Operational Quality Control Specialist I

This role is responsible for executing quality control, equipment calibration, and process improvement activities to ensure compliance with operational and regulatory standards. It involves inspecting materials, validating equipment performance, and supporting commissioning and R&D initiatives. The position supports daily laboratory operations, maintains accurate documentation, and works with cross‑functional teams to help drive continuous improvement. Strong technical expertise, analytical skills, and the ability to work independently in a regulated environment are essential.

The hourly range is $22.04 - $31.96. Rate will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

The preferred shift is 7:00am-3:30pm with some flexibility.

Key Responsibilities (What you contribute):

Quality Control & Inspection Responsibilities:

• The role involves executing and coordinating quality control and inspection activities to ensure compliance with defined specifications and standards.
• Responsibilities include inspecting raw materials, in-process items, finished products, and incoming consumables to verify conformance.
• Advanced measurement tools and testing equipment are used to support data-driven quality assessments.
• The role requires investigating nonconformances and identifying root causes.
• Coordination of incoming materials or critical supplies for vendor verification and quality control.

Metrology & Equipment Validation:

• Manage and execute calibration activities for laboratory and facility equipment to ensure compliance with operational and regulatory standards.
• Perform scheduled calibrations on a variety of equipment, including balance air racks, air showers, incubators, ISO vaporizers, clean benches, ventilated change stations, euthanasia systems, cage wash systems, and benchtop autoclaves.
• Analyze calibration certificates and report equipment performance metrics.
• The role ensures that calibration procedures and documentation meet internal and external requirements and maintains accurate calibration records using appropriate Quality Management Systems software for scheduling, tracking, and documentation control.
• This role serves as a subject matter expert, providing technical guidance to equipment owners and staff.
• Set up, tear down, and retrieve test data for the Sound and Vibration equipment across designated areas to support stakeholder initiatives.

Process Improvement, Commissioning, & R&D Support:

• Contribute to the commissioning of renovated facilities, new infrastructure, and equipment installations (e.g., autoclaves, cage washers) by validating environmental and system performance using data loggers, ATP/Riboflavin challenge tools, and other diagnostic devices.
• Support continuous improvement and R&D initiatives by assessing current practices and emerging technologies, participating in equipment improvement teams, and assisting with project planning, data collection, analysis, and timeline management.
• Take initiative in applying LEAN principles to daily operations by identifying key performance indicators, recognizing inefficiencies, proposing and supporting countermeasures, and contributing to targeted process improvements that strengthen compliance, efficiency, and quality outcomes.
• Utilize 3D printing to rapidly prototype solutions supporting Kaizen-driven process enhancements.

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities:

• Administrative and operational responsibilities include keeping track of inventory.
• Coordinate external equipment calibrations and maintain accurate documentation for compliance and audit readiness.
• Departmental KPIs and metrics are tracked, and monthly operational reports are compiled and submitted.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness and organization in accordance with biosecurity and safety standards.
• Ensure compliance with JAX health and safety protocols and training requirements.
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings and contributes to SOP and controlled document review and editing.
• Proficient in a wide range of digital tools and technological platforms, leveraging them to support data analysis, reporting, process improvement, and overall operational efficiency.
• Effective communication across multidisciplinary teams and management levels is essential to support operational alignment.
• Execute tasks with autonomy and sound judgment and make operational decisions, along with cross-functional collaboration and customer-facing communication to support service excellence.
• Perform hands-on tasks in biosecurity barrier environments while adhering to PPE protocols, and test instruments and material samples are safely transported between warehouse and laboratory settings.

Other Duties:

• Additional duties may be assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position demonstrates expertise in quality control methodologies, mechanical systems, and laboratory operations, acquired through formal education (Associate's degree in a science-related discipline) or equivalent experience (minimum 2-6 years in a quality or mechanical field).
• The ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, regulated environment while managing multiple concurrent projects and meeting deadlines is essential.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills are required, along with sound judgment in decision-making and root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in technical applications, including data acquisition systems, calibration software, spreadsheets, databases, and reporting tools (e.g., MS Office, web-based platforms, and presentation software), is expected.
• Must be an effective communicator capable of conveying complex technical information clearly across multidisciplinary teams and organizational levels.
• Skills in applying LEAN principles to daily operations, tracking KPIs, and driving continuous improvement initiatives are critical.
• High attention to detail, organizational discipline, and the ability to maintain accurate records in compliance with regulatory and internal standards are required.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills are necessary to support

Travel Requirement:

• Up to 5% domestic travel may be required based on operational needs.

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About JAX:

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement:

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.