Job Location:Nivagen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Sacramento, CA
3900 Duckhorn Dr, Sacramento, CA 95834
Position SummaryNivagen Pharmaceuticals is looking for a QA/QMS Senior Specialist - Deviations & Investigations to lead the deviation management process across sterile GMP manufacturing operations. This individual will be responsible for the timely initiation, investigation, root cause analysis, and closure of deviations in compliance with FDA/cGMP requirements. The role serves as the central point of contact for deviation lifecycle management and requires strong investigative skills, technical writing ability, and cross-functional coordination.
Key Responsibilities- Own the deviation lifecycle from initiation through investigation, root cause analysis, corrective action identification, and closure within established timelines.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all deviation-related activities across Manufacturing, Quality Control, Engineering, and Validation departments.
- Conduct thorough root cause analyses using structured methodologies including Ishikawa (6M), 5-Why, and fault tree analysis.
- Author investigation narratives, initial quality assessments (IQAs), and final deviation reports in TrackWise.
- Classify deviations by severity (Critical, Major, Minor) and assess impact on product quality, patient safety, validated state, and regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate batch disposition activities in collaboration with QA batch release and QC laboratory teams.
- Identify recurring deviation trends and escalate to the CAPA system when systematic issues are identified.
- Track and report deviation KPIs including open aging, cycle time, recurrence rates, and root cause categories during management review.
- Support internal audits and FDA/regulatory inspections by providing deviation records, trending data, and investigation summaries.
- Ensure all deviations comply with ALCOA+ data integrity principles and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records.
- Serve as a trained backup for related QMS subsystems (CAPA and Change Control), providing cross-functional coverage during peak workload periods, absences, or as needed to ensure continuity of quality operations.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 7-10 years of experience in QA, conducting deviation investigations in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Demonstrated expertise in root cause analysis tools (Ishikawa, 5-Why, FMEA, fault tree analysis).
- Hands-on experience investigating sterile-specific deviations including media fill failures, environmental monitoring excursions, filter integrity test failures, particulate contamination, and aseptic processing breaches.
- Proficiency with TrackWise, Veeva QMS, or equivalent electronic quality management systems.
- Strong technical writing skills with the ability to author clear, concise, and FDA-defensible investigation reports.
- Working knowledge of 21 CFR Parts 210, 211, and 212; ICH Q7 and Q10; and FDA guidance on investigating deviations.
- Experience supporting FDA Pre-Approval Inspections (PAI) or routine GMP inspections is a plus.
- Working familiarity with adjacent QMS processes (CAPA and Change Control) is strongly preferred; willingness to cross-train across these subsystems is required.
What We Offer- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to build QMS infrastructure from the ground up at a growing pharmaceutical company.
- Direct impact on FDA inspection readiness and commercial manufacturing success.
- Collaborative work environment with a supportive quality leadership team.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
Benefits:- Pay range $80,000-$90,000 per Year
- Yearly bonus eligibility
- Benefits: Nivagen offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Paid time off plan
