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Quality Associate Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Quality Engineer

Midland, GA · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

Full time contract to direct opportunity in Midland, GA for an experienced Quality Engineer. Hourly range: $40.00 - $55.00/hr Full benefits included US Citizenship required SR Quality Engineer What ...

PBV

Lead Quality Technician

Salem, AL · On-site

Reviews daily records for accuracy, trains new associates, and works with the team to ensure only the highest quality products are manufactured. Other responsibilities include testing water quality ...

V2X

Quality Systems Analyst

Columbus, GA · On-site

Must have an associate degree with three (3) years of Quality experience or three (3) or more years of Quality on the job experience as their primary duties. * A minimum three-year general experience ...

4pconsultinginc

Quality Lead 2

Columbus, GA · On-site

Quality Planning & Oversight * Assist project management with the development and implementation of the project quality plan. * Provide oversight of onsite contractors, ensuring work complies with ...

Epta

Quality Site Leader

Columbus, GA · On-site +1

QUALITY LEADER Job Purpose: The Quality Leader is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the adherence to quality management systems, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards across all ...

Epta

Quality Site Leader

Columbus, GA · On-site

QUALITY LEADER Job Purpose: The Quality Leader is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the adherence to quality management systems, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards across all ...

Carmax

Supply Associate

Mauk, GA · On-site

$16.65 - $18.18/hr

Complete final quality inspections to uphold CarMax standards * Execute paint touch-ups, wet ... Completion of New Associate Orientation Training - Operations * Ability to read, interpret, and ...

Carmax

Inventory Associate

Box Springs, GA · On-site

$16.65 - $18.18/hr

Complete final quality inspections to uphold CarMax standards * Execute paint touch-ups, wet ... Completion of New Associate Orientation Training - Operations * Ability to read, interpret, and ...

Carmax

Supply Associate

Geneva, GA · On-site

$16.65 - $18.18/hr

Complete final quality inspections to uphold CarMax standards * Execute paint touch-ups, wet ... Completion of New Associate Orientation Training - Operations * Ability to read, interpret, and ...

Carmax

Inventory Associate

Upatoi, GA · On-site

$16.65 - $18.18/hr

Complete final quality inspections to uphold CarMax standards * Execute paint touch-ups, wet ... Completion of New Associate Orientation Training - Operations * Ability to read, interpret, and ...

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All JobsQuality Associate JobsQuality Associate Jobs in Columbus, GA

Quality Associate information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$9

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$45

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Columbus, GA is $24.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $28.17 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.

More about Quality Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Quality jobs in Columbus, GA?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in Columbus, GA are:

What job categories do people searching Quality Associate jobs in Columbus, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Quality Associate jobs in Columbus, GA are:

What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Quality Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,143 per year, or $24.1 per hour.

Quality Assurance Associate

The J.M. Smucker Company

Columbus, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

J.M. Smucker rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Your Opportunity as a Quality Assurance Associate
As a part of the Hostess/Smucker's Quality Assurance Team you'll be responsible for monitoring compliance with food safety and quality standards & procedures on and off the production floor to ensure product conforms to specification and food safety practices are followed. Assist in documentation involving HACCP, Food Safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices.
Location: Columbus, GA Bakery
Work Arrangements for Quality Assurance Associate:
  • 100% Onsite (Can be from 8,10 or 12-hour shifts)
  • 1st Shift (6am-6pm)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Monitor production to ensure all documentation is complete. Monitor scaling of raw materials, mixing of ingredients to ensure compliance with formula cards (i.e., correct ingredients, correct lot codes, quantities). Verify and conduct process control audits and address out of specification findings in a timely manner.
  • Verify control points are being monitored and are acceptable per food safety requirements.
  • Ensure product specifications, weights, color and other attributes of finished product are acceptable.
  • Control out of specification products and provide recommendation of disposition.
  • Monitor packaging to ensure correct labelling, date coding, and correct packaging is being followed.
  • Organoleptic tests of finished goods to ensure acceptance to standards, taste, eye appeal, odor etc.
  • Advise QA Manager regarding questionable product, discarding of bad product or possible stopping of production line to correct or prevent product food safety & quality issues.
  • Monitor production processing and assist operators in making adjustments to processing methods during production to improve product quality & consistency.
  • Monitor metal detectors and scales to ensure complete accuracy.
  • Assist production employees with label printing as necessary.
  • Work with production and warehouse to control, maintain, and/or improve as appropriate the handling, storage and usage of all other materials.
  • Provide individual or group training to production employees on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), product specifications, SPC, production controls, formulas, visual quality inspection criteria, GMP, Food Safety procedures.
  • Assist in development of SOPs by working with production operators to understand current operating procedures, identify best methods. Assist in developing HACCP/Food Safety Plans, Food Defense Plans and Global Food Safety Initiative audit schemes such as BRC.
  • Participate in audits and participate in internal audits.
  • Perform GMP inspection.
  • Control and retain samples and associated reports.
  • Conduct sampling as required by company procedures.
  • Conduct inspections of equipment during preoperational inspection, changeovers and/or as required by company policies.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Requires high school diploma, or equivalent.
  • Previous experience in Quality or Food Safety in a food manufacturing environment.
  • Requires flexible schedule & strong computer skills in excel and other programs.
  • Must be self-disciplined, pay attention to detail, multitask, be comfortable training and be a good communicator.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to stand, walk, kneel/squat, climb, bend and lift a maximum of 50lbs.
Learn more about working at Smucker:
  • Our Total Rewards Benefits Program
  • Our Thriving Together Philosophy Supporting All Impacted by Our Business
  • Our Continued Progress on Inclusion, Diversity and Equity

Follow us on LinkedIn®
We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, and encourage minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.
The Right Place for You
We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

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