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Forensic Scientist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

Abbott

Quality Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... scientists. The Opportunity This position works out of our Santa Rosa, CA location in the ... and forensic laboratory operations, drugs-of-abuse testing, quality systems compliance, and ...

Abbott

Quality Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

... scientists. The Opportunity This position works out of our Santa Rosa, CA location in the ... and forensic laboratory operations, drugs-of-abuse testing, quality systems compliance, and ...

Kleinfelder Inc

Special Inspector, ICC-Certified

Santa Rosa, CA

$34.73 - $57.96/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America ... We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our ...

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All JobsForensic Scientist JobsForensic Scientist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Forensic Scientist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$39.9K

$86.8K

$150.3K

How much do forensic scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic scientist in Santa Rosa, CA is $86,819.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic scientist do?

A forensic scientist analyzes physical evidence collected from crime scenes to help law enforcement solve cases. Their work often involves examining substances like blood, hair, fibers, and other materials using scientific techniques in a laboratory setting. Forensic scientists may also be called to testify in court as expert witnesses, explaining their findings and methods. They play a critical role in linking suspects to crimes and helping to ensure that justice is served.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist, you need a strong background in biology, chemistry, or forensic science, usually with at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, DNA analysis software, and evidence management systems is essential, and professional certifications like those from the American Board of Criminalistics can be advantageous. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help forensic scientists excel in preparing reports and testifying in court. These competencies ensure accurate evidence analysis, which is crucial for supporting justice and maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges forensic scientists face when working on criminal cases?

Forensic scientists often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines for case reports, handling complex or degraded evidence, and maintaining strict chain-of-custody procedures. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving technologies and scientific methods, which requires ongoing training. Collaboration with law enforcement and legal professionals is frequent, and clear communication is essential to ensure that scientific findings are accurately represented in court.

What is the difference between Forensic Scientist vs Crime Scene Investigator?

AspectForensic ScientistCrime Scene Investigator
CredentialsBachelor's or master's in forensic science, chemistry, biologyBachelor's in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, crime labsCrime scenes, outdoor and indoor locations
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, forensic labs, governmentLaw enforcement agencies, police departments
Primary FocusAnalyzing evidence, laboratory testing, report writingCollecting evidence, documenting crime scenes

While both forensic scientists and crime scene investigators work within the criminal justice system, forensic scientists primarily analyze evidence in labs, whereas crime scene investigators focus on collecting evidence at crime scenes. Both roles require knowledge of forensic procedures, but their work environments and daily tasks differ significantly.

How do you become a forensic scientist?

To become a forensic scientist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or a related field. Gaining laboratory experience and developing skills in evidence analysis, microscopy, and instrumentation are important; some roles may require a master's degree or certification from professional organizations.

What jobs can a forensic scientist do?

A forensic scientist can work in crime laboratories analyzing physical evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics. They may work for law enforcement agencies, government labs, or private firms, often requiring skills in laboratory techniques, evidence handling, and report writing. Career options include forensic DNA analyst, crime scene investigator, toxicologist, and forensic toxicologist.

What jobs can you get in forensic science?

Forensic scientists can work in crime laboratories, law enforcement agencies, or private forensic firms, performing tasks such as analyzing physical evidence, DNA, fingerprints, and ballistics. They often use specialized tools and techniques, and may need certifications or advanced degrees depending on the role.
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The top searched job categories for Forensic Scientist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Forensic Scientist jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Forensic Scientist job openings:

Forensic Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Scientist job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,819 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Quality Engineer

Abbott

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

176th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Quality Engineer
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You'll also have access to:
  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity
This position works out of our Santa Rosa, CA location in the Toxicology business within Abbott's Diagnostics Division. We're empowering smarter medical and economic decision-making to help transform the way people manage their health at all stages of life. Every day, more than 10 million tests are run on Abbott's diagnostics instruments, providing lab results for millions of people.
The Quality Engineer will execute highly complex and specialized quality assurance projects supporting Abbott's Toxicology business, including clinical and forensic laboratory operations, drugs-of-abuse testing, quality systems compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role applies advanced quality principles and analytical techniques to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, accreditation, and quality standards. The Quality Engineer will serve as a key contributor to Quality Management System effectiveness, laboratory quality oversight, audit readiness, validation activities, process improvement, and regulatory compliance while partnering cross-functionally to deliver high-quality products and services that meet customer and business requirements.
What You'll Work On
  • Works on problems of diverse scopes and complexity where analysis of data, regulatory requirements, and considerable judgment and initiative are required to reach resolution or provide recommendations.
  • Leads and/or contributes to quality system, test method, quality assurance, and operational process improvement projects.
  • Supports and may administer Quality Management System processes including CAPA, document control, training, supplier quality, change control, management review, and quality metrics.
  • Conducts complex analysis of quality records, laboratory data, audit findings, investigations, trends, and reports to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Supports equipment, process, facility, software, and test method qualification, validation, verification, and change control activities.
  • Conducts inspection, verification, and validation of components, materials, systems, and processes used in development, laboratory, and manufacturing activities.
  • Conducts and supports internal audits and external inspections, including CLIA and CAP, customer, and supplier audits, and ensures timely implementation of corrections and corrective actions.
  • Identifies and addresses recurring quality, compliance, and operational issues impacting product quality, laboratory testing, data integrity, or regulatory compliance.
  • Develops, tracks, analyzes, and trends quality metrics and key performance indicators and communicates results to management.
  • Documents quality issues, investigations, nonconformances, CAPAs, effectiveness checks, and performance measures for management review.

Required Qualifications
  • BS/BA degree or equivalent in chemistry, biology, or other scientific discipline or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of five to eight years of Quality Assurance experience in a regulated FDA medical device manufacturing environment or ISO certified laboratory, with 3-5 years progressively responsible positions.
  • Experience implementing, leading, or coordinating electronic document controls or CAPA program, including practical application of root cause analysis tools.
  • Thorough knowledge and experience implementing quality Systems Regulations ISO 17025,13485, CLIA, or 21 CFR 820.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Proven experience leading and maintaining Quality Management Systems (QMS), including CAPA, audits, document control, training, change control, nonconformance management, management review, and continuous improvement programs.
  • Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge: Strong understanding of CLIA, CAP accreditation requirements, laboratory quality systems, data integrity, quality control, proficiency testing, and applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Technical & Analytical Capabilities: Experience with root cause analysis, risk assessment, method validation/verification, equipment qualification, quality metrics, KPI reporting, internal audits, and regulatory inspection readiness.
  • Leadership & Communication Skills: Excellent technical writing, problem-solving, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with proficiency in eQMS platforms, document management systems, LMS tools, and Microsoft Office applications.

Apply Now
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: https://abbottbenefits.com/
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at abbott.com, on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AbbottCareers.
The base pay for this position is
$90,000.00 - $180,000.00
In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY:
Operations Quality
DIVISION:
TOX ARDx Toxicology
LOCATION:
United States > Santa Rosa : 3700-3730 Westwind Blvd.
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:
WORK SHIFT:
Standard
TRAVEL:
Yes, 5 % of the Time
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
Not Applicable
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)
Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.
EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf
EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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