1

Fda Food Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

... USDA/FDA-regulated food manufacturing environment. This position supports continuous plant ... Perform equipment inspections and identify potential maintenance or safety issues before breakdowns ...

Experience with vision inspection systems such as Cognex or Keyence. * Understanding of food processing and packaging operations and applicable FDA regulations. * Working knowledge of NFPA 70, NFPA ...

New

... Code, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Food Safety/HACCP plans, internal and customer ... Ensure compliance with FDA, FSMA, and customer audit requirements. Maintain inventory and ordering ...

... Code, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Food Safety/HACCP plans, internal and customer ... Ensure compliance with FDA, FSMA, and customer audit requirements. Maintain inventory and ordering ...

... Code, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Food Safety/HACCP plans, internal and customer ... Ensure compliance with FDA, FSMA, and customer audit requirements. Maintain inventory and ordering ...

... Code, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Food Safety/HACCP plans, internal and customer ... Ensure compliance with FDA, FSMA, and customer audit requirements. Maintain inventory and ordering ...

... Code, Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), Food Safety/HACCP plans, internal and customer ... Ensure compliance with FDA, FSMA, and customer audit requirements. Maintain inventory and ordering ...

... inspections and complete documentation during the run to ensure defect-free work. • May be called ... FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance MUST be adhered to at all times. • Keep the work ...

... inspections and complete documentation during the run to ensure defect-free work. • May be called ... FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance MUST be adhered to at all times. • Keep the work ...

... inspections and complete documentation during the run to ensure defect-free work. • May be called ... FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance MUST be adhered to at all times. • Keep the work ...

Be Seen First

Quality Control Lead

Ontario, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

We are a USDA / FDA Frozen Food Manufacturer and seeking a Quality Control Lead! The right ... Serves as liaison with USDA inspection personnel whenever needed. * Prepare and lead external ...

Showing results 41-60

Fda Food Inspector information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$54.2K

$97.7K

How much do fda food inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for fda food inspector in California is $54,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $62,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FDA Food Inspector?

An FDA Food Inspector is responsible for ensuring that food products meet federal safety and labeling regulations. They inspect food processing facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers to identify potential health hazards, contamination, or violations. Inspectors collect samples, review documentation, and enforce compliance with FDA regulations. Their work helps protect public health by preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring that consumers receive safe, properly labeled food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an FDA Food Inspector?

To thrive as an FDA Food Inspector, you need a solid background in food science, microbiology, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor's degree and relevant regulatory knowledge. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory testing equipment, and FDA reporting systems like FACTS (Field Accomplishments and Compliance Tracking System) is essential. Strong attention to detail, clear communication, and critical thinking help inspectors effectively assess facilities and interact with stakeholders. These capabilities ensure the safety of the national food supply through meticulous inspections and regulatory compliance.

What are the typical working conditions and environments for an FDA Food Inspector?

FDA Food Inspectors often work in a variety of environments, including food processing plants, warehouses, agricultural sites, and sometimes laboratories or field offices. Schedules can include regular travel and occasional non-standard hours to inspect facilities during production. The job involves both independent inspections and collaboration with facility staff, federal teams, and sometimes state or local agencies. Inspectors must be comfortable in environments that require stringent hygiene protocols and sometimes personal protective equipment. This dynamic work setting helps ensure the safety and integrity of the food supply chain.

How do you become an FDA Food Inspector?

To become an FDA Food Inspector, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or food science. They must also pass a competitive federal hiring process, which includes written exams and background checks, and may require relevant work experience or training in food safety and inspection procedures.

How much money do FDA Food Inspectors make?

FDA Food Inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. Salaries can increase with seniority, specialized training, and supervisory roles, and inspectors often work in government settings with benefits and regular schedules.
Infographic showing various Fda Food Inspector job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,220 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

$101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform Quality Assurance activities to support GMP Manufacturing operations and process development, including product label issuance, batch record review, and product disposition.

  • Support project teams in developing standards for inspection and accreditation, and evaluate compliance of manufacturing records and related data.

