Quality Assurance Director - Laboratories

Onterris•Orange, CA

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Director leads quality assurance across Onterris’s Orange Laboratory operations. This leadership role oversees the Quality Management System for designated laboratories and service centers, supports accreditation and compliance, drives continuous improvement, and partners with operational teams to uphold standards and ensure confidence in laboratory results. The role also promotes a culture of excellence, responsiveness, integrity, and ongoing improvement. The director leads the QA team, mentors staff, collaborates with laboratory and operations leadership, manages accreditations and regulatory compliance, and oversees QA/QC, data integrity, audits, training, corrective actions, and performance indicators. The position requires relevant environmental laboratory quality assurance experience, knowledge of laboratory testing and regulatory requirements, and leadership experience. Compensation is $100,000–$120,000 plus an annual bonus of 8%, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field; the degree should align with TNI requirements.
At least five years of relevant QA experience in an environmental laboratory.
At least two years of experience in a leadership role, such as Group Leader, Project Manager, or comparable experience.
At least two years in a supervisory role overseeing compliance with TNI and other accrediting bodies.
Proven track record of driving operational excellence and quality assurance in an environmental laboratory.
Meets all minimum requirements of accrediting bodies.
Technical expertise in environmental testing methods, including method validation and data interpretation.
Proficiency in root cause analysis, statistical tools, and LIMS systems, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Extensive working knowledge of industry regulations, including USEPA, TNI 2016 Standard, 40 CFR, and other regulated environments such as USDA Soils Permit and DoD.
Leadership experience mentoring QA staff, developing high performers, and driving quality initiatives.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to liaise effectively with regulators, clients, and internal stakeholders.
Ability to lift 20–30 pounds using company-provided equipment, as necessary.
Ability to remain stationary for approximately 70% of the workday.
Ability to frequently use computers and other office productivity equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Lead the quality assurance team and foster responsiveness, leadership, and continuous improvement.
Mentor and guide staff to improve performance and support professional growth.
Partner with the laboratory director and operations managers to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions.
Lead cross-functional change initiatives to optimize processes.
Uphold ethical standards, integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion when handling sensitive information.
Manage laboratory accreditations, monitor regulatory updates, maintain relationships with accrediting bodies, and ensure regulatory compliance, including TNI requirements.
Supervise proficiency testing, evaluate results, and develop corrective actions for failures.
Resolve non-conformances promptly and oversee QA/QC and data integrity improvement activities.
Ensure standard operating procedures are accurate, organized, technically sound, aligned with operational goals, and compliant with applicable guidelines.
Oversee personnel training records, including demonstrations of capability, and ensure completion, documentation, evaluation, and accreditation compliance.
Manage non-conformances and corrective and preventive actions using root cause analysis tools; document and monitor resolutions to prevent recurrence.
Collaborate with laboratory staff to evaluate and implement efficiency, accuracy, and safety improvements.
Lead development and execution of operational goals and efficiency plans, and enhance the QA program and QA Manual using best practices such as statistical control and risk-based approaches.
Develop and deliver QA/QC training to engage staff and promote compliance with ethical standards.
Document validations of new test and measurement services.
Plan, conduct, and document internal audits, data assessments, and external audits with third-party assessors, clients, and accrediting bodies.
Address audit deficiencies, provide actionable insights to laboratory leadership, and plan and implement corrective actions; respond promptly to all findings.
Develop and monitor QA performance indicators, report findings to management, and identify areas for improvement.
Complete standard reporting requirements and ensure compliance with health and safety plans.
Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support the QA department and laboratory.