Pharmacy Technician - Visual Inspector/Labeling

Southend Pharmacy; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Southend Pharmacy is seeking a Visual Inspection Technician to perform 100% visual checks of finished sterile and other compounded products in a 503A setting. Responsibilities include quarantining defects, documenting findings, and supporting QA investigations.

The role requires accuracy, adherence to GDP, and strong attention to detail, with PPE and aseptic protocol compliance as core duties within a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• High attention to detail with strong visual acuity under controlled lighting.
• Experience documenting results and adhering to GDP and SOPs.
• Familiarity with USP <797> CSP visual inspection encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Perform 100% visual inspections of finished CSPs and other products.
• Quarantine and document defective or suspect products; escalate to QA.
• Record results in quality systems; support trend reporting.
• Verify identity, lot traceability, and release criteria before dispensing.
• Maintain clean, organized inspection areas and PPE protocols.
• Assist in root cause analysis and corrective actions under QA.

Skills

Attention to detail

Visual inspection

Documentation

Communication

SOP adherence

Manual dexterity

Education

High school diploma/GED

Associate degree or certification in pharmacy tech/quality control

Tools

Excel

Pharmacy/quality software

Job description

About Southend Pharmacy

Southend Pharmacy is a modern 503A compounding pharmacy built on clinical precision, operational clarity, and a human-first approach. Licensed in 35+ states and focused on longevity-aligned therapeutics, we support providers and their patients with precision in compounding and transparent processes. Southend Pharmacy operates at the intersection of innovation, ambition, and clinical excellence-blending precision, clarity, and compassionate support to help providers deliver patient-centered, clinically guided care across every step of the treatment journey.

Overview

The Visual Inspection Technician is responsible for performing detailed 100% visual inspections of all finished compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) and other compounded products in a 503A pharmacy setting. This critical quality control step ensures the absence of visible defects, particulate matter, leaks, improper fill volumes, labeling errors, and other anomalies. The technician collaborates with compounding staff, pharmacists, and QA personnel to maintain high standards of patient safety and product quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform 100% manual visual inspection of all finished products using approved techniques, including black and white background light inspection stations, to detect:
  • Particulate matter or foreign objects in solutions
  • Container/closure defects (cracks, breaks, improper seals)
  • Leaks from vials, bags, or syringes
  • Incorrect fill volumes or appearance (color, clarity, precipitation)
• Inspect non-sterile compounded preparations as required by SOPs for visible quality attributes
• Quarantine any defective or suspect products, document findings on inspection logs or deviation reports, and escalate to QA Management for investigation and disposition.
• Accurately record inspection results in electronic or paper based quality systems, maintaining good documentation practices (GDP) for traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Calculate and report defect rates or trends if applicable, supporting continuous improvement in compounding processes.
• Verify product identity, lot traceability, and release criteria prior to final approval for dispensing.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of inspection areas, including daily sanitization of workstations and equipment.
• Follow strict gowning, hand hygiene, and aseptic protocols when entering or working near controlled environments.
• Participate in training, competency assessments, internal audits, and regulatory inspection readiness activities.
• Assist in root cause analysis for identified defects and support implementation of corrective actions under QA supervision.
• Handle hazardous compounded products with appropriate PPE and safety measures.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED required, Associate's degree or certification in pharmacy technology, quality control, or related field preferred.
• Licensure:
  • Pharmacy Technician registration/licensure with the Texas State Board of Pharmacy (or eligibility to obtain) required.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in a pharmacy, compounding, or pharmaceutical quality control setting, direct experience with visual inspection of sterile products (vials, syringes, bags) in a 503A or 503B environment highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with USP <797> requirements for CSP visual inspection and release is strongly desired.
• Skills:
  • Exceptional attention to detail and visual acuity for detecting subtle defects under controlled lighting conditions.
  • Strong understanding of quality principles, GDP, and basic deviation documentation.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel for logging/trending) or similar and pharmacy/quality management software.
  • Good communication skills to clearly report findings to pharmacists and supervisors.
  • Ability to read and follow detailed SOPs, inspection checklists, and product specifications.
  • Manual dexterity and ability to concentrate for extended periods during repetitive inspections.
  • Knowledge of sterile compounding environments, aseptic technique, and hazardous drug handling preferred.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to sit/stand for extended periods (up to 8+ hours) while performing inspections.
  • Frequent use of hands/arms for handling products, tools, and documentation.
  • Routine work in controlled pharmacy environments may require gowning for access to cleanroom adjacent inspection areas.
  • Exposure to controlled lighting (e.g., black/white backgrounds), potential hazardous materials with proper PPE, and temperature-controlled storage areas.
  • Occasional lifting of product trays or boxes (up to 20-30 lbs).
  • May involve shift work or overtime to support batch release timelines

What We Offer

• Full benefits package including medical, vision, dental, 401(k) with company match, PTO, Flex days, holidays, and more!

Southend Pharmacy does not provide employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Southend Pharmacy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to cultivating a culture where all team members feel valued & respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

If you have any questions or require immediate assistance or accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [e-mail].