Contamination Control Engineer Jobs in California

The Microbiology Supervisor leads QC Microbiology operations within a sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, combining hands-on technical expertise with day-to-day team leadership. This role oversees routine microbiological testing, drives investigations and environmental monitoring strategy, and partners cross-functionally to support aseptic operations and overall quality initiatives in a fast-paced GMP setting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the QC Microbiology laboratory, ensuring testing timelines, quality standards, and regulatory expectations are consistently met.
• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of microbiologists, including responsibility for training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Review and approve microbiological data, including bioburden, sterility, and environmental monitoring results, to support product release decisions.
• Own and manage investigations related to deviations, out-of-specification results, and environmental monitoring excursions, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and appropriate follow-up.
• Perform data analysis and trending of microbiological and environmental monitoring data to identify risks and recommend improvements to contamination control strategies.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and other cross-functional teams to support aseptic operations and resolve quality issues in a timely manner.
• Support method validation, transfer, and optimization activities for microbiology assays to ensure robust and reliable testing methods.
• Drive the implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) and lead continuous improvement initiatives within the microbiology laboratory.
• Ensure inspection readiness at all times and maintain strict compliance with GMP, FDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the development, review, and refinement of microbiology-related procedures, protocols, and documentation to maintain a high standard of quality and consistency.

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biology, or a closely related scientific field.
• 4+ years of experience working in a GMP-regulated microbiology laboratory, preferably within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Prior experience leading or mentoring teams in a QC Microbiology environment.
• Strong knowledge of environmental monitoring programs in sterile or aseptic manufacturing settings.
• Proficiency with sterility testing and bioburden testing methodologies and their application to product release and contamination control.
• Solid understanding of aseptic technique and aseptic processing support within a regulated environment.
• Experience conducting and managing investigations, including deviations and CAPAs, in a GMP or FDA-regulated setting.
• Demonstrated ability to review complex microbiological data and make sound, quality-based decisions.
• Familiarity with FDA expectations and GMP requirements as they relate to microbiology and sterile manufacturing.

• Experience supporting sterile or aseptic pharmaceutical manufacturing operations.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as Manufacturing and Quality Assurance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret trends in environmental monitoring and microbiological data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for clear documentation, reporting, and team guidance.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on enhancing laboratory processes, contamination control, and overall quality performance.

The role operates within a controlled cleanroom environment that requires appropriate gowning and adherence to strict aseptic and contamination control procedures. Work is performed in a GMP- and FDA-regulated facility with established environmental monitoring and quality systems. The position involves routine work in QC microbiology laboratories and cleanroom areas, following defined procedures, documentation practices, and regulatory standards to ensure product quality and patient safety.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Costa Mesa, CA.

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

pto/holiday 401k benefits health benefits dental vision medical

This is a fully onsite position in Costa Mesa,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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