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Quality Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Come see why our associates love working at MasterBrand. Job Summary The Quality Technician tests and inspects products at various stages of production process and compiles and evaluates statistical ...

Quality Technician

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $24/hr

Come see why our associates love working at MasterBrand. Job Summary The Quality Technician tests and inspects products at various stages of production process and compiles and evaluates statistical ...

Quality Technician

Clinton, IA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Associate degree preferred Quality Technician Additional Information The duties of this job may vary slightly across divisions and locations. This is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive ...

Quality Technician

Altoona, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Associate's degree or higher in Quality Assurance, Mechanical Design, or related technical field preferred. * Minimum 2 years of quality inspection experience in a manufacturing or metal fabrication ...

Quality Technician

Clinton, IA

$17 - $23/hr

Associate degree preferred Quality Technician Additional Information The duties of this job may vary slightly across divisions and locations. This is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive ...

Minimum of 1 year of customer service, warehouse associate, or quality assurance experience in a warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing environment * Ability to perform inspections and audits across ...

Quality Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Quality Technician Job Overview: Our client, in industrial machining, is seeking to add a NEW ... Associate Degree in Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical) or equivalent experience. Minimum of 3 ...

Minimum of 1 year of customer service, warehouse associate, or quality assurance experience in a warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing environment * Ability to perform inspections and audits across ...

... new associates. Verifies that repairs done to the product are in conformance with the approved ... Strives to improve quality or enhance production by participating in problem solving process.

Showing results 21-40

Quality Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$25

$47

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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 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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,616 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Quality Assurance Management Development Associate

Nestle

Davenport, IA • On-site

$72K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness-We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.

Position Summary

For more than 30 years, our Management Development Associate program has developed our future leaders. As a Management Development Associate, you will embark on a personal and professional development experience a classroom simply can't offer. 

As a Quality Assurance Management Development Associate at Nestle Purina, we will coach you from the start, shaping your career trajectory for continuous learning and growth. Together, we'll explore safety, supply chain, engineering, human resources, production, R&D engineering, information systems, and operations performance to understand how each of these areas collaborate with quality assurance. You'll also gain experience in delivering good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality analysis, and food safety support to the factory. 

Why choose a leadership developmental role with us?It'sa full-time position that fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. You are our future leader! Plus, the rotational component of the program provides a change in location which offers fresh perspectives and growth opportunities. With a relocationassistancepackage, each move will be supported so that you can focus on learning end-to-end processes, building your network, and launching your career. 

  • Perform quality assurance and control functions for production, quality assurance, and food safety associates. 

  • Train with all departments to understand how quality interacts across functions. 

  • Contribute to continuous improvement during factory and quality assurance department training. 

  • Collaborate with the quality assurance staff to improve their portion of the two-year Training & Development plan and six-week quality assurance analyst training checklist. 

  • Gain experience working with all three shifts and participate in shift meetings. 

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science or other scientific discipline attained or expected by June 2027 

  • Must be open to relocation to any of our 24 Nestle Purina manufacturing sites across the U.S. as you progress through the MDA program 

  • You will start your rotation for this Quality Assurance MDA at one of the following Nestle Purina factories: Crete, Nebraska; Clinton, Iowa; or Davenport, Iowa 

Other

  • Priorinternship, co-op,practicumor manufacturingexperiencepreferred 

  • Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experiencepreferred 

Don't meet all the qualifications listed under "other"? These are preferred but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestle Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration. 

The starting pay for this position is $72,000 per year. Please note that the pay provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Nestle offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Nestle Careers (nestlejobs.com).

REQUISITION ID
412486

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestle. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestle seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you'll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestle home.
 

The Nestle Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. 

Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.

Job Requisition: 412486