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Quality Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Zoetis, Inc

Quality Control Associate

Charles City, IA · On-site

The Quality Control Associates role will work in collaboration with the other associates to ensure coverage of the following responsibilities; check in of test samples from manufacturing to the QC ...

Abaxis

Quality Control Associate

Charles City, IA

The Quality Control Associates role will work in collaboration with the other associates to ensure coverage of the following responsibilities; check in of test samples from manufacturing to the QC ...

Abaxis

Site Quality Leader

Charles City, IA

Ensure Training and Development plans are in place for all Quality associates. * Development of Site Quality budget and resource planning for roll-up to the Site and Company budget. * Support the ...

Zoetis, Inc

Site Quality Leader

Charles City, IA · On-site

Ensure Training and Development plans are in place for all Quality associates. * Development of Site Quality budget and resource planning for roll-up to the Site and Company budget. * Support the ...

Zoetis, Inc.

Site Quality Leader

Charles City, IA · On-site

Ensure Training and Development plans are in place for all Quality associates. * Development of Site Quality budget and resource planning for roll-up to the Site and Company budget. * Support the ...

Zoetis, Inc

QA Inspection Associate

Charles City, IA · On-site

The QA Inspection Associate is accountable for review and approval of new material coming to the site. Perform assigned record reviews and reviews of other records relating to processing of ...

Abaxis

QA Inspection Associate

Charles City, IA · On-site

The QA Inspection Associate is accountable for review and approval of new material coming to the site. Perform assigned record reviews and reviews of other records relating to processing of ...

Zoetis, Inc.

QA Inspection Associate

Charles City, IA · On-site

The QA Inspection Associate is accountable for review and approval of new material coming to the site. Perform assigned record reviews and reviews of other records relating to processing of ...

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All JobsQuality Associate JobsQuality Associate Jobs in Iowa

Quality Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$25

$47

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Iowa is $25.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Quality Associates?

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.

More about Quality Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Quality jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Quality jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Associate jobs in Iowa? For Quality Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Quality Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Quality Associate job openings:
Quality Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,616 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist

Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist

Cargill

Fort Dodge, IA

$23.50 - $31/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Cargill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with lifes essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.

Job Purpose and Impact

The Food Safety Quality Associate Chemist, will ensure products meet or exceed customer requirements for quality and food safety. In this role, you will apply basic understanding of plant processes to monitor quality assurance systems including instrumentation calibration, maintenance, crosschecks, methods, procedures, raw materials, food safety and training. You will provide technical advice and support to production operations to ensure product quality, minimize process variation, process recoveries, waste reduction and cost minimization and improve customer satisfaction.


Key Accountabilities
  • Assure product meets compliance specifications and overall final product approval checks.
  • Data analysis, trend identification, troubleshooting, corrective action and communication with regard to processing data.
  • Assess process quality parameters and food safety and quality systems daily, including cross checks, raw materials, calibration, maintenance, procedures, food safety, training, auditing and oversight of analytical testing performed in control rooms.
  • Training of new food safety and quality chemists, analysts, operators, technicians and personnel from other functional areas.
  • Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Willing and able to work on a rotating shift including weekends
Preferred Qualifications
  • Ability to adapt and learn in a changing work environment
  • Ability to anticipate, recognize, and seek process and laboratory problems, implement improvements based on the findings
  • Strong analytical skills to evaluate change factors and formulate independent decisions
  • Experience with email, spreadsheet and word processing applications
Position information:
  • Relocation will not be provided for this position
  • Work schedule: Dayshift Mon Fri 7am -4:30pm to start and then it will change to a 12hr shift from 6:00am -6:00pm with rotating days and occasional weekends and holidays
  • Position is based in Fort Dodge, IA

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet


To apply using chat/text, please click Apply Now button OR use this link to create a login to apply.

What Cargill employees say

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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