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Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pay Rate Low: 18 | Pay Rate High: 20 A client is a global pharmaceutical manufacturing organization and is seeking a Part-Time QA Associate to support the Quality Assurance (QA) team in maintaining ...

Quality Assurance Manager

Bend, OR · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Join our growing Quality team in Bend, Oregon as a QA Manager ... In this leadership role, you will help ensure commercial pharmaceutical products meet regulatory ...

Join our growing Quality team in Bend, Oregon as a QA Manager ... In this leadership role, you will help ensure commercial pharmaceutical products meet regulatory ...

Join our growing Quality team in Bend, Oregon as a QA Manager ... In this leadership role, you will help ensure commercial pharmaceutical products meet regulatory ...

Quality Assurance Manager

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$120 - $165/hr

Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline. * 7-10 years of experience in pharmaceutical QA or manufacturing quality assurance roles. * Knowledge of ...

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Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance information

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How much do pharmaceutical quality assurance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical quality assurance in the United States is $23.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pharmaceutical quality assurance?

Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance (QA) refers to the systematic processes and procedures put in place to ensure that pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. QA professionals are responsible for developing and overseeing protocols that comply with regulatory requirements, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Their work helps prevent errors, ensures product safety and efficacy, and maintains documentation for audits and inspections. This role is critical in safeguarding public health by ensuring that medicines and related products meet strict quality criteria before reaching patients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in pharmaceutical quality assurance, and why are they important?

To thrive in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, a strong background in pharmaceutical sciences, regulatory knowledge, and quality management—often backed by a relevant degree—is essential. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), quality control systems, and documentation software is typically required, along with certifications like Six Sigma or ISO standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in ensuring compliance and quality. These competencies are crucial for maintaining product safety, regulatory adherence, and the integrity of pharmaceutical operations.

What are some common challenges faced in a pharmaceutical quality assurance role, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict compliance with evolving regulations, managing documentation, and ensuring consistent product quality across batches. These challenges are addressed through robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), regular training sessions, and close collaboration with manufacturing and regulatory teams. Additionally, proactive risk assessments and continuous process improvements are key strategies employed to minimize errors and ensure product safety and efficacy.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance vs Pharmaceutical Quality Control?

AspectPharmaceutical Quality AssurancePharmaceutical Quality Control
Primary FocusPreventing defects through process oversight and complianceDetecting defects through testing and inspection
ActivitiesAudits, SOP development, process validationProduct testing, sampling, laboratory analysis
Required CredentialsDegree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related field; certifications like CQEDegree in pharmacy, chemistry, or related field; certifications like CQE
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, regulatory agencies, quality departmentsLaboratories, manufacturing sites, testing facilities

While both roles aim to ensure product quality, Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance focuses on preventing issues through process control and compliance, whereas Pharmaceutical Quality Control emphasizes testing and identifying defects in products. Both are essential for maintaining high standards in the pharmaceutical industry.

Is quality assurance a good career in the pharmaceutical industry?

Quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry is a stable and growing career that involves ensuring products meet safety and regulatory standards. It requires attention to detail, knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and often involves working with documentation, audits, and compliance protocols. The role offers opportunities for advancement and specialization, making it a valuable career path for those interested in healthcare and manufacturing quality.

What does quality assurance do in the pharmaceutical industry?

In pharmaceutical quality assurance, professionals ensure that products meet regulatory standards and company specifications through activities like audits, documentation review, and process validation. They help maintain product safety, efficacy, and compliance by implementing quality systems and monitoring manufacturing processes. Certification in quality management systems such as GMP is often required.
More about Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance jobs

What cities are hiring for Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance jobs?

Cities with the most Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance jobs?

The most popular types of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance jobs are:

What states have the most Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance jobs?

States with the most job openings for Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance jobs include:

Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,237 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Pharmaceutical QA Director

Eliquent Life Sciences, Inc

Tustin, CA • On-site

$138 - $207/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Pharmaceutical QA Director

Tustin, CA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1330

Salary Range: $100.00 To $150.00 Hourly

About Company:

ELIQUENT Life Sciences is a leading global consulting group delivering regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, quality, and compliance solutions that support pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, and combination product companies across therapeutic modalities, phase-based pathways, and major global markets.

Why explore your future at ELIQUENT?

ELIQUENT Life Sciences is a trusted global consulting firm helping life sciences companies navigate regulatory complexity and bring breakthrough therapies to market. Founded by former regulators and industry experts, we offer end-to-end support in regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, and quality compliance. Our team is driven by a shared mission to improve global health through innovation, collaboration, and integrity. At ELIQUENT , you will be part of a purpose-led organization where your expertise contributes to meaningful impact and your growth is supported every step of the way.

About the Role:

The Pharmaceutical QA Director plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance within pharmaceutical manufacturing operations. This position is responsible for overseeing all quality assurance activities, including departmental leadership, quality control, and process validation, to guarantee that products meet regulatory requirements and internal standards. The director will lead cross-functional teams to implement and maintain robust quality systems that support drug research projects and manufacturing processes. They will also serve as a key liaison with regulatory agencies, ensuring timely and successful audits and inspections. Ultimately, this role drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, patient safety, and operational efficiency across the organization.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical quality assurance, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
  • Demonstrated expertise in departmental leadership, quality control, microbiology quality assurance, and process quality assurance within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
  • Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, cGMP guidelines, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
  • Proven experience managing drug research project quality and successfully leading regulatory inspections.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific field.
  • Certification in Quality Assurance (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Auditor or Quality Manager).
  • Experience with global regulatory agencies such as EMA, PMDA, or Health Canada.
  • Familiarity with electronic quality management systems (eQMS) and data integrity principles.
  • Track record of implementing Lean or Six Sigma methodologies in quality assurance processes.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead and manage the Quality Assurance department, providing strategic direction and fostering a culture of quality and compliance.
  • Oversee quality control and quality assurance processes, including microbiology and process quality assurance activities, to ensure adherence to cGMP and other regulatory standards.
  • Manage and support drug research project quality requirements, ensuring that all phases of development comply with internal and external quality standards.
  • Coordinate and prepare for regulatory inspections and audits, addressing any findings with effective corrective and preventive actions.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing, research, and regulatory teams to develop and implement quality systems, policies, and procedures that support continuous improvement.
Skills:

The required skills are integral to the daily responsibilities of the Pharmaceutical QA Director. Departmental leadership skills enable the director to effectively manage and inspire quality teams, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Drug research project management skills are essential for overseeing quality aspects throughout the drug development lifecycle, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. Quality control and microbiology quality assurance skills are applied to monitor and validate manufacturing processes, guaranteeing product safety and efficacy. Process quality assurance expertise supports the continuous evaluation and improvement of production workflows, while preferred skills such as regulatory knowledge and quality certifications enhance the director’s ability to navigate complex compliance landscapes and drive operational excellence.

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