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Quality Associate Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

ND DEFENSE LLC

Electronic Quality Inspector

West Point, MS · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Associate's degree in Electronics, Quality, or a related technical field preferred. * 5+ years of quality inspection experience in electronics manufacturing, including exposure to both circuit card ...

W3Global Inc.

Quality Engineer

Columbus, MS

$75K - $125K/yr

Develop and implement quality procedures in alignment with customer requirements and process specifications. * Establish and maintain sampling plans using recognized statistical methodologies.

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Starkville, MS · On-site

... product quality. This position also helps to protect the brand by maintaining a sanitary, safe ... NEWK'S Associate Managers treat all people with courtesy and respectful attitude. They are reliable ...

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Starkville, MS

As a member of the management team, the Associate Manager assists in providing direction and ... Help to protect the brand by maintaining a sanitary, safe, respectful, efficient and quality work ...

Newk's Eatery

Associate Manager

Starkville, MS · On-site

As a member of the management team, the Associate Manager assists in providing direction and ... Help to protect the brand by maintaining a sanitary, safe, respectful, efficient and quality work ...

Rural King

Recovery Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services What ... Provide unwavering high-quality customer service to ensure an enjoyable shopping experience.

Rural King

Recovery Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services ... Provide unwavering high-quality customer service to ensure an enjoyable shopping experience.

Rural King

Recovery Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services ... Provide unwavering high-quality customer service to ensure an enjoyable shopping experience.

Hibbett Retail, Inc.

Sales Associate

Starkville, MS

$8 - $10/hr

Store Manager SUMMARY The Sales Associate is responsible for a providing quality customer service and driving product sales. The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area or department in ...

Hibbett Retail, Inc.

Sales Associate

Starkville, MS

$8 - $10/hr

Store Manager SUMMARY The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting the store's management staff with providing quality customer service. The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area ...

Hibbett Retail, Inc.

Sales Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

$8 - $10/hr

Store Manager SUMMARY The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting the store's management staff with providing quality customer service. The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area ...

Hibbett Retail, Inc.

Sales Associate

Columbus, MS

$8 - $10/hr

Store Manager SUMMARY The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting the store's management staff with providing quality customer service. The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area ...

Hibbett Retail, Inc.

Sales Associate

Columbus, MS

$8 - $10/hr

Store Manager SUMMARY The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting the store's management staff with providing quality customer service. The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area ...

Hibbett Retail, Inc.

Sales Associate

West Point, MS · On-site

$8 - $10/hr

Store Manager SUMMARY The Sales Associate is responsible for assisting the store's management staff with providing quality customer service. The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

$12.25 - $14/hr

Our focus has always been bringing our customers a constant stream of high-quality brands and on ... The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Our focus has always been bringing our customers a constant stream of high-quality brands and on ... The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ...

Rural King

Firearms Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services ... Supervisory Responsibilities None Qualifications Essential Qualities for Success * High school ...

Rural King

Firearms Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services What You'll do The purpose of a ... Supervisory Responsibilities None Essential Qualities for Success * High school diploma or ...

Rural King

Firearms Associate

Columbus, MS · On-site

Associate Assistance Program * RK Cares Associate Hardship Program * 24/7 Chaplaincy Services ... Supervisory Responsibilities None QualificationsEssential Qualities for Success * High school ...

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All JobsQuality Associate JobsQuality Associate Jobs in Columbus, MS

Quality Associate information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$10

$26

$49

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Columbus, MS is $26.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $30.77 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 Columbus, MS? The most popular types of Quality jobs in Columbus, MS are:
What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Quality Associate jobs? Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Quality Associate job openings:
Quality Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,741 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Electronic Quality Inspector

ND DEFENSE LLC

West Point, MS • On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

ND Defense LLC is seeking an experienced Electronics Quality Inspector to lead inspection activities across both circuit card assembly (CCA) and wire harness/cable assembly production at our West Point, MS manufacturing facility. This role serves as the technical authority for inspection criteria on the production floor, mentors junior inspectors, and drives continuous improvement in first-pass yield and defect containment across both product lines. This position supports a defense manufacturing environment and requires strict adherence to customer specifications, workmanship standards, and export control requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Circuit Card Assembly (CCA)

  • Perform in-process and final inspection of printed circuit board assemblies, including solder joint quality, component placement, polarity, and conformal coating where applicable.
  • Apply J-STD-001 (Soldering) and IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) criteria to SMT and through-hole assemblies.
  • Identify and document defects such as solder bridging, tombstoning, insufficient wetting, cold joints, and component damage.
  • Support AOI (automated optical inspection) and, where applicable, X-ray inspection review and disposition.
  • Verify ESD-control procedures are followed during handling and inspection of static-sensitive assemblies.

Wire Harness / Cable Assembly

  • Lead in-process and final inspection of wire harnesses and cable assemblies against engineering drawings, work instructions, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies).
  • Verify crimp quality, wire routing, continuity/hipot test results, labeling, and connector assembly.

Shared Quality Responsibilities

  • Perform first article inspections (FAI) and support AS9102 documentation as required by customer contracts.
  • Review incoming material inspection results and coordinate material review board (MRB) dispositions for nonconforming material.
  • Identify, document, and drive root cause / corrective action (RCCA) for recurring defects in coordination with Engineering and Production.
  • Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior and floor-level quality inspectors across both CCA and harness lines; review their inspection results for consistency.
  • Maintain and calibrate inspection tools and gauges (calipers, continuity/hipot testers, pull testers, magnification equipment) per calibration schedule.
  • Support internal audits and customer/government quality audits (AS9100 / ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements).
  • Maintain accurate, complete inspection records and quality documentation, consistent with document control and CUI handling procedures.
  • Participate in Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities as applicable to assigned programs.
  • Escalate quality risks that could affect delivery schedule or contractual compliance to the Quality Manager.
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate's degree in Electronics, Quality, or a related technical field preferred.
  • 5+ years of quality inspection experience in electronics manufacturing, including exposure to both circuit card assembly and wire harness/cable assembly, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior inspector capacity.
  • Current or ability to obtain certification in IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies) and IPC/WHMA-A-620 (Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies); J-STD-001 certification a plus.
  • Working knowledge of blueprint reading, GD&T fundamentals, and use of standard inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, continuity/hipot testers, pull testers, magnification systems).
  • Experience supporting AS9100 / ISO 9001 quality management systems.
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify subtle workmanship defects across both PCB assemblies and harness/cable builds.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, BOMs, schematics, and customer specifications.
  • Strong written communication skills for inspection records, nonconformance reports, and corrective action documentation.
  • US Person


ND Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/Veteran