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Quality Associate Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Pacific Fusion

Quality Lead

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

Why This Role Matters This Quality Lead is responsible for developing and implementing Pacific Fusion's Quality Management System (QMS), inspection processes, corrective action systems, training ...

Raytheon

Factory Quality Engineer

Farmington, NM

$63K - $82K/yr

This Quality Operations Engineer will have Quality Engineering responsibility for one or more ... Production Associates, Management and customers to assure product and process compliance ...

Pacific Fusion

Quality Lead

Los Lunas, NM · On-site

Why This Role Matters This Quality Lead is responsible for developing and implementing Pacific Fusion's Quality Management System (QMS), inspection processes, corrective action systems, training ...

tpi

Quality Engineer

San Lorenzo, NM · On-site

$60K - $78K/yr

About the Role The Quality Engineer provides support and leadership to ensure successful development of products and processes, production and process controls, continuous improvement, and corrective ...

EDR Technology

Be Seen First

Construction Quality Specialist

Deming, NM · On-site

$60K - $82K/yr

The construction QA representative shall have experience in construction oversight execution ... degree, o Associate's degree plus 4 years' work experience may be substituted for a bachelor ...

New

Quality Talent Group

Retail Sales Associate

Santa Fe, NM

$14.75 - $17/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

Creation Technologies LP

Quality Engineer 2

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Manages specific customers/ and serves as the Quality Representative within an assigned Customer Focus Team or designated functional area. This includes but is not limited to defining quality ...

Quality Talent Group

Retail Sales Associate

Santa Cruz, NM · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

Quality Talent Group

Retail Sales Associate

Glorieta, NM · On-site

$14 - $16.25/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

Creation

Quality Engineer 2

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Manages specific customers/ and serves as the Quality Representative within an assigned Customer Focus Team or designated functional area. This includes but is not limited to defining quality ...

Quality Talent Group

Retail Sales Associate

Los Alamos, NM · On-site

$13.75 - $15.75/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

Stellantis

Product Quality Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

The Plant Quality Engineer (PQE) - Responsible for all aspects of product conformity for their systems / Components at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant. The PQE reports directly to the PQE Lead and ...

New

Quality Talent Group

Retail Sales Associate

Tererro, NM

$14.75 - $17/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

Quality Talent Group

Retail Sales Associate

Lamy, NM · On-site

$14.50 - $16.75/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

Creation

Quality Engineer 1

Albuquerque, NM

$69K - $90K/yr

Has primary responsibility for development and maintenance of production quality standards and documentation.Collaborates on continuous improvement activities through problem prevention and ...

New

Quality Talent Group

Retail Sales Associate

Pecos, NM · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Retail Sales Associate Overview Since 1945, our client has built a strong foundation through teamwork, efficient systems, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Their passion is reflected in ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsQuality Associate JobsQuality Associate Jobs in New Mexico

Quality Associate information

See New Mexico salary details

$10

$26

$49

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in New Mexico is $26.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $30.53 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.

More about Quality Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Quality jobs in New Mexico? The most popular types of Quality jobs in New Mexico are:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Associate jobs in New Mexico? For Quality Associate jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Associate jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Associate jobs in New Mexico are:
What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Quality Associate jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Quality Associate job openings:
Quality Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,286 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Quality Lead

Pacific Fusion

Los Lunas, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

About Pacific Fusion
Pacific Fusion was founded in 2023 with the mission to power the world with abundant, affordable, clean energy.
We are rapidly designing and building a pulser-driven inertial fusion system to achieve net facility gain (more fusion energy output than stored energy input). In parallel, we are developing the key components required to build affordable fusion systems.
Our plans are ambitious. We have raised over $900M so far from incredible investors, resourcing us to deliver on these plans. We are bringing together the best scientists, engineers, and operators from the fusion community, hard tech industry, and other sectors. We are united by a shared sense of urgency to provide clean power for the world, particularly managing climate change while meeting growing global energy demand. You can read more about us in this letter from our founders.
Why This Role Matters
This Quality Lead is responsible for developing and implementing Pacific Fusion's Quality Management System (QMS), inspection processes, corrective action systems, training programs, operational standards, and safety management systems. The successful candidate will work closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure our products are built safely, consistently, and to the highest quality standards.
This is a highly visible role that requires a builder's mindset. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing strategic systems and rolling up their sleeves on the manufacturing floor to solve problems, conduct investigations, perform audits, and support production teams.
What You'll Do
Quality Systems & Compliance
  • Develop, implement, and maintain Pacific Fusion's Quality Management System (QMS).
  • Establish quality policies, procedures, work instructions, and documentation standards.
  • Design and implement document control, training, nonconformance, corrective action, and change management processes.
  • Build scalable quality systems that support rapid company growth and future certification efforts.
  • Lead internal audits and management reviews.
  • Prepare the organization for potential compliance with standards such as ISO 9001 and other applicable industry requirements.
  • Ensure quality requirements are effectively integrated into manufacturing and engineering processes.

Manufacturing Quality
  • Develop incoming, in-process, and final inspection programs.
  • Establish quality metrics, dashboards, and reporting systems.
  • Lead root cause investigations and corrective action activities.
  • Analyze quality trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Partner with Engineering and Operations teams to improve manufacturability, reliability, and process capability.
  • Manage supplier quality activities, including supplier audits, qualification, and performance monitoring.
  • Support change management activities from a quality standpoint.
  • Drive a culture of quality ownership throughout the organization.

Safety Programs
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA and applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations.
  • Lead incident investigations, corrective actions, and lessons-learned programs through a problem solving mindset.
  • Manage emergency response planning and preparedness activities.
  • Conduct routine safety inspections, risk assessments, and hazard analyses.
  • Partner with operational leaders to proactively identify and mitigate workplace risks.
  • Promote a culture where safety is treated as a core component of operational excellence and product quality. Safety first-Quality always.

Leadership & Culture
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on quality and safety matters.
  • Develop quality and safety objectives aligned with company goals.
  • Build and mentor future quality and safety team members as the organization grows.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, operational discipline, and employee engagement.
  • Drive cross-functional collaboration between Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Production teams
What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field.
  • 5+ years of experience in quality engineering, quality management, manufacturing engineering,or related disciplines.
  • Demonstrated experience building or significantly improving quality systems in a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience supporting advanced manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, defense, semiconductor, scientific equipment, or highly regulated industries.
  • Experience leading root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions.
  • Experience developing policies, procedures, training programs, and operational standards.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inspection methods, SPC, and quality tools.
  • Excellent communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities.
  • Willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor supporting operations directly
  • Familiarity with MES, SCADA, or factory data collection tools.
  • Comfortable operating in an evolving, ambiguous, and cross-functional startup environment.
  • Passion for developing safe, scalable processes that accelerate the deployment of fusion energy.

Physical Requirements:
This position requires the physical ability to squat, reach, climb, prolonged periods of standing, frequent lifting of objects up to 50 lbs, and regular hands-on work with tools and equipment in the laboratory.
Bonus Points For
  • Background in electromechanical product assembly or electronics manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
  • Working knowledge of OSHA requirements and industrial safety practices.
  • Familiarity with datavis tools and visual factory concepts that use dashboards, IoT data, and visual tools to display real-time facility performance.
  • Experience implementing or managing quality systems aligned with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, AS9100, or similar standards.
  • Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, ISIR, SPC, and 8D problem solving.
  • Experience managing supplier quality and supply chain quality programs.
  • Knowledge of radiation safety, high-voltage systems, cryogenic systems, pressure systems, hazardous energy control, or other industrial hazards commonly encountered in advanced energy environments.
  • Experience supporting research, prototype, or low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing operations.
  • Familiarity with regulatory and industry frameworks relevant to fusion energy, nuclear technologies, advanced energy systems, and high-reliability engineering organizations.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), OSHA, or similar professional certifications.
  • Proven ability to build systems, teams, and culture from the ground up.

Pay Range:
$116,000-$174,000 USD
Total Compensation & Benefits for Eligible Employees
  • Industry-competitive salary
  • Equity plan
  • 6% employer 401k matching
  • Generous paid time off (including sick leave, vacation, paid family leave)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Actual base salary offered will be determined by: experience, skills, and work location. This range is for base salary, our total compensation includes equity and benefits. We welcome you to apply even if your expectations are outside our listed range.
Pacific Fusion is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Pacific Fusion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application procedures and throughout employment. If you need assistance or any accommodation, please let us know.
Pacific Fusion does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies without a fully executed recruitment agreement in place. In the absence of such agreement, Pacific Fusion reserves the right to pursue and hire any candidates without an obligation to pay fees. Agencies are requested not to contact Pacific Fusion hiring managers or employees regarding recruiting services.

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