  • Participate in ensuring compliance with quality systems, internal SOPs, deviations, OOS, product complaints, CAPAs, change controls, and regulatory requirements.


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.
The School of Medicine has recently completed construction on a new GMP Good Manufacturing Practice) Facility). Our facility is a production facility for the manufacturing of cellular and gene therapy products. It includes the manufacturing space, the storage warehouse for raw and finished product and support laboratory areas, including quality control laboratory and quality assurance department, to control collection, processing, storage, and release of cell therapy products. At UCI, the GMP facility will enable clinical trials of cell therapeutics, including stem cell populations and bone marrow transplantation, as well as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells. The facility includes a seven-room GMP cellular therapy and viral vector facility, with an adjacent quality control laboratory.
Your Role on the Team
Experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the professional field; independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; possesses broad job knowledge; analyzes problems / issues of diverse scope and determines solutions.
Custom Scope (customizable, will be used in the job posting/advertisement):
The Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist will support a Quality Assurance Unit in the School of Medicine, cGMP Facility. The QA Specialist will report administratively to the Manager of Quality Assurance for GMP Operations. The QA Specialist will perform Quality Assurance activities to support GMP Manufacturing operations and process development activities, including but not limited to product label issuance/reconciliation, batch record issuance/review, Starting Material (i.e. Cell Banks) Receipt, Release, product disposition and Inventory Management, Logbook (i.e. Equipment Use, Facility Cleaning) Issuance and Management.In addition, the QA Specialist will support project teams in developing and implementing standards for inspection and accreditation, coordinating, preparing, and submitting Investigational New Drug (IND). Evaluate compliance of completed manufacturing records (batch records, COC/ COA, packaging, and any related data as applicable) from CMO as necessary to ensure accuracy and completeness. Collaborate with stakeholders to conduct compound/product specific risk assessments, as required, for all aspects of the drug development process. Review development and qualification protocols and reports. Participate in ensuring compliance with quality systems, internal SOPs, deviations, OOS, product complaints, CAPAs, change controls-related processes and regulatory requirements. Requires specialized knowledge for reports, external inspections, responding to inspection deficiencies and setting policy for quality assurance and compliance activities. Responsible for development, maintenance, and enforcement of the quality plan.
What It Takes to be Successful
Required:
  • Adherence to excellent customer service principles.
  • Organizational skills are sufficient to prioritize duties in an ever-changing environment.
  • Must possess technical vocabulary to meet facility needs.
  • Deep understanding of cGMP regulations and global guidelines from agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency).
  • Ability to listen, collect information, and give instructions in an effort to support, clarify, or resolve problems.
  • Knowledge of personal computer, word processing, data management, and spreadsheet software.
  • Knowledge of standard precautions and biosafety. Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and laboratory safety regulations.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills. The ability to draft and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), batch records, and technical reports that are audit-ready and clear.
  • Must be able to write clear technical reports in the scientific format. Ensuring all records are Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, and Accurate.
  • Maintains appropriate interdepartmental communication.
  • Experience conducting internal audits and preparing for regulatory inspections by managing documentation and hosting inspectors.
  • Ability to work well under pressure to meet commitments and to remain flexible with a variety of changing demands.
  • Essential for catching minor discrepancies in batch records or production processes that could lead to product recalls.
  • Ability to work as a member of a team and to assist colleagues as needed.
  • Ability to function and work in a diverse work environment.
  • Proficiency in using electronic systems for managing deviations, CAPAs, and change controls.
  • Knowledge of federal and state legislation and regulatory requirements pertaining to the cellular therapy production.
  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing or other relevant healthcare profession, or a combination of comparable clinical education and / or experience.
  • At least 1 year of experience in toxicology, chemistry, regulation of biologics
  • Experience in reviewing cGMP/GLP related documents (SOP's, protocols, batch records, technical reports, etc.).

Preferred:
  • 2 years of experience in clinical laboratory setup

Total Rewards
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
Conditions of Employment:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
Closing Statement:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

What University Of California Irvine employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom