Quality Assurance Director - Laboratories

Onterris•Orange, CA

2d•$100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Quality Assurance Director leads quality assurance across Onterris’s Orange Laboratory operations. The 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 director leads the quality assurance team, develops quality strategies and systems, and fosters a culture of responsiveness, accountability, and ongoing improvement. The position works with laboratory and operations leadership to optimize processes, manage accreditation and regulatory requirements, oversee QA/QC and data integrity, and ensure that procedures, personnel records, audits, corrective actions, training, and reporting meet applicable standards. The director also supports a safe working environment and may take on additional responsibilities to support the department and laboratory. The compensation range 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 must align with TNI requirements.
At least five years of relevant quality assurance experience in an environmental laboratory.
At least two years of leadership experience, 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.
A proven 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.
Frequent use of computers and other office productivity equipment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.

Responsibilities

Lead the quality assurance team, foster responsiveness and continuous improvement, and mentor staff to support performance and professional growth.
Partner with the laboratory director and operations managers to identify inefficiencies, implement solutions, and lead cross-functional change initiatives.
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, develop corrective actions for failures, and resolve non-conformances promptly.
Oversee laboratory QA/QC and data integrity improvement activities, and 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, ensuring completion, documentation, evaluation for improvement, and compliance with accreditation requirements.
Manage non-conformances and corrective and preventive actions using root cause analysis tools; document, resolve, and monitor outcomes to prevent recurrence.
Collaborate with laboratory staff to evaluate and implement improvements to efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
Lead the development and execution of operational goals and efficiency plans, and enhance the QA program and QA Manual using practices such as statistical control and risk-based approaches.
Develop and deliver QA/QC training that engages staff and promotes compliance with ethical standards.
Document validations of new test and measurement services.
Plan, conduct, and document internal audits, data assessments, and external audits with assessors, clients, and accrediting bodies; address deficiencies, provide actionable insights to laboratory leadership, and plan and implement corrective actions promptly.
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 QA department and laboratory success.