Senior Quality Assurance Specialist (Contractor)

amika means friend. we’re a fearless, Brooklyn-born, salon-raised haircare brand + a friend to all hair, hairstylists, the planet + you. 

we’re rooted in clinical results. each product is infused with our intoxicating scent + powered by our superfruit soul, sea buckthorn. known as one of earth’s most omega-rich plant sources, this potent berry nourishes your skin, scalp + strands. 

we’re a proud pal to the planet + certified B-Corp. from sustainably sourced ingredients + recyclable packaging to our energy-saving production processes, we pledge to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, waste + energy to reach Net Zero by 2030. 

having grown up in salons, we know better than anyone how important stylists are—they’re our confidantes + community. Think of us as your at-home hairapist, here to empower self-expression + bring joy to your haircare experience. all hair is welcome™. 

the job:

amika is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist / Senior Specialist to support quality operations within its fast-paced, collaborative environment. This contract position plays a key role in maintaining and improving product quality and regulatory compliance across the supply chain and internal processes.

The QA Contractor will work closely with internal teams and external partners, including contract manufacturers and third-party labs, to manage product quality throughout the lifecycle. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by contributing to regulatory alignment, issue resolution, documentation integrity, and continuous improvement initiatives.

start date: immediately

contract duration: 6 months

location: remotes (must be based in + have the right to work in the US)

what you'll do:

Quality Oversight & Issue Resolution

• Investigate and manage non-conformance reports (NCRs), deviations, and customer complaints.
• Coordinate and track corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), ensuring timely resolution and documentation.
• Monitor and manage product holds, conditional releases, and verification of test results and documentation.
• Lead or support root cause analysis (RCA) and risk assessments for quality-related issues.

Documentation & Data Integrity

• Maintain and organize quality-related documentation in compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Ensures data traceability and compliance through audit-ready documentation practices.
• Oversee document control and version management.

Collaboration with Internal Teams & Suppliers

• Partner with cross-functional teams in product development, packaging, and operations to address and resolve quality issues.
• Serves as a liaison between Quality and internal or external partners (suppliers, labs, contract manufacturers) to communicate quality expectations, testing requirements, and documentation needs.
• Support performance monitoring of suppliers.
• Participates in documenting and improving supplier process controls to prevent recurring issues.

Regulatory Support & Compliance

• Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements including FDA, GMP, and MOCRA.
• Supports the regulatory team with adverse event investigations, external lab coordination, and recall processes.
• Process Improvement & Reporting
• Maintains and develop quality metrics and dashboards.
• Identify trends and recommend process improvements based on data insights.

Tools & Systems

• Maintains accurate and organized quality documentation using systems such as SharePoint, Box, Excel, Word, Asana, SAP, and Yogi.

Training, Handover & Knowledge Transfer

• Assist in training internal teams and external partners on quality policies and procedures.
• Provides support to internal teams regarding documentation access, quality processes, and compliance queries.
• Prepare and deliver a structured handover for the Quality Manager's return post-maternity leave.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

must haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in a science-related field (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or Quality).
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on experience in Quality Assurance and Document Control, ideally in the cosmetics, OTC, personal care, or skincare industries.
• Experience in manufacturing or contract manufacturing environments is strongly preferred.
• Advanced understanding of GMP, GDP, and applicable regulatory frameworks (FDA, MOCRA).
• Proven track record managing non-conformances, complaints, CAPAs, root cause investigations, and maintaining high-integrity documentation across quality processes
• Strong command of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and SharePoint, to manage quality processes, document control, and data tracking in a non-automated environment.
• Familiarity with tools such as Box, SAP, and Asana is a plus.
• Exceptional attention to detail, with strong documentation and organizational skills.

nice to haves:

• Brings senior or mid-senior level QA experience and can take full ownership of QA documentation and systems with minimal onboarding or oversight.
• Highly organized and capable of maintaining structured, audit-ready documentation workflows using manual or semi-digital tools (e.g., Excel logs, SharePoint folders, controlled templates).
• Proficient in creating, managing, and continuously improving document workflows, trackers, and quality logs without reliance on automated systems.
• Technically confident and highly adept with Microsoft Office—especially Excel (e.g., filters, pivot tables, charts, conditional formatting)—for tracking quality metrics, supplier issues, and product release documentation.
• Proven ability to drive quality processes independently, escalate issues appropriately, and ensure timely follow-through with internal and external stakeholders.
• Skilled at collaborating cross-functionally, communicating quality expectations clearly, and supporting compliance in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
• Analytical and critical thinker who can identify recurring issues, evaluate trends, and recommend corrective and preventive actions based on data.
• Brings a proactive, improvement-focused mindset, always looking to optimize and streamline quality operations and documentation practices.

ready to apply?

please click the link below that will bring you to our careers page where you can submit your application + resume (cover letter optional). a member of our team will be in touch soon!