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Quality Control Analysts
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $30K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $39K
Median Salary: $52K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $66K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $86K
Demand
Core 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.
Compile laboratory test data and perform appropriate analyses.
Complete documentation needed to support testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, or inventory forms.
Ensure that lab cleanliness and safety standards are maintained.
Perform visual inspections of finished products.
Identify and troubleshoot equipment problems.
Investigate or report questionable test results.
Write technical reports or documentation, such as deviation reports, testing protocols, and trend analyses.
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.
Serve as a technical liaison between quality control and other departments, vendors, or contractors.
Supply quality control data necessary for regulatory submissions.
Participate in internal assessments and audits as required.
Perform validations or transfers of analytical methods in accordance with applicable policies or guidelines.
Write or revise standard quality control operating procedures.
Prepare or review required method transfer documentation including technical transfer protocols or reports.
Develop and qualify new testing methods.
Review data from contract laboratories to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Evaluate analytical methods and procedures to determine how they might be improved.
Coordinate testing with contract laboratories and vendors.
Evaluate new technologies and methods to make recommendations regarding their use.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mathematics
84%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing
81%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Chemistry
75%
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
74%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Clerical
66%
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
66%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training
58%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Food Production
58%
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Mechanical
58%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Administration and Management
56%
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Top 10 Skills
Quality Control Analysis
80%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Monitoring
75%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
75%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
68%
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
68%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking
65%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operations Monitoring
65%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Writing
65%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning
63%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Speaking
63%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
80%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Comprehension
80%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension
78%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression
78%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Expression
75%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning
73%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity
73%
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
68%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Far Vision
65%
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure
63%
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Top 10 Work Activities
Documenting/Recording Information
89%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
84%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
84%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Analyzing Data or Information
82%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Interacting With Computers
80%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information
79%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
79%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
78%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Processing Information
78%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
77%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Develop collaborative relationships between departments or with external organizations.
Conduct financial or regulatory audits.
Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
Advise others on the development or use of new technologies.
Inspect areas for compliance with sanitation standards.
Develop testing routines or procedures.
Coordinate activities with suppliers, contractors, clients, or other departments.
Prepare operational reports.
Establish standards for products, processes, or procedures.
Prepare information or documentation related to legal or regulatory matters.
Verify accuracy of data.
Determine appropriate methods for data analysis.
Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
Monitor operational procedures in technical environments to ensure conformance to standards.
Analyze test results.
Interpret research or operational data.
Advise others on business or operational matters.
Evaluate new technologies or methods.
Record research or operational data.
Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
Apply mathematical principles or statistical approaches to solve problems in scientific or applied fields.
Test quality of materials or finished products.
Work Context
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
Education
Majors based on the broader career Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
Major
Interests
Conventional
91%
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
77%
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
67%
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.
Enterprising
39%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
19%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
92%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity
92%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility
88%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
88%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Dependability
88%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Cooperation
84%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Persistence
83%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Independence
82%
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.
Initiative
80%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Stress Tolerance
80%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Work Values
Support
67%
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
62%
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
60%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Relationships
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
