1

Quality Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Quality Systems Associate Summary: Under the direct supervision of the Quality Systems Manager, perform quality assurance and Training functions to ensure compliance with internal and external ...

Under the direct supervision of the Quality Systems Manager, perform quality assurance and training functions to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations and protocol. * Completes ...

New

Keywords: AI Quality Operator, AI Quality Associate, Conversational AI Specialist, AI Quality Specialist, AI Review Operator, Business operations, Quality operations, QA, Quality Operations ...

Sr Quality Assurance Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

The estimated pay scale for the Senior Quality Associate Specialist role based in San Diego, California, is $108,026.40 to $140,000. Additionally, the position is eligible to participate in up to 8% ...

Showing results 21-40

Quality Associate information

See California salary details

$10

$26

$50

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in California is $26.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $31.06 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 California?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,285 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Sr. Quality Associate II/III, QC, Laboratory equipment and software/computer system validation

Grifols

Clayton, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead the design, configuration, and ongoing management of the Laboratory Electronic System (LES), including defining data elements and input parameters.

  • Oversee validation activities related to system updates, enhancements, and change implementations to ensure compliance with standards.

  • Support computerized systems within the QC environment by providing validation oversight, troubleshooting, and managing change controls.


Grifols rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 281 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

Schedule: First Shift

Sr. Quality Associate I/II:

Position Summary:

This role is responsible for the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) used within the Grifols Therapeutics Quality Control (QC) department, referred to internally as the Laboratory Electronic System (LES). The LES supports the transition toward a fully paperless laboratory by electronically capturing all elements of the QC testing process across multiple highcomplexity assays.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design, configuration, and ongoing management of the LES, including defining required data elements and establishing appropriate input parameters.
  • Oversee validation activities associated with system updates, enhancements, and change implementations.
  • Serve as a member of the QC computer validation team, ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal validation standards.
  • Support additional computerized systems within the QC environment, including software validation oversight and custom field configuration.
  • Act as a technical resource for troubleshooting and resolving issues related to electronic laboratory systems.
  • Manage and document change controls related to software and system modifications.

Qualifications:

  • Experience with electronic laboratory systems and computerized system validation.
  • Working knowledge of QC laboratory test methods and workflows.
  • Demonstrated experience with change control processes and software/computer validation activities.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, and problemsolving skills.

Education and Experience Requirements by Level:

Quality Associate III,  QC   -  BA/BS - preferably in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) curriculum and 3 yrs of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience managing, projects, teams, etc. is recommended

Sr. Quality Associate I,  QC -   BA/BS - preferably in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) curriculum and 5 yrs of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience managing, projects, teams, etc. is recommended

Sr. Quality Associate II,  QC   - BA/BS - preferably in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) curriculum and 6 yrs of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Experience managing, projects, teams, etc. is recommended.

Equivalency: Depending on the area of assignment, directly related experience-or a combination of related education, experience, and competencies-may be considered in place of the stated requirements. For example, if a job level requires a Bachelor's degree plus 4 years of experience, an equivalency could include 8 years of experience, an Associate's degree with 6 years of experience, or a Master's degree with 2 years of experience.

Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws.

Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : NC-Clayton:USNC0002 - Clayton 

Learn more about Grifols


What Grifols employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom