QA Associate

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: QA Associate
Job Description

The QA Associate provides hands-on, on-the-floor quality support to the Quality team by performing inspections, managing documentation, and supporting nonconformance activities. This role plays a critical part in ensuring production meets quality standards, maintaining accurate records, and supporting both inspection and broader quality operations in a regulated medical device environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform in-process inspections on the manufacturing floor using calipers and other precision measurement tools to verify product quality.
• Conduct receiving inspections on incoming components and materials to ensure they meet specified requirements.
• Review Device History Records (DHRs) for Good Documentation Practice (GDP) compliance and verify that all documentation is complete, accurate, and traceable.
• Document inspection findings clearly and thoroughly, and verify that issues are resolved before providing final sign-off.
• Create, review, and close Nonconformance Reports (NCRs), ensuring accurate documentation of issues and actions taken.
• Participate in Material Review Board (MRB) activities to support evaluation and disposition of nonconforming materials and products.
• Support part movement and NCR-related transactions within the ERP system (IFS), ensuring accurate data entry and traceability.
• Review and release quality documentation in alignment with quality management system (QMS) and document control requirements.
• Assist with reducing backlog in receiving inspection and quality documentation processes by prioritizing tasks and maintaining steady throughput.
• Interpret engineering drawings and CAD information to support accurate inspection and verification of components within finished medical devices.
• Maintain a strong presence on the manufacturing floor, partnering closely with QA, QE, and MRB teams to support daily quality operations.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues and ensure alignment on inspection and documentation expectations.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on quality experience in a regulated environment, preferably within medical devices.
• Proficiency in performing in-process and receiving inspections using calipers and other precision measurement equipment.
• Experience reviewing Device History Records (DHRs) for GDP (Good Documentation Practice) compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the full Nonconformance Report (NCR) lifecycle, including creation, coordination with MRB, and closure.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and understand how components fit within a finished medical device.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, preferably IFS, for managing part movement and NCR transactions.
• Experience working within a Quality Management System (QMS) and following document control procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in documentation and data entry.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production environment with a high volume of daily tasks.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Coachable mindset, open to learning new systems, processes, and tools.
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal oversight while maintaining alignment with team goals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CAD or the ability to read and interpret CAD-based drawings to support inspection activities.
• Prior exposure to medical device manufacturing or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience participating in MRB activities and cross-functional quality investigations.
• Comfort working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to organizational changes while maintaining a positive, solutions-focused approach.
• Interest in gaining broader exposure to QA processes, including NCR management, MRB participation, and quality documentation.

Work Environment

This is an on-site, first-shift role in a hands-on manufacturing floor environment, typically operating from 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM. The position involves a mix of physical inspection work and detailed documentation review, requiring frequent use of standard inspection tools such as calipers and other measurement equipment. The environment is fast-paced with a high volume of daily tasks and regular cross-functional interaction with QA, QE, and MRB teams. The company offers a collaborative and supportive culture, with a smaller-company feel and accessible leadership. Team members benefit from wellness programs with incentives, including gift card rewards, as well as a strong benefits package. Dress and conduct are aligned with a professional manufacturing and quality-focused setting, emphasizing safety, accuracy, and teamwork.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.