sector.
Which California cities have the most quality control technician jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Irvine have the most quality control technician openings in California. Los Angeles anchors demand through its aerospace, defense, and food manufacturing base, while San Jose and the surrounding South Bay draw on a dense cluster of medical device and semiconductor manufacturers, and San Diego adds pharmaceutical and biotech employers to the mix.
Are there remote quality control technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Quality control technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical inspection of materials, equipment, and production lines, so most openings are fully on-site. About 6% of quality control technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be documentation-heavy roles such as quality systems auditing or supplier quality management rather than floor inspection positions.
How can I get hired as a quality control technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a production associate or laboratory aide role at a California regulated manufacturer, where you work alongside QC staff and learn inspection processes on the job. Large California food and beverage processors, contract pharmaceutical manufacturers, and medical device companies in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas regularly hire entry-level quality associates and train them on internal procedures. Completing an ASQ Certified Quality Inspector exam or a community college certificate in manufacturing quality from schools in the California Community Colleges system gives candidates a measurable edge over other applicants without direct QC experience.
Where can I find and apply to quality control technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to quality control technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries including aerospace, medical devices, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 210+ Quality Control Technician Jobs in California
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