Quality Control Analysts

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Lab Technician (Lab Tech)
Laboratory Analyst
Microbiology Lab Analyst
QA Auditor (Quality Assurance Auditor)
QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Lab Technician)
QA Tech (Quality Assurance Technician)
Quality Control Analyst (QC Analyst)
Quality Control Lab Technician (QC Lab Tech)
Quality Control Technician (QC Tech)

What is a Quality Control Analyst?

A Quality Control Analyst is a professional responsible for ensuring that products meet the required quality and safety standards before they reach the market. This role is crucial in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food production, and other industries where quality assurance is essential. Quality Control Analysts conduct tests and inspections on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to identify any defects or deviations from established specifications. They utilize various techniques and equipment to assess product quality, including statistical analysis, laboratory testing, and performance evaluations. In addition to testing, Quality Control Analysts document their findings, report on production quality trends, and collaborate with other departments to improve processes and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Their work helps prevent costly recalls, enhances customer satisfaction, and contributes to the overall efficiency and reliability of the production process.

Career Assessment
Career Assessment

Tasks

  • Conduct routine and non-routine analyses of in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, finished goods, or stability samples.
  • Interpret test results, compare them to established specifications and control limits, and make recommendations on appropriateness of data for release.
  • Calibrate, validate, or maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
  • Perform visual inspections of finished products.

Technology Skills

Tools Used

Knowledge

  • Mathematics

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Production and Processing

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Chemistry

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • English Language

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • Administrative

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Skills

  • Quality Control Analysis

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Active Listening

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Complex Problem Solving

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Abilities

  • Near Vision

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Written Comprehension

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Oral Comprehension

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Written Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Oral Expression

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

  • High school diploma or equivalent
    38 %

    or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

  • Bachelor's degree
    28 %
  • Post-secondary certificate
    10 %

    Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)

Work Activities

  • Documenting/Recording Information

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Analyzing Data or Information

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Getting Information

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Interpret research or operational data.
  • Test quality of materials or finished products.
  • Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
  • Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
  • Evaluate quality of materials or products.

Work Interests

  • Conventional

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Investigative

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

  • Realistic

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

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Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$36650.0 - $100550.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.