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Quality Associate Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician

Arkadelphia, AR · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

High School diploma or GED required; associate degree or food science coursework required. * Previous QA/QC or food manufacturing experience a plus * Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, SQF, or similar food ...

Bachelor's degree with minimum 8 years OR Associate's degree with minimum 10 years of experience in quality, operations or related manufacturing experience. Preferred Experience Includes: Strong ...

Bachelor's degree with minimum 8 years OR Associate's degree with minimum 10 years of experience in quality, operations or related manufacturing experience. Preferred Experience Includes: Strong ...

Bachelor's degree with minimum 8 years OR Associate's degree with minimum 10 years of experience in quality, operations or related manufacturing experience. Preferred Experience Includes: Strong ...

Bachelor's degree with minimum 8 years OR Associate's degree with minimum 10 years of experience in quality, operations or related manufacturing experience. Preferred Experience Includes: Strong ...

Bachelor's degree with minimum 8 years OR Associate's degree with minimum 10 years of experience in quality, operations or related manufacturing experience. Preferred Experience Includes: Strong ...

Bachelor's degree with minimum 8 years OR Associate's degree with minimum 10 years of experience in quality, operations or related manufacturing experience. Preferred Experience Includes: Strong ...

To join our team as a Commercial QA/QC Specialist. You will provide solutions to a variety of ... High school or Associates Degree w/relevantindustry technical certification/training preferred ...

Quality Engineer

Magnolia, AR · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Quality Engineer Position Summary The Quality Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance systems to ensure products meet or exceed customer ...

Quality Engineer

Pine Bluff, AR · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Quality Management System Leadership * Lead the continuous development, standardization, and optimization of the Quality Management System (QMS). * Define, implement, and maintain quality standards ...

Quality Engineer

Magnolia, AR · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Quality Engineer Position Summary The Quality Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance systems to ensure products meet or exceed customer ...

To join our team as a Commercial QA/QC Specialist. You will provide solutions to a variety of ... High school or Associates Degree w/relevant industry technical certification/training preferred ...

Quality Engineer

Pine Bluff, AR

$65K - $84K/yr

Quality Management System Leadership * Lead the continuous development, standardization, and optimization of the Quality Management System (QMS). * Define, implement, and maintain quality standards ...

Quality Engineer

Magnolia, AR · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Quality Engineer Position Summary The Quality Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance systems to ensure products meet or exceed customer ...

Quality Engineer

Magnolia, AR · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Quality Engineer Position Summary The Quality Engineer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance systems to ensure products meet or exceed customer ...

Quality Engineer

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Responsibilities The Quality Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving quality systems, data analysis and customer interface, quality practices and continuous improvement activities.

Quality Engineer

Fort Smith, AR

$68K - $88K/yr

The Quality Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving quality systems, data analysis and customer interface, quality practices and continuous improvement activities. * Ensure all tasks ...

Quality Engineer

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Responsibilities The Quality Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving quality systems, data analysis and customer interface, quality practices and continuous improvement activities.

Quality Engineer

Fort Smith, AR

$68K - $88K/yr

Responsibilities The Quality Engineer is responsible for maintaining and improving quality systems, data analysis and customer interface, quality practices and continuous improvement activities.

Showing results 21-40

Quality Associate information

See Arkansas salary details

$9

$22

$41

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Arkansas is $22.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $26.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a quality associate?

Quality Associates are professionals responsible for ensuring that products or services meet established quality standards before reaching customers. They assist in monitoring production processes, performing inspections, and documenting quality issues or defects. Quality Associates also help implement quality control procedures and work closely with other departments to resolve any quality-related problems. Their role is essential in maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and ensuring customer satisfaction.

What does a quality associate do?

A quality associate works as part of a team, typically in the manufacturing industry, to inspect and audit a factory to ensure that production follows the necessary protocols and delivers the expected results. In this role, your responsibilities involve all aspects of quality control. You test procedures and make adjustments as required to meet goals and deadlines. As part of your duties, you log your findings and implement a plan for the smooth operation of the line for the long-term. Some people in this career specialize in a particular facet of the manufacturing process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quality associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quality Associate, you need attention to detail, knowledge of quality control principles, and often a degree in science, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with quality management systems (such as ISO 9001), statistical analysis tools, and documentation software is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate across teams and address process issues effectively. These skills and qualities ensure that products and processes consistently meet standards, minimizing errors and maintaining compliance.

What are some common challenges quality associates face when working on cross-functional teams?

Quality Associates often collaborate with departments like manufacturing, engineering, and regulatory affairs to ensure product quality standards are met. One common challenge is balancing differing priorities—while production teams may be focused on output and speed, Quality Associates must prioritize compliance and thorough documentation. Navigating these competing interests requires strong communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Building positive relationships across teams and fostering a culture of quality can help overcome these challenges and ensure successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Quality Associate vs Quality Technician?

AspectQuality AssociateQuality Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer certifications like ASQ CQPAHigh school diploma; certifications like CQTA are common but not always required
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, manufacturing floors, labsManufacturing plants, labs, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, electronics, pharmaceuticals
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level quality rolesSimilar roles but more technical focus

While both roles focus on quality assurance, a Quality Associate typically handles documentation, audits, and process improvements, often in office or administrative settings. A Quality Technician usually performs hands-on inspections, testing, and data collection directly on the production floor. Both roles are essential in maintaining product quality but differ in their daily tasks and work environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quality jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in Arkansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Quality Associate jobs in Arkansas?

For Quality Associate jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,322 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Quality Technician

J.M. Smucker Company

Arkadelphia, AR • On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


J.M. Smucker rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 439 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The QA Technician ensures that all products meet Hostess Brands' quality and food safety standards. This role is responsible for monitoring production, performing inspections and tests, and maintaining accurate records to support compliance with internal policies and external regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, SQF).

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process, and finished products
  • Monitor and verify production processes meet regulatory and company standards
  • Document test results, deviations, and corrective actions in a timely manner
  • Calibrate and maintain testing equipment as required
  • Support internal audits and third-party inspections
  • Communicate effectively with production, sanitation, and maintenance teams to resolve quality issues
  • Assist in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Ensure proper labeling, traceability, and allergen controls are in place
  • Follow all safety and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) guidelines

Qualifications

  • High School diploma or GED required; associate degree or food science coursework required.
  • Previous QA/QC or food manufacturing experience a plus
  • Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, SQF, or similar food safety programs
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Basic computer skills (e.g., MS Office, data entry systems)
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment and handle multiple tasks
  • Flexibility to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays, as needed

Work Environment

  • Manufacturing/plant setting with exposure to food ingredients and industrial equipment
  • Standing, walking, lifting (up to 30 lbs), and wearing PPE for extended periods may be required

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Learn more about working at Smucker:

Delivering on Our Purpose

Our Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All

Follow us on LinkedIn

TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in ourBasic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with usonLinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.


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