Quality Control Analyst
Other Titles
Analyst Microbiology Lab, Analytical Lab Analyst, Ethanol Quality Leader, Lab Tech, Lab Technician, Laboratory Analyst, Micro Lab Analyst, Quality Assurance Technician, Quality Control Technician
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Quality Control Analysts are responsible for making sure that the raw materials, as well as the finished products of a company, meet the set standards and specifications. In this role, they conduct inspections and tests on products along with various stages of production. They test the products for quality, health safety, stability, legality, environment-friendliness and other aspects. A part of their job is to compile the results of product inspections and share them with the company management. They may also provide recommendations on how best to improve the products and production process to ensure better quality.
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.
Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.
Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
Investigate or report questionable test results.
Monitor testing procedures to ensure that all tests are performed according to established item specifications, standard test methods, or protocols.
Identify quality problems and recommend solutions.
Participate in out-of-specification and failure investigations and recommend corrective actions.
Receive and inspect raw materials.
Train other analysts to perform laboratory procedures and assays.
Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions.
Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors.
Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures.
Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.
Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines.
Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.
Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports.
Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Develop and qualify new testing methods.
Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors.
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.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics→ Using mathematics to solve problems.
Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Analysis→ Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation→ Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Troubleshooting→ Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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.
Monitor 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.
Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
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.
Inspect areas for compliance with sanitation standards.
Record research or operational data.
Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
Prepare operational reports.
Analyze test results.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
Advise others on business or operational matters.
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
Develop collaborative relationships between departments or with external organizations.
Conduct financial or regulatory audits.
Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
Verify accuracy of data.
Develop testing routines or procedures.
Evaluate new technologies or methods.
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
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.
Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Arm-Hand Steadiness→ The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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.
Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Clerical→ Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Computers and Electronics→ Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Analytical or scientific software -- Test automation software; Laboratory information management system LIMS; Minitab; The MathWorks MATLAB
Content workflow software -- Test case management software; Bug-tracking software; Task management software; Atlassian JIRA
Database management system software -- Relational database management software
Database reporting software -- e.g., Google Data Studio; Zoho Analytics; Power BI; Tableau; SAP BusinessObjects Crystal Reports
Database user interface and query software -- Data entry software; Microsoft Access; Structured query language SQL; Microsoft SQL Server; FileMaker Pro; dBASE
Desktop communications software -- e.g., GoToConnect; GoToMeeting; Eko; Slack
Development environment software -- e.g., Microsoft Visual Basic; C; National Instruments LabVIEW
Document management software -- Electronic document management software; Microsoft SharePoint; Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat; DocuWare
Electronic mail software -- e.g., Zoho Mail; Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise application integration software -- Extensible markup language XML
Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Infor; Workday; Odoo; Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP
Graphics or photo imaging software -- Diagramming and vector graphics software; Adobe Photoshop; Microsoft Visio; SmugMug Flickr
Internet browser software -- e.g., Microsoft Edge; Mozilla Firefox; Google Chrome; Microsoft Internet Explorer
Office suite software -- e.g., LibreOffice; Google Workspace; Microsoft Office
Operating system software -- e.g., Linux; Microsoft Windows; Apple OS
Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Microsoft PowerPoint
Program testing software -- Software testing tool; Regression testing software; Code profilers; Functional and regression test automation software; GUI and data-driven testing software; Microsoft Visual Studio Test Professional; Hewlett Packard QuickTest Professional; Selenium
Project management software -- e.g., Microsoft Project; Microsoft SharePoint
Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Google Sheets; Microsoft Excel
Transaction server software -- Extensible web server software; Microsoft Internet Information Service IIS
Web platform development software -- e.g., Microsoft ASP.NET; Hypertext markup language HTML; JavaScript ;
Word processing software -- e.g., Google Docs; Microsoft Word
Autosamplers
Dynamometers
Flowmeters
Fluorescent microscopes→ Imaging systems
Foam tapes→ Replica Tape
Force or torque sensors→ Force gauges; Torque testers
Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators→ Incubators
Gas chromatographs
Gel boxes→ Gel casters
Gel documentation systems→ Gel electrophoresis systems
Hardness testers→ Durometers
Laser fax machine→ Laser facsimile machines
Level meter→ Levelmeters
Liquid chromatographs→ High performance liquid chromatography systems
Mass spectrometers
Metal testing instruments→ Adhesion testers
Microfilm processors→ Microfilm systems
Micrometers
Moisture meters→ Textile moisture meters
Organic carbon analyzers→ Total organic carbon TOC analyzers
Personal computers
pH meters
Photocopiers→ Copy machines
Psychrometers→ Dew point meters
Spectrometers→ Ultraviolet spectroscopes
Spectrophotometers→ Absorbance spectrophotometers; Fluorescence spectrophotometers
Stroboscopes
Surface gauge→ Surface profile gauges
Tachometers
Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers→ Thermal cyclers
Tension testers→ Bolt tension meters; Tension meters
Thickness measuring devices→ Coating thickness gauges; Sonic testers
Torque wrenches
Ultrasonic disintegrators→ Sonicators
Ultrasonic examination equipment→ Ultrasonic flaw detectors; Ultrasonic thickness gauges
Vibration testers→ Vibration meters
Voltage or current meters→ Spark Testers
Water samplers→ Wastewater samplers
Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.