Quality Control Lab Supervisor - Torrance CA

Prime Matter Labs; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401K with matching

Job summary

Prime is seeking a Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor to lead QC Chemists and oversee raw material, in-process, bulk, stability, and finished product testing. You will ensure regulatory compliance, maintain testing accuracy, and drive continuous improvement across QC operations.

The role requires strong leadership, deep knowledge of cGMP/FDA/ISO guidelines, and experience in cosmetics/pharmaceutical manufacturing. On-site work with collaboration across QA, R&D, and Manufacturing is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 5+ years of QC or analytical lab experience in a cGMP-regulated environment with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, FDA, ISO, and regulatory guidelines.
• Experience in cosmetic, OTC drug, pharmaceutical, or personal care manufacturing preferred.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation and method development/validation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the QC Chemists, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to quality standards.
• Oversee all QC laboratory activities, including raw material, in-process, bulk, finished product, and stability testing.
• Develop, implement, and maintain QC policies, procedures, specifications, test methods, and work instructions.
• Review and approve laboratory test results, CoAs, specifications, and other quality documentation.
• Lead laboratory investigations for out-of-specification (OOS) with root cause analysis.
• Collaborate with QA, R&D, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain on quality improvements.
• Oversee method validations and calibration/maintenance programs.
• Ensure QC staff are trained on procedures and Good Documentation Practices.
• Monitor KPI and drive efficiency and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor

The Quality Control Laboratory Supervisor oversees QC laboratory operations, including raw material, in-process, bulk, stability, and finished product testing, ensuring compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and quality systems. This role leads the QC team, ensures accurate and timely testing, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and maintain a culture of quality and compliance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the QC Chemists, ensuring optimal performance, productivity, and adherence to quality standards and laboratory procedures.
• Oversee all QC laboratory activities, including raw material, in-process, bulk, finished product, and stability testing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with approved methods and established protocols.
• Develop, implement, and maintain QC policies, procedures, specifications, test methods, and work instructions in compliance with cGMP, FDA, ISO, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Review and approve laboratory test results, Certificates of Analysis (CoAs), specifications, and other quality documentation to support the timely disposition and release of materials and products.
• Lead laboratory investigations for out-of-specification (OOS), ensuring root cause analysis and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Collaborate with Quality Assurance, R&D, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to address quality issues and drive continuous process improvements.
• Oversee method validations, stability program, and laboratory equipment calibration/maintenance programs to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Ensure all QC staff are adequately trained on laboratory procedures, safety requirements, and Good Documentation Practices.
• Monitor laboratory performance through key performance indicators (KPI), identify opportunities for improvement, and implement initiatives to enhance efficiency, productivity, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support laboratory resources, including staffing, scheduling, workload prioritization, laboratory supplies, equipment, and budget planning to support business objectives.
• Maintain compliance with current cGMP, FDA, ISO, USP, and other applicable regulatory and industry standards, implementing changes as necessary to ensure continued compliance.
• Prepare, analyze, and present laboratory performance reports, quality metrics, trends, and improvement initiatives to senior leadership.
• Support internal, customer, and regulatory audits by providing QC data, records, and responses to audit observations.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence throughout the QC Laboratory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of QC or analytical laboratory experience in a cGMP-regulated environment, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, FDA, ISO, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Experience in cosmetic, OTC drug, pharmaceutical, or personal care manufacturing preferred.
• Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation (e.g., pH meter, Viscometer, FTIR) and method development/validation.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite Office.

Physical Requirements

• Fully on-site position, 5 days a week (Monday through Friday).
• Ability to stand for extended periods while working in the laboratory.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. when handling laboratory equipment or materials.
• Manual dexterity for operating laboratory instruments and handling samples.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses.

What we’re offering

• Competitive compensation package
• Health, dental, and vision benefits
• 401K program with matching contributions
• The spirit of a startup with the security of an established, profitable industry leader

Salary Range

$75,000 – $85,000 annually

At Prime, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. Prime is an equal opportunity employer.