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Quality Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

AVANTech, LLC

Quality Assurance Associate II

Columbia, SC · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

We are seeking an experience Quality Control Associate II to join our team in the Quality Assurance Department. A Day in the Life: * Handle QA records and quality-related documents under explicit ...

AVANTech, LLC

Quality Assurance Associate I

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We are seeking an experience Quality Control Associate I to join our team in the Quality Assurance Department. A Day in the Life: * File physical and electronic documents exactly as received * Scan ...

Southeastern Freight Lines

Quality Admin

Lexington, SC · On-site

As a Quality Specialist, you will be responsible for managing the ACTION program (i.e., suggestion ... You will promote understanding of the Company's cultural values among associates and develop and ...

GE Appliances

Quality - Testing

Camden, SC · On-site

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

In this role you must be able to support associates and supplement the group's labor force as needed on the production line. Position Quality - Testing Location USA, Camden, SC How You'll Create ...

GE Appliances

Quality - Testing

Camden, SC

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Quality Tech will do Product performance testing with equipment and machines at the Quality ... In this role you must be able to support associates and supplement the group's labor force as ...

TRC Talent Solutions

Quality

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$54K - $70K/yr

Quality Engineer We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in our operations. Our team thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement to meet and exceed industry ...

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Quality Associate information

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$10

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$46

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Columbia, SC is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $29.13 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 Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Quality jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Associate jobs in Columbia, SC? For Quality Associate jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Associate jobs in Columbia, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Associate jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Quality Associate jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Quality Associate job openings:
Quality Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,825 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Associate Quality Director

Becton, Dickinson and Company

Sumter, SC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

BD rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

303rd of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

We are the people who give possibilities purpose
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it's no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us-from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year-to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.
Job Description
Reporting to the VP of Quality Management, the Associate Director, Plant QA leads and directly manages technical and managerial staff at the Sumter facility. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping global quality strategy and driving the tactical execution needed to achieve organizational objectives.
Through exceptional communication, proactive problem-solving, and confident navigation of ambiguity, the Associate Director ensures product safety, quality, and full compliance with global regulations and customer expectations.
Success in this role is measured by the minimization of product quality and organizational issues, as well as the continuous improvement of business process effectiveness. By fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders - and investing in the growth and development of people - the Associate Director, Plant QA delivers sustainable, industry-leading results that support key business drivers.
Responsibilities:
As the Management Representative for the Sumter Plant, (as defined per ISO 13485:2003 and 21 CFR 820). you'll serve as the cornerstone of our quality management system, bringing quality standards to life through:
  • Quality System Champion - Establishing, implementing, and maintaining vital quality management processes
  • Executive Quality Liaison - Delivering insightful performance reports to top management through Management Review meetings, highlighting improvement opportunities
  • Regulatory Awareness Ambassador - Fostering a culture where every team member understands and embraces regulatory and customer requirements
  • Inspection Point Person - Serving as the primary contact for FDA, ISO, and third-party audits, representing the Sumter site
  • Compliance Program Overseer - Managing comprehensive quality activities including CAPA, Quality Notifications, Temporary Deviations, Internal and Supplier Audits, Change Control, Calibration, and Complaint Investigations.
    • This includes compliance to applicable regulations and standards for medical devices and pharmaceutical products.
  • Product Release Guardian - Supervising laboratory operations and release personnel to ensure only safe, effective products reach customers, including on-site sterilization quality oversight
    • Responsible for approval or rejection of components, finished products, and documents to achieve this purpose.
  • Strategic Leadership Team Member - Contributing to the Plant Leadership Team and Executive Steering Committee to drive plant initiatives and achieve organizational goals
  • Quality Strategy Architect - Developing and maintaining forward-thinking quality plans and policies that align business objectives with regulatory requirements
  • Continuous Improvement Driver - Directing Quality Assurance projects through leadership teams to maintain regulatory compliance and support plant continuous improvement efforts
  • Talent Developer - Building a high-performing quality team through targeted training and professional development opportunities
  • Financial Steward - Managing the Quality department and laboratory budget with efficiency and foresight
  • Problem-Solving Partner - Collaborating with multi-functional teams to identify root causes of quality issues and customer complaints. Works with the Design Center Quality Management to drive investigations for product issues in the field and assists with the preparation of Situation Analyses.
  • Product Development Collaborator - Supporting new product initiatives and facilitating smooth Design Transfer from development to manufacturing
  • Safety Compliance Advocate - Adhering to all local, state, federal, and BD safety regulations, including RCRA Hazardous waste protocols

Required Qualifications:
  • BS degree in Engineering or Life Sciences
  • 5 years Managerial experience in highly regulated Medical Device Plant

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master Degree in Business or Engineering
  • ASQ Certification
  • Six Sigma Certification

Knowledge and Skills:
  • Exhibits an exceptional degree of ingenuity, creativity, and resourcefulness
  • Applies and / or develops highly advanced technologies, scientific principles, theories and concepts.(Viewed as expert within the field)
  • Provides technical knowledge and expertise related to competitive products as well as process technologies not currently employed at BD
  • Acquires and adapts new techniques and technologies
  • ISO 13485, 21 CFR 820, and MDSAP regulatory and quality system knowledge

Why Join Us?
To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you'll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.
We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.
To learn more about BD visit https://bd.com/careers.
Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Required Skills
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Primary Work Location
USA SC - Sumter
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About BD

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BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. We have over 65,000 employees and a presence in virtually every country around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Franklin Lakes, NJ, US

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