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Quality Control Inspector Jobs in Santa Maria, CA

Quality Technician

Buellton, CA

$18.50 - $25/hr

Conducts in-house QC testing including FTIR, aW, Moisture, Density, Microbiological plating, and others. * Conducts pre-operational and operational sanitation inspections of production rooms and ...

Supply Technician

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$43K - $52K/yr

Quality Control: Inspect incoming supplies for quality and compliance with specifications, documenting any discrepancies or damages. * Stock Replenishment: Monitor stock levels and reorder supplies ...

Supply Technician

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$43K - $52K/yr

Quality Control: Inspect incoming supplies for quality and compliance with specifications, documenting any discrepancies or damages. * Stock Replenishment: Monitor stock levels and reorder supplies ...

Lead Quality Engineer - Launch

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Demonstrated experience applying quality assurance principles, methods, and processes - including inspection techniques, equipment, and tools used in quality control. * Comprehensive understanding of ...

Lead Quality Engineer - Launch

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$72K - $93K/yr

Demonstrated experience applying quality assurance principles, methods, and processes - including inspection techniques, equipment, and tools used in quality control. * Comprehensive understanding of ...

Engineering Intern

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews of client deliverables. * Participate in ... Shadow compliance inspections and assessments. Qualifications: * Currently enrolled in ...

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Quality Control Inspector information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do quality control inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality control inspector in Santa Maria, CA is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Quality Control Inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quality Control Inspector, you need a solid understanding of quality assurance procedures, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, and quality management systems like ISO 9001 is commonly required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure that products meet quality standards, reduce errors, and maintain customer satisfaction.

Is a QC inspector job stressful?

A Quality Control Inspector job can be stressful at times due to strict deadlines, attention to detail, and the need for accuracy. However, the level of stress varies depending on the industry, work environment, and workload, with some inspectors finding the role manageable with proper training and organization.

What are some common challenges Quality Control Inspectors face when working on a fast-paced production line?

Quality Control Inspectors in fast-paced environments often face challenges such as quickly identifying defects without slowing down production, maintaining accuracy under time pressure, and effectively communicating issues to both production and management teams. Balancing speed with thoroughness requires strong attention to detail and the ability to prioritize tasks. Additionally, inspectors must stay updated on changing quality standards and adapt to new technologies or procedures introduced on the line.

How do you become a QC inspector?

To become a Quality Control (QC) inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or training in quality assurance or manufacturing. Certifications such as the Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) can enhance job prospects, and familiarity with inspection tools and standards is important for success in the role.

What Does a Quality Control Inspector Do?

A quality control inspector makes sure that production workers make products according to prescribed guidelines and specifications. Quality control inspectors perform tests to ensure that products meet quality standards, report their findings, then make recommendations for improvement. Quality control inspectors achieve this by using relevant tools, and technical knowledge along with strong attention to detail and analytical skills to perform these duties.

What is the difference between Quality Control Inspector vs Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectQuality Control InspectorQuality Assurance Technician
CertificationsOften requires industry-specific certifications (e.g., ASQ certifications)Similar certifications may be preferred, but focus is on process compliance
Work EnvironmentInspecting products or materials on production lines or in labsDeveloping and implementing quality processes in manufacturing or service settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesUsed in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare roles related to product inspection and quality checksPeople look for roles focused on quality systems and process improvement

The main difference is that Quality Control Inspectors focus on inspecting and testing products to ensure quality standards are met, while Quality Assurance Technicians develop and maintain quality systems and processes to prevent defects. Both roles are essential in quality management but serve different functions within the industry.

How much do quality inspectors earn?

Quality control inspectors typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced inspectors or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages, often supplemented with benefits and overtime opportunities.

What does a quality control inspector do?

A quality control inspector examines products or materials during manufacturing to ensure they meet specified standards and quality requirements. They perform inspections, use measurement tools, document findings, and may recommend corrective actions to prevent defects. This role often requires attention to detail and knowledge of quality standards and procedures.
What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Quality Control Inspector jobs? Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Quality Control Inspector job openings:
Infographic showing various Quality Control Inspector job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,787 per year, or $22 per hour.
Quality Technician

$18.50 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position reports to the Quality Compliance Lead. The Quality Technician supports the facility's animal food safety, quality, and CGMP (current good manufacturing practice) programs on the production floor through continuous monitoring and documentation review. The technician's primary focus is Platinum PAKs (PAK) production oversight and PAK digital batch report review, while also supporting compliance across the entire production facility. This role helps ensure products meet internal specifications and align with applicable FDA requirements for animal food manufacturing, including CGMPs.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Monitors and verifies documentation practices during production, including batch record completion, data integrity, and lot code accuracy; corrects errors in real time, and signs as Quality Reviewer.
  • Provides in plant/on floor support and guidance for GMP product quality assurance and compliance for Manufacturing Operations. Supply manufacturing and packaging operations Quality oversight - supplying the WHY as well as the HOW Quality is applied.
  • Monitors records associated with process controls and control points (e.g., metal detection, label verification, seal checks, etc.) and ensures required frequencies and documentation are met.
  • Provides feedback to manufacturing on batch report completeness and cGMPs.
  • Ensures that all activities related to manufacturing and packaging processes comply with cGMP, applicable regulations and Zoetis Global Systems and Standards.
  • Conducts in-house QC testing including FTIR, aW, Moisture, Density, Microbiological plating, and others.
  • Conducts pre-operational and operational sanitation inspections of production rooms and equipment; verify cleaning and sanitizing effectiveness.
  • Participates in inspection readiness and preparation activities, including frontline and backroom support during regulatory site inspections.Assist the Quality Leadership Team, as a backup auditee for the Quality Control Laboratory, with preparation, and follow up of CAPA for internal audits and Health Authority inspections, as needed.
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives which positively impact cycle time, productivity, efficiency, and quality of work through Lean methodology.
  • Understands and supports business needs, provide quality guidance, and facilitate resolution of quality issues in a timely manner.
  • As food safety is of the highest priority at Buellton, team members are expected to maintain all food safety policies and procedures including:
    • Wearing clean uniforms, hairnets and beard covers.
    • Frequent hand washing and sanitizing.
    • Clean neoprene gloves.
    • Reporting illness to supervisor or group leader.
    • Clean and sanitize tools and equipment.
    • Storing tools and materials in their designated place.
    • Exceptional organization and housekeeping practices.
    • Vigilant food allergen practices and procedures to prevent cross contact contamination.
    • Reporting any food safety concerns to prevent potential contamination and food safety hazards.
    • Diligently monitoring critical control points in accordance with our food safety plans.
  • Supports with FSMA Documentation

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

This position will need to achieve results through colleagues with a direct reporting relationship (QA team) as well as indirectly with Operations and Functional Site members.

  • Quality Assurance
  • Quality Control
  • Regulatory Affairs/VMRD
  • Manufacturing
  • Procurement
  • Supply Chain
  • EHS
  • EMU
  • GQCA
  • ESQA
  • Governmental Regulatory Authorities
  • Qualified Persons
  • External Suppliers

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Required High School diploma or equivalent with 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Preferred Bachelor of Science in Food Science, Food Technology, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or other related sciences
  • Demonstrated knowledge of label compliance, quality and scientific principles in a Life Science environment is desired.

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

  • Good mathematical, science and computer skills preferred.
  • Fluency in quality systems and regulatory compliance.
  • Driven / Passionate about Quality performance and delivering results.
  • Must have strong communication skills to nurture our food safety culture.
  • Must be well-organized, detail oriented, and able to work within deadlines as well as under pressure.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Confident decision maker, self-accountability with an ability to develop and adhere to self-directed standard work.
  • Drives for Superior Results
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize work, goals, and tasks in accordance with Quality and Business objectives.
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken).
  • Business Fluency and awareness and Ability to be a Trusted Partner.

PHYSICAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to walk or stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to reach above shoulder level, bend/stoop, kneel, push/pull, and handle/grip frequently.
  • Must be able to work scheduled 40 hours with the ability to work overtime as needed.
  • Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs.
  • Regular reaching, bending, stooping, and twisting.
  • Repetitive motion and substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $26.10 - $42.90. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the base pay target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

In addition to compensation, Zoetis offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports the physical, emotional and financial wellbeing of our colleagues and their families includinghealthcare and insurance benefits beginning on day one, a 401K plan with a match and profit-sharing contribution from Zoetis, and 4 weeks of vacation.

Visit zoetisbenefits.com to learn more.

Full timeRegularColleague

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

Notice: Zoetis Recruiters will contact candidates via email from an address ending in @zoetis.com and may also initially connect with candidates through LinkedIn, including LinkedIn InMail. Zoetis does not use Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or other web-based/generic email domains to communicate about job opportunities, interviews, or offers of employment. If you receive a recruitment-related email message claiming to be from Zoetis that does not come from @zoetis.com, please treat it as suspicious. For your security, do not reply, click links, open attachments, share personal or financial information, or send money in response to unexpected or questionable recruitment communications.

Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at zoetiscolleagueservices@zoetis.com to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact. Please note that Zoetis seeks information related to job applications from candidates for jobs in the U.S. solely via the following: (1) our company website at www.Zoetis.com/careers site, or (2) via email to/from addresses using only the Zoetis domain of "@zoetis.com". In addition, Zoetis does not use Google Hangout for any recruitment related activities. Any solicitation or request for information related to job applications with Zoetis via any other means and/or utilizing email addresses with any other domain should be disregarded. In addition, Zoetis will never ask candidates to make any type of personal financial investment related to gaining employment with Zoetis.

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About Abaxis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Union City, CA, US

Year founded

1995

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