1

Quality Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate's degree preferred* One year of experience preferred Knowledge & Application: * Basic ... Accountable for delivery of own tasks to agreed time and quality standards* Typically no awareness ...

Seasonal Associate, QA 2nd Shift

Ontario, CA · On-site

$17.82 - $22.27/hr

  • Medical

Associate's degree preferred* One year of experience preferred Knowledge & Application: * Basic ... Accountable for delivery of own tasks to agreed time and quality standards* Typically no awareness ...

Seasonal Associate, QA 2nd Shift

Ontario, CA · On-site

$17.82 - $22.27/hr

  • Medical

Associate's degree preferred* One year of experience preferred Knowledge & Application: * Basic ... Accountable for delivery of own tasks to agreed time and quality standards* Typically no awareness ...

Seasonal Associate, QA 2nd Shift

Ontario, CA · On-site

$17.82 - $22.27/hr

  • Medical

Associate's degree preferred* One year of experience preferred Knowledge & Application: * Basic ... Accountable for delivery of own tasks to agreed time and quality standards* Typically no awareness ...

QEHS Associate

Hacienda Heights, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Position Summary The QEHS Associate supports the organization's Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety programs to ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry ...

Position Summary The QEHS Associate supports the organization's Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety programs to ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry ...

Position Summary The QEHS Associate supports the organization's Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety programs to ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry ...

Position Summary The QEHS Associate supports the organization's Quality, Environmental, Health, and Safety programs to ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and industry ...

Interface and coordinate with Regulatory, Quality, Clinical Affairs and Medical Affairs to conduct ... Associate's Degree or higher desired. EXPERIENCE • 1 year's ophthalmic experience, or equivalent ...

Interface and coordinate with Regulatory, Quality, Clinical Affairs and Medical Affairs to conduct ... Associate's Degree or higher desired. EXPERIENCE • 1 year's ophthalmic experience, or equivalent ...

Sr Quality Assurance Specialist

San Diego, CA

$87K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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% ...

Sr Quality Assurance Specialist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$87K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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% ...

Excellent employment opportunity for a QC Associate III in the Fremont, CA area. * Performs sampling/testing/inspection of raw materials, conducts lab investigations, and reports aberrant results to ...

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 Aug 14, 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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Quality jobs in California?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Quality Associate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Quality Associate 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 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,285 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Associate Director, Quality Operations

Kodiak Sciences Inc

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description
Kodiak Sciences is a biopharmaceutical company committed to researching, developing, and commercializing transformative therapeutics to treat a broad spectrum of retinal diseases. We are focused on bringing new science to the design and manufacture of next-generation retinal medicines to prevent and treat the leading causes of blindness globally. The Associate Director, Quality Operations, is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing Quality operations system in the organization to ensure compliance of biological products with cGMP and regulatory requirements. This role is on-site at Kodiak's headquarters in Palo Alto, CA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, implement, and manage quality system procedures.
  • Represent QA in supporting technology transfer and process validation activities at CMO sites.
  • Investigate deviations and implement CAPAs as needed.
  • Review and approve analytical data and batch records.
  • Review and release drug substance and drug product batch documents.
  • Support internal and external audits as needed.
  • Maintain and support regulatory submissions as needed.
  • Identify KPIs and establish and drive continuous improvement to maximize efficiencies in the quality processes.
  • Coordinate with cross functional departments for routine work and problem solving
  • Support development of Pre-Filled Syringe (PFS) for intravitreal delivery of viscous drug product
  • Support Bioanalytical lab in developing operational procedures, provide quality oversight for method validation and compliance efforts to meet GLP/GCLP requirements.
  • Support Computer System Validation (CSV) activities for digital systems impacting GxP activities.
  • Support active clinical trial supply and demand activities,
  • Supports any additional projects assigned by Senior Management.

Education/Experience
  • At least a BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences or related field.
  • 5-7 years of technical experience within regulated industry.
  • Experience and knowledge of quality management system required.
  • Preferred experience with biologics and pre-filled syringe.
  • Experience in analytical methods, equipment/facilities validation and technology transfer experience is a plus.
  • Experience in a cGMP environment is required, and experience in supplier management is a plus.
  • Ability to learn quickly and make sound, scientifically driven decisions that align with regulatory requirements.