What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Assurance Specialist position at American Elements?
Company Description American Elements is a global manufacturer of engineered and advanced materials serving industries such as green technology, space exploration, nanotechnology, advanced electronics, and defense. Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, the company supports thousands of manufacturers, including over 30% of the Fortune 50. For more than two decades, American Elements has been a key partner in academic and corporate research, product development, and industrial applications of materials science. Its extensive online catalog features thousands of metal, chemical, ceramic, and crystalline products. The organization emphasizes technical guidance, cost-effective manufacturing, and long-term customer partnerships across energy, aerospace, automotive, optics/photovoltaics, and pharma/cosmetics sectors.
Role Description This is a full-time Quality Assurance Specialist role based in Los Angeles, CA. The Quality Assurance Specialist will monitor and evaluate production processes to ensure products meet internal standards, customer specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements. Daily responsibilities include reviewing batch records and documentation, performing in-process and final quality checks, and investigating nonconformances or deviations. The role also involves supporting internal and external audits, maintaining quality records, and assisting in the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs). The specialist will collaborate closely with production, R&D, and logistics teams to drive continuous improvement, reduce defects, and enhance overall product reliability.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in Quality Assurance and Quality Control within a manufacturing, chemical, or materials science environment.
- Knowledge of Quality Management principles and systems, including documentation control and continuous improvement practices.
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and their application to production and laboratory operations.
- Experience with Quality Auditing activities, including preparing for, supporting, and responding to internal and external audits.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root-cause investigation skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, test data, certificates of analysis, and regulatory requirements.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related scientific field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Proficiency with standard office software and familiarity with quality or ERP systems is beneficial.
- Prior experience in advanced materials, specialty chemicals, or related industries is a plus.