Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• 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.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

The Work

Quality control analysts are responsible for testing materials and finished goods towards ensuring that they meet production standards. Develop testing methods is also part of their role.

Quality control involves performing inspections and tests on finished products. Following testing, products may be rejected if they do not meet the standards required. Identifying and and troubleshooting problems is an important part of the role.

The next stage of the job is to report on production quality to the relevant parties and recommend adjustments to the production or assembly process.  Evaluation of new technologies and methods, and making recommendations regarding their use.

Quality control analysts will also be required to write technical reports and quality control operating procedures.

Most commonly reported Work 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.
• 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.

Further Information

• QC (Quality Control / Assurance) Analyst - from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Quality assurance analysts typically hold a bachelor's degree in quality management or a related field, such as chemistry or biology.

Quality assurance / management degree programmes will include modules on quality management, auditing, planning, process control, customer service, Six Sigma methods and ISO quality systems.

Courses in computer-aided design (CAD), and the natural or biological sciences can also help prepare quality control analysts for  the industrial trades or the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: Supervisory Management, Quality Management (Quality Assurance) in centres around Ireland NFQ Level 6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Operations, Compliance & Data Management, Product Design and Manufacture, Occupational Health & Safety at NFQ Level 5 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: There are 33 Engineering & manufacturing Apprenticeship, Lean Sigma management and principal engineer for qualified engfineers would have elements of quality focus at NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Analytical Chemistry with Quality Assurance, Engineering - Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering Design NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development

Postgraduate Study Options Quality Management & Validation, Quality Management , Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance & Biotechnology, Quality NFQ level 9

Certifications include the Certified Quality Inspector, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Certified Quality Auditor credentials. Earning the Certified Quality Auditor credential identifies an individual as able to analyse a quality system and determine the adequacy of the criteria established for quality evaluation and control systems. Earning this certification requires passing an exam. 

Last Updated: October, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €90k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Brightwater / Clark/ Excel/ Morgan McKinley/ Collins McNicolas/ Azon/ Sigmar

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This occupation has been identified as a Job in Demand by the most recent National Skills Bulletin.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly for this occupation between 2018 and 2021, although employment remained unchanged in the most recent time period. Almost three quarters were employed in industry. Despite the static employment levels in 2022, there was a significant increase in the number of employment permits issued between 2021 and 2022 (by 1,100), with the industrial sector accounting for half of the increase. Roles for which permits were issued included quality, process, and design engineers.

This occupation had the highest number of mentions of vacancies that were difficult to fill in the Recruitment Agency Survey, especially for quality control/assurance, compliance/regulatory and process engineering roles. Employers (through Skills for Growth and/or Spotlight on Skills) have cited roles in design engineering (with specific industry knowledge), quality control and production engineers as being difficult to fill. Demand continues to be strong for this occupation despite static employment levels and issues with recruiting suitably qualified/experienced candidates for these roles are likely to persist. 

In surveys conducted by IBEC in 2021 BioPharma Employers identified skills gaps in this occupation.

• BioPharmaChem Ireland

  • 84/86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
  • (01) 6051500
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here