Quality Control Chemist

NHK Laboratories, Inc.; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

NHK Laboratories, Inc. in Santa Fe Springs, CA is seeking an experienced Quality Control Chemist to perform routine and non-routine chemical and physical testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure they meet specifications and regulatory requirements.

You will work hands-on with HPLC (GC and HPTLC a plus), maintain instruments, prepare reagents, review certificates, and support corrective actions while ensuring audit readiness in a GMP environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related science.
• 1–2 years hands-on HPLC in GMP-regulated lab (dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or food/cosmetic testing).
• Working knowledge of GC and/or HPTLC.
• Familiarity with cGMP, cGLP, and GDP documentation practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments (HPLC, GC, HPTLC).
• Prepare test solutions; document results; interpret data per GMP/ISO standards.
• Collaborate with production and QA to investigate out-of-spec results; support root-cause analysis.
• Participate in method validation, equipment calibration, and maintenance of lab records.
• Support continuous improvement of laboratory procedures and quality systems.

Skills

HPLC experience

GC or HPTLC experience

cGMP/cGLP/GDP documentation

analytical testing

data interpretation

equipment calibration

troubleshooting instruments

training others in lab techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

Tools

LIMS

HPLC instruments (analytical)

Job description

The NHK Labs name has become synonymous with quality, driven by decades of excellence in regulatory compliance, manufacturing, packaging, and customer service. We are a highly credentialed contract manufacturer and packager of dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, and functional foods. As a GMP-regulated dietary supplement manufacturer, our analytical lab is the last line of defense before product ships. We are seeking an experienced Quality Control Chemist to join our team in Santa Fe Springs, CA to perform routine and non-routine chemical and physical testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure they meet established specifications and regulatory requirements.

Role Description

QC Chemist who is hands-on with HPLC (GC and HPTLC experience a plus) to run raw material, in-process, and finished product testing, and to help keep our lab audit-ready every day. This is a great fit for someone who wants real ownership of testing and method work, not just a seat on an assembly line.

Day-to-day tasks include operating and maintaining laboratory instruments, preparing reagents and standard solutions, documenting test results, and interpreting data in accordance with GMP and ISO standards. The Quality Control Chemist collaborates closely with production and quality assurance teams to investigate out-of-specification results, support root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions. Additional responsibilities include participating in method validation, equipment calibration, maintaining accurate laboratory records, and supporting continuous improvement of laboratory procedures and quality systems.

What You'll Do

• Run HPLC, GC, and HPTLC testing on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products under cGMP
• Prepare test solutions, reagents, and mobile phases, and keep reagent/standard inventory current and properly labeled
• Review analytical test certificates and finished product release documentation for accuracy and completeness
• Maintain the stability testing schedule — pull samples, initiate studies, and document results on time
• Write and update SOPs and test methods; develop in-house methods to reduce reliance on outside labs
• Troubleshoot routine instrument issues and flag anything needing service to the QC Supervisor
• Keep lab logbooks (balance calibration, mobile phase prep, HPLC sample prep, instrument logs) complete and signed
• Train other associates on cGLP, GDP, HPLC, HPTLC, ICP-MS, Kjeldahl Nitrogen and GC technique
• Participate in analytical investigations and continuous improvement projects across the site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, or a related science
• 1–2 years of hands-on HPLC experience in a GMP-regulated lab (pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, or food/cosmetic testing)
• Working knowledge of GC and/or HPTLC
• Comfort with cGMP, cGLP, and GDP documentation practices
• Strong attention to detail and clear written documentation habits
• Ability to lift/carry/push up to 30 lbs and work in a PPE-required lab environment (lab coat, gloves, goggles/face shield)
• Method development or method validation experience
• Experience training or mentoring lab associates
• Familiarity with LIMS or electronic lab documentation systems