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Quality Associate Jobs in Hampstead, MD (NOW HIRING)

Quality Manager

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Our Associates are the reason for our success, and developing their talent remains critical to our future. AWC is hiring a Quality Manager for our Baltimore Fairfield location in the Curtis Bay area ...

Quality Manager

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Our Associates are the reason for our success, and developing their talent remains critical to our future. AWC is hiring a Quality Manager for our Baltimore Fairfield location in the Curtis Bay area ...

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Associate degree * ASQ CQI certification * CMM and ERP experience * Experience supporting an AS9100 ... Quality Employment Type: Full Time Experience Level: Experienced Compensation: $25-$35 per hour

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Associate degree * ASQ CQI certification * CMM and ERP experience * Experience supporting an AS9100 ... Quality Employment Type: Full Time Experience Level: Experienced Compensation: $25-$35 per hour

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Associate degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Quality Assurance, or related discipline. * ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification. * Experience with Coordinate Measuring ...

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Associate degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Quality Assurance, or related discipline. * ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification. * Experience with Coordinate Measuring ...

Associate degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Quality Assurance, or related discipline. * ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification. * Experience with Coordinate Measuring ...

Quality Inspector

Reisterstown, MD · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Associate degree in Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, Quality Assurance, or related discipline. * ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certification. * Experience with Coordinate Measuring ...

Quality Technician

Hanover, PA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

... Associate degree in a technical field preferred • Additional training and/or certifications in quality systems preferred Experience: • Assembly experience preferred • Past experience in an ...

Quality Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... associate's degree with significant relevant experience. * 3-7+ years of quality engineering ... experience inindustrial machine / capital equipment manufacturing(custom machinery, OEM equipment ...

Quality Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

... associate's degree with significant relevant experience. * 3-7+ years of quality engineering ... experience in industrial machine / capital equipment manufacturing (custom machinery, OEM equipment ...

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Quality Associate information

See Hampstead, MD salary details

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How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Hampstead, MD is $26.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.98 and $31.01 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 Hampstead, MD?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in Hampstead, MD are:

What cities near Hampstead, MD are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities near Hampstead, MD with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Hampstead, MD 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 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,196 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Associate Quality Engineer

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Northrop Grumman Corporation
Space Research Administration • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: NoDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We are looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we 'II support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you 'II have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is currently seeking an Associate Quality Engineer to join our team in Baltimore, MD at our BWI facility.
What You'll Get to Do:

  • Develop, modify, apply and maintain quality evaluation and control systems andprotocols for processing materials into partially finished or finished materialsproduct.

  • Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing functions to ensure quality standards are in place.

  • Participate in Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), HQMS and Continuous Improvement activities at the introductory level.

  • Maintain Key Performance Metrics (SRR, FTTTY, FTTIY, NDR, copa test data,etc.) and Charts used to identify trends and track performance process andquality performance.

  • Work with Test Engineers on Test Engineering software.

  • Ensure that products conform to established company and regulatorystandards.

  • Identify and review product non-conformances.

  • Use data to make Quality decisions.

  • Implement and enforce adherence to Prop, CADSTAR drawings, Quality Assurance Directives (QAD), Work Instructions to fit program quality objectives.

  • Support Functional/ Physical Process Assessments.

  • Read basic blueprints.

  • Interpret drawings and MIL-STDs.

  • Disposition hardware defects and non-conformances.

  • Participate in the resolution of any quality requirements non-conformanceStandard Repairs or exceptions (MRB, DTO, etc.)

  • Present Program Risks and Opportunities within the Cell.

  • Devise and implement methods and procedures, for inspecting, testing and evaluating the precision and accuracy of products and production equipment.

  • Design and analyze inspection and testing processes, mechanisms andequipment.

  • Assess the cost of and determine the responsibility for products or materials thatdo not meet required standards and specifications.

  • Audit quality systems to identify deficiencies and track corrective actions.

  • Initiate Corrective Action Plans and work with suppliers, manufacturing, and engineering personnel to identify the root cause and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.

  • Ensure that corrective measures meet acceptable reliability standards, and thatdocumentation is compliant with requirements.

  • Work from engineering drawings, diagrams, customer specifications, inspectioninstructions, and checklists to ensure items meet required specifications and qualitystandards.

  • Lead and implement Continuous Improvement actions to reduce defect count onmanufacturing floor.

  • May participate in the areas of design, incoming material inspection, productioncontrol, product evaluation and reliability, inventory control and/or research anddevelopment as they apply to product or process quality.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, andMathematics) field with a minimum of 2 years experience in Quality Assurance, or investigating failures and identifying root causes or in Manufacturing, Process, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering field of work performing technical job functions; OR a Masters Degree in a STEM field

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S.Government Secret Clearance

  • US Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with IS09001 or AS9100 Quality Management System and AS9102 First Article Inspections (FAI)

  • Green/BIack Belt Certified in Lean Six-sigma

  • Certified in Lean and Six-Sigma methodologies

  • Certified auditor

  • SAP Experience

  • SQL experience

  • Active U.S.Government Secret Clearance

  • Experience using Microsoft Excel, Minitab, Tableau or equivalent tools for statistical analysis

Primary Level Salary Range: $79,600.00 - $119,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939