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Quality Associate Jobs in Iowa, IA (NOW HIRING)

Quality Technician

Altoona, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Associate's degree or higher in Quality Assurance, Mechanical Design, or related technical field preferred. * Minimum 2 years of quality inspection experience in a manufacturing or metal fabrication ...

Minimum of 1 year of customer service, warehouse associate, or quality assurance experience in a warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing environment * Ability to perform inspections and audits across ...

Quality Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.75/hr

Quality Technician Job Overview: Our client, in industrial machining, is seeking to add a NEW ... Associate Degree in Engineering (Electrical or Mechanical) or equivalent experience. Minimum of 3 ...

Minimum of 1 year of customer service, warehouse associate, or quality assurance experience in a warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing environment * Ability to perform inspections and audits across ...

... new associates. Verifies that repairs done to the product are in conformance with the approved ... Strives to improve quality or enhance production by participating in problem solving process.

... associates. • Verifies that repairs done to the product are in conformance with the approved ... quality and reliability standards. • Strives to improve quality or enhance production by ...

Associate's Degree in Construction Management, Project Coordination or similar; experience may ... Working knