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Quality Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Technician,Quality

Lexington, SC · On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

The Blueprint (Role Profile) The Sr. Quality Technician ensures materials and products meet the ... Each day, our associates strive to find new and exciting ways to help our customers solve their ...

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 ...

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 ...

Quality Technician

Columbia, SC

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

E.D. equivalent, CQA / Associate Degree Preferred * Minimum of 3-5 years' Quality Auditor experience or equivalent Manufacturing Quality experience. WORKING CONDITIONS * Factory environment with ...

New

Quality Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School degree (or equivalent) and 3 years of related work experience OR an associate degree in ... Experience in quality assurance and auditing is required. * Must be willing to work flexible hours.

Quality Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School degree (or equivalent) and 3 years of related work experience OR an associate degree in ... Experience in quality assurance and auditing is required. * Must be willing to work flexible hours.

Quality Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School degree (or equivalent) and 3 years of related work experience OR an associate degree in ... Experience in quality assurance and auditing is required. * Must be willing to work flexible hours.

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Panelboard Quality Inspector. The hours for ... associates and providing assistance when needed, particularly for complex tasks and for product ...

Panelboard Quality Inspector

Sumter, SC · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Eaton's ES AMER ARS division is currently seeking a Panelboard Quality Inspector. The hours for ... associates and providing assistance when needed, particularly for complex tasks and for product ...

Quality Systems Manager

Sumter, SC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Associate; including direction, assignment of work, hiring, development and training, disciplinary actions, termination, maintenance of personnel records, work schedule and delegation/follow-up of ...

Quality Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Engineer will be maintaining quality engineering programs, standards and improvements within the organization. What a typical day looks like: * Develops and initiates standards and ...

Quality Engineer

Columbia, SC

$66K - $86K/yr

The Quality Engineer serves as a liaison between internal teams, external customers, and suppliers -- building strong relationships and ensuring quality standards are upheld across all areas of ...

Quality Engineer

Columbia, SC

$66K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Engineer will be maintaining quality engineering programs, standards and improvements within the organization. What a typical day looks like: * Develops and initiates standards and ...

1st Quality Inspector

Columbia, SC · On-site

$18.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High School degree (or equivalent) and 3 years of related work experience OR an associate degree in ... Experience in quality assurance and auditing is required. * Must be willing to work flexible hours.

Quality Engineer

Columbia, SC

$66K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Engineer will effectively administer the Quality Management System in accordance with current procedures and work instructions, and will collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering ...

New

Quality Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Engineer will effectively administer the Quality Management System in accordance with current procedures and work instructions, and will collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering ...

New

Quality Inspector (Kinston, NC)

Columbia, SC

$68K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate Degree in Aerospace, Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, or Quality preferred. Experience * Minimum 3 years of quality inspection experience in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft assembly ...

New

Project Quality Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who You Are The Project Quality Engineer (PQE) serves as the primary quality interface assigned to one or more projects, supporting the successful execution of customer requirements while ensuring ...

Project Quality Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$66K - $86K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Who You Are The Project Quality Engineer (PQE) serves as the primary quality interface assigned to one or more projects, supporting the successful execution of customer requirements while ensuring ...

Showing results 21-40

Quality Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$10

$24

$46

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 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 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 cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,825 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Technician,Quality

Apex Tool Group, LLC

Lexington, SC • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Apex Tool Group rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

The Blueprint (Role Profile)
The Sr. Quality Technician ensures materials and products meet the required quality standards prior to shipment. This position works closely with plant personnel, supervisors, and management and is involved in each step in the manufacturing, testing, and packaging process. Core hours for this role will be 2pm-10:30pm.
The Build (Responsibilities)
  • Inspect materials, in-process work, packaging, and finished products to verify conformance before shipment.
  • Use gauges and measuring equipment to validate product dimensions and requirements against drawings and specifications.
  • Record measurement data into quality records and prepare findings as required.
  • Prepare quality alerts and communicate product or personnel quality concerns to the right leaders.
  • Assist with disposition of nonconforming material and document deviations from standards or requirements.
  • Train plant personnel in specific quality practices, inspection methods, and customer requirements.
  • Coordinate equipment calibration, including intervals, procedures, and vendor interface. Act as secondary to Gage crib as needed.
  • Follow company policies, obey safety rules, wear PPE, and keep the work area clean and orderly.

The Toolbox (Qualifications)
High school diploma or GED.
Minimum 3 years of related quality, manufacturing, or inspection experience.
Ability to read drawings, specifications, procedures, and standard practices.
Proficiency using gauges, measuring instruments, and inspection equipment.
Familiarity with process, product, and/or internal quality auditing techniques.
Ability to collect, maintain, analyze, and report quality data.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word
Ability to work overtime, Saturdays, PPE requirements, and active manufacturing conditions as needed.
Prior SAP experience.
Knowledge of metals and/or prior metals industry experience.
Advanced Excel, Access database programming, or data automation skills.
ISO 9001, Internal Auditing or Quality Management System experience.
Calibration system organization or vendor coordination experience.
Root cause and corrective action tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, 8D, or A3.
Experience training or mentoring operators and production employees.
At Apex Tool Group (www.apextoolgroup.com), we build innovation. Each day, our associates strive to find new and exciting ways to help our customers solve their most complex challenges. By harnessing our global resources, unprecedented insights and spirit for service, we build more than just tools for the jobsite - we help build the future.
ATG is a global manufacturer of hand and power tools, tool storage and accessories, chain, and electronic soldering solutions with more than $1.2 billion in annual revenues. Our 6,700 associates around the world have built powerhouse brands like GEARWRENCH®, SATA®, Crescent®, Cleco®, Weller® and APEX®. Our brands are trusted by the professional trades and DIY enthusiasts alike. With our roots dating back to the 1800's, our tools have driven technological advancements that drive efficiency, speed and safety for customers in a broad range of commercial and consumer markets.
As part of the ATG team, you will move fast, think globally, learn from your colleagues and grow your career. You'll enjoy competitive benefits, a healthy work/life balance and have opportunities to give back to the communities we serve.
Our six core values - Customers Come First, Integrity in All We Do, Continuous Improvement, Innovation for Growth, Passion to Succeed and Best Talent, One Team - drive our daily decisions. Connect with us on social media to learn more - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
If your goal is to work where finding a better way never ends and your ideas become reality, join us and say #WeBuildATG!

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