QA/QMS Senior Specialist — Deviations & Investigations

Nivagen Pharmaceuticals; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Yearly bonus

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Nivagen Pharmaceuticals is seeking a QA/QMS Senior Specialist to lead deviations and investigations for sterile GMP manufacturing. You will own the lifecycle from initiation to closure, perform root cause analyses, and ensure FDA/cGMP compliance while coordinating across QA, QC, Engineering, and Validation teams.

The role requires strong investigative skills, technical writing ability, and experience with TrackWise or similar QMS systems, aiding inspection readiness and process improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Engineering, or related field.
• 7–10 years in QA with deviation investigations in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Experience with root cause analysis tools (Ishikawa, 5-Why, FMEA, fault tree).
• Proficiency with TrackWise, Veeva QMS or similar electronic quality systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the deviation lifecycle from initiation through investigation, root cause analysis, CAPA identification, and closure.
• Serve as primary contact for deviation activities across Manufacturing, Quality Control, Engineering, and Validation.
• Prepare investigation narratives, IQAs, and final deviation reports in TrackWise.
• Classify deviations by severity and assess impact on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate batch disposition with QA batch release and QC labs.
• Monitor deviation KPIs and report trends for management review.

Skills

Root cause analysis

FMEA

Ishikawa

5-Why

Fault tree analysis

QMS knowledge

Technical writing

FDA/cGMP familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Engineering

Tools

TrackWise

Veeva QMS

Electronic quality systems

Job description

QA/QMS Senior Specialist — Deviations & Investigations

About the Company:

Nivagen is a global company dedicated to enhancing lives by developing and providing cost-effective generic prescription drugs and over-the-counter products for the North American market. For over a decade, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to core values of excellence, integrity, and respect for people. Our team of professionals collaborates tirelessly to pioneer advancements in manufacturing, distribution, and quality control, ensuring a holistic approach to healthcare. Through vertical integration of the pharmaceutical supply chain, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering dedication to excellence, we continually strive to redefine medication accessibility and affordability. We prioritize our employees' well-being by offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and robust training and development opportunities. By investing in our workforce and fostering a culture of growth and support, we empower our team to drive innovation and make a positive impact in the healthcare industry. At Nivagen, our mission is clear: to make a meaningful difference in people's lives by delivering high-quality, affordable medications while upholding the highest standards of integrity and excellence.

Job Location:

3900 Duckhorn Dr, Sacramento, CA 95834

Position Summary

Nivagen Pharmaceuticals is looking for a QA/QMS Senior Specialist - Deviations & Investigations to lead the deviation management process across sterile GMP manufacturing operations. This individual will be responsible for the timely initiation, investigation, root cause analysis, and closure of deviations in compliance with FDA/cGMP requirements. The role serves as the central point of contact for deviation lifecycle management and requires strong investigative skills, technical writing ability, and cross-functional coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the deviation lifecycle from initiation through investigation, root cause analysis, corrective action identification, and closure within established timelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all deviation-related activities across Manufacturing, Quality Control, Engineering, and Validation departments.
• Conduct thorough root cause analyses using structured methodologies including Ishikawa (6M), 5-Why, and fault tree analysis.
• Author investigation narratives, initial quality assessments (IQAs), and final deviation reports in TrackWise.
• Classify deviations by severity (Critical, Major, Minor) and assess impact on product quality, patient safety, validated state, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate batch disposition activities in collaboration with QA batch release and QC laboratory teams.
• Identify recurring deviation trends and elevate to the CAPA system when systematic issues are identified.
• Track and report deviation KPIs including open aging, cycle time, recurrence rates, and root cause categories during management review.
• Support internal audits and FDA/regulatory inspections by providing deviation records, trending data, and investigation summaries.
• Ensure all deviations comply with ALCOA+ data integrity principles and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records.
• Serve as a trained backup for related QMS subsystems (CAPA and Change Control), providing cross-functional coverage during peak workload periods, absences, or as needed to ensure continuity of quality operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in QA, conducting deviation investigations in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis tools (Ishikawa, 5-Why, FMEA, fault tree analysis).
• Hands‑on experience investigating sterile‑specific deviations including media fill failures, environmental monitoring excursions, filter integrity test failures, particulate contamination, and aseptic processing breaches.
• Proficiency with TrackWise, Veeva QMS, or equivalent electronic quality management systems.
• Strong technical writing skills with the ability to author clear, concise, and FDA‑defensible investigation reports.
• Working knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 210, 211, and 212; ICH Q7 and Q10; and FDA guidance on investigating deviations.
• Experience supporting FDA Pre‑Approval Inspections (PAI) or routine GMP inspections is a plus.
• Working familiarity with adjacent QMS processes (CAPA and Change Control) is strongly preferred; willingness to cross‑train across these subsystems is required.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to build QMS infrastructure from the ground up at a growing pharmaceutical company.
• Direct impact on FDA inspection readiness and commercial manufacturing success.
• Collaborative work environment with a supportive quality leadership team.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Yearly bonus eligibility
• Benefits: Nivagen offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well‑being
• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• Paid time off plan

Additional Information

Nivagen to afford equal opportunity for employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, history of disability, ancestry, citizenship status, political affiliation, religion, gender, transgender, gender identity, marital status, status as a parent, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or other factors prohibited by law, and to prohibit harassment or retaliation based on any of these factors.