Job at a glance
QA Inspector Job Description The QA Inspector ensures that all products released for distribution comply with applicable specifications and that all materials in the warehouse are properly identified, stored, sampled, tested, and released prior to use in production. This role safeguards compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), batch record instructions, and quality standards in a GMP environment, supporting both manufacturing and quality teams to maintain consistent product integrity and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities Assure that all products released for distribution meet applicable specifications and quality requirements. Ensure all materials in the warehouse are clearly identified by status and stored appropriately according to SOPs. Verify that only released materials are used in production and that all materials are sampled, tested, and meet specifications before use. Maintain compliance with all applicable SOPs across quality and manufacturing activities.
Confirm manufacturing compliance with batch record instructions and requirements. Receive and sample all raw materials and components for appropriate testing following established procedures. Manage appropriate quarantine and release of finished product for shipping. Ensure all items in the plant—including raw materials, components, packaging, labels, finished product, rejected materials, and rework materials—are properly labeled and stored in accordance with SOPs.
Administer and maintain the label program, including control and reconciliation of labels. Inspect production lines regularly to ensure adherence to quality standards and SOPs. Perform appropriate sampling, storage, and status labeling of pallets of incoming materials until they are tested for compliance and released for use. Conduct appropriate sampling and storage of finished product until testing is completed and the product is released.
Review batch records to confirm that only released ingredients, components, and labeling are used in production. Assist the Quality Manager in product investigations when manufacturing deviations, complaints, or product failures occur. Maintain label inventory, issue labels to production, process returned labels, and facilitate reconciliation of label inventory. Inspect production lines for proper use of PPE, correct labels and codes, accurate weights, and compliance with product specifications.
Perform production line checks or line clearances as needed to support quality and compliance. Collaborate with other inspectors, production, and warehouse personnel to carry out sampling and inspection procedures effectively. Essential Skills Quality assurance and inspection experience, with at least 1+ years of quality inspection experience in a GMP environment required and 3+ years preferred. Proficiency with computer systems to work within a Quality Management System (QMS) or database, such as SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
Prior experience with raw material sampling using AQL methodologies. Experience performing production line checks or line clearances. Ability to read, understand, and review batch records for compliance. Knowledge of pharmaceutical or similar regulated manufacturing environments. Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and batch record instructions accurately. Effective communication skills to interface with production, warehouse, and quality personnel.
Capability to work in dusty production and warehouse environments and adhere to PPE requirements. Additional Skills & Qualifications High school diploma is required. Willingness to drive a forklift upon conversion to a full-time role to pull samples for sampling duties (forklift operation not required during the contract assignment). Openness to candidates with strong manufacturing experience who are looking to transition into a quality or compliance role.
Basic familiarity with GMP principles and regulated production environments. Ability to work collaboratively with a te