Quality Assurance Specialist

The Quality Assurance Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring that finished cosmetic products meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards before being released for shipment to customers. This individual will compare finished goods against agreed-upon specifications, ensuring compliance with internal quality protocols and industry regulations.

This role is an on-site position that will report to our Laguna Beach HQ 4-5 days a week with 1 day at our satellite retain room in Costa Mesa, CA.

This role reports into the Director of Quality.

Responsibilities

• Conduct final quality inspections of finished goods to ensure they meet established standards, including appearance, formulation consistency, packaging integrity, and labeling compliance.

• Provide approval for shipment from Contract Manufacturers (CMs) upon meeting all quality requirements.

• Collaborate with the Director of Quality and cross-functional teams (Product Development, Packaging, Supply Chain) to address non-conforming products and determine appropriate corrective actions.

• Maintain and organize retain samples systematically for traceability and future reference.

• Assist in root cause investigations related to product quality issues, including formulation stability concerns, contamination risks, and packaging defects.

• Update Quality Issues, Complaints Database, and Batch Submissions, ensuring timely documentation and follow-up.

• Support the continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to align with regulatory requirements.

• Participate in audits and inspections of Contract Manufacturers to assess compliance with quality and safety standards.

• Provide support for regulatory compliance, including FDA, EU Cosmetic Regulation, and other global standards as applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, or a related field preferred.

• 1-3 years of experience in quality assurance within the cosmetics, personal care, or pharmaceutical industry.

• Strong knowledge of cGMPs, ISO standards, and regulatory guidelines for cosmetic products.

• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and manage multiple tasks.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Quality Management Systems (QMS), and database management.

What we would like to offer...

• $68,640-74,000 annually*

• Bonus Opportunity

• Health Benefits - 100% employer-paid medical, dental & vision coverage

• Flex Time Off - No cap on personal time off and paid company holidays

• Seasonal Flex Days - Flexible scheduling to enjoy extra time under the sun during the Spring & Summer season

• Parental Leave - Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave

• 401(k) - Save for your future with a 401(k) with a company match

• Flexibility & Wellness Stipends - Monthly stipends to support occasional remote work & self-care

• ILIA Products - Quarterly stipend to replenish your favorite products and try new ones

*This is the anticipated salary range for this position. The actual salary offered will carefully consider a few factors including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

About ILIA

ILIA makes clean skin-centric beauty. We see skincare and makeup as one and believe that skin should look like skin. With transparency as our guide and color as our vehicle, we challenge the conventions of clean beauty to create something radically new, through safe, groundbreaking formulas that protect + revive the skin. Headquartered in Laguna Beach, California, ILIA brings together a strong group of innovative thinkers, rule-breakers and creative problem solvers. We pave the way forward as the leading clean makeup brand in what is being called the Clean Beauty Revolution. Fast paced growth provides constant learning, collaborative teamwork, and the desire to be the best at what you do. We celebrate taking risks and doing what hasn’t been done before.

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