QA Specialist

Job Title: QA Specialist (Contract / Consultant)Job Description

The QA Specialist (Contract / Consultant) plays a key role in ensuring product quality by managing core quality systems, overseeing batch disposition, and supporting compliance in a fast-paced cell therapy manufacturing environment in Sacramento, CA. This position focuses on deviations, change control, CAPA, and document management, while making timely batch release decisions to support rapid processing timelines and high-quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the management of quality systems, including deviations, change controls, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and document control.
• Ensure that all deviations are investigated thoroughly and in a timely manner, including root cause analysis and implementation of effective corrective actions.
• Review and approve change controls to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal procedures.
• Maintain and continuously improve CAPA processes to ensure effective resolution of quality issues.
• Evaluate batch records and associated documentation to make informed batch release decisions.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality control teams to ensure all products meet regulatory and quality standards prior to release.
• Monitor and document quality issues related to batch production and implement corrective measures as needed.
• Maintain the document management system to ensure all quality-related documents are accurate, current, and compliant with regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular reviews of quality documentation to ensure adherence to established protocols and procedures.
• Stay informed about current regulations, industry trends, and best practices in pharmaceutical and cell therapy quality assurance.
• Assist in preparing for internal and external audits, ensuring all quality systems and documentation are audit-ready.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on quality systems, processes, and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a point of contact for quality-related inquiries and issues, fostering a strong culture of quality across the organization.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of quality systems and processes.
• Identify areas for improvement within quality operations and propose appropriate solutions.
• Track completion of quality records and maintain relevant quality metrics.
• Support deviation review, product release, batch record review, and batch closure activities.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, research and development, and quality assurance, to support the overall quality of cell therapy products.
• Communicate effectively with team members and contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Actively participate in group and project teamwork, including project and process improvement initiatives.
• Adhere to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) policies and procedures, including accurate and timely documentation activities.
• Provide on-call support outside regular business hours as needed.
• Perform other duties as requested by leadership to support Quality operations.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline (such as biology, biochemistry, immunology, or a related field) with at least 3 years of experience in quality control testing, analytical development, or GMP; or a Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline with at least 1 year of experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of FDA regulations, GMP compliance, and quality system processes.
• Experience in quality control or GMP within a cell therapy or biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment (preferred).
• Prior experience performing internal audits and managing document control systems.
• Proven ability to manage deviations, including critical deviations, and support product batch release activities.
• Ability to meet project and testing timelines in a fast-paced and regulated environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a strong commitment to data integrity and accuracy, including the ability to identify and resolve data management issues.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to support collaboration and training.
• Ability to respond constructively to changing priorities and operational challenges.
• Capability to adhere to cGMP policies and procedures and maintain high-quality documentation.
• Capacity to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and meet cleanroom gowning requirements, as applicable to the role.
• Willingness to work overtime and provide on-call support as required by business needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience as a QA representative or QA specialist supporting deviation review, product release, batch record review, and batch closure.
• Comfort working with minimal training and quickly integrating into established quality systems and processes.
• Experience handling critical deviations and supporting timely batch disposition decisions.
• Familiarity with cell therapy or advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
• Ability to participate regularly in video-based meetings and collaborate effectively in remote or hybrid work settings.
• Strong teamwork orientation and willingness to engage in continuous process and project improvements.
• Flexibility to adapt work hours, including afternoon or evening schedules, based on operational needs.
• Interest in contributing to next-generation cell therapies and improving patient outcomes.

Work Environment

This is a contract / consultant role based in Sacramento, CA, with an anticipated duration of approximately six months. Work is primarily performed at a regulated GMP facility, with the ability to work at more than one local site depending on operational needs. The position offers a mix of on-site and remote or hybrid work; most responsibilities can be handled remotely after an initial on-site period, with flexibility in working hours, including potential afternoon or evening schedules. The environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, focused on the manufacture and release of cell therapy products. Team members regularly participate in video-based meetings and collaborate closely with cross-functional groups. Cleanroom work may be required for certain activities, which involves meeting strict gowning requirements, including wearing full gowning such as face coverings, gloves, hoods, and goggles for extended periods when needed. In the cleanroom, the use of cosmetics, painted nails, jewelry, or facial piercings is not permitted, and any skin conditions that cause shedding must be managed in accordance with facility policies. Staff must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and maintain visual acuity and normal color vision when performing critical visual inspections of materials, equipment, and labeling in the GMP environment. The role may require scheduled overtime, weekend, or holiday work based on business needs, and occasional on-call support outside regular business hours. The culture emphasizes collaboration, data integrity, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in support of high-quality cell therapy products.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Sacramento, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $50.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Sacramento,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.