Document Control Specialist job description

What does a Document Control Specialist do?

A Document Control Specialist manages and oversees the handling of documents and records for a company, ensuring their accuracy, quality, and integrity.

This role involves maintaining and organizing essential company documents while adhering to legal, regulatory, and company guidelines. They control the retrieval of documents and use specialized software to track document changes, access, and distribution within the organization. Document Control Specialists work across departments to assist with document-related technical queries and ensure all personnel have access to necessary documentation.

Their meticulous work helps prevent document-related noncompliance issues and supports efficient business operations.

Document Control Specialist duties and responsibilities

Typical tasks in a Document Control Specialist job:

• Implement and maintain document control processes and systems for accurate records and information management
• Ensure all documentation, including drawings, correspondence, and records, are kept in a secure and organized manner
• Manage the document lifecycle from creation to distribution, revision, and archiving or disposal
• Assist with the retrieval of documents and files as needed by company personnel or for audit purposes
• Coordinate with different departments to ensure that all external and internal requirements of the project's documentation are met
• Train employees on document control procedures to ensure company-wide adherence to document management policies
• Regularly audit the document control system to ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards

Qualifications and skills

Education & qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Library Science, Information Management, or related field
• Proven experience in document or records management, particularly in a regulated industry
• Familiarity with document control software, such as Aconex, SharePoint, or similar platforms
• Understanding of compliance and regulatory document requirements in the specific industry (e.g., FDA regulations for pharmaceuticals)

Skills & requirements

• Strong attention to detail and an aptitude for precision
• Excellent organizational and coordination abilities
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for interfacing with various departments
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to maintain high-quality document control standards

Document Control Specialist salary 2026

The average salary for a Document Control Specialist in the U.S. is about $59,000 per year. Pay depends on experience, employer, industry and region:

• Entry level0-2 years $44,250
• Mid level3-5 years $53,100
• Experienced6-10 years $59,000
• Senior11+ years $64,900
• Top earners20+ years $73,750

Based on public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Career-level figures are estimates derived from the national average.

Document Control Specialist career path

Document Control Specialists can advance to higher roles such as Document Control Manager, Quality Assurance Manager, or into other administrative management positions within larger organizations. They may also specialize further in areas like technical documentation, project management, or compliance. Professional development courses in document management systems and software are beneficial for career advancement.

Work environment

Document Control Specialists typically work in an office setting but may also need to spend time in storage areas or archives handling physical documents. Their work often involves using computers extensively to manage digital records. Work hours are usually regular, but there may be occasions when overtime is required to meet deadlines or handle large-scale document audits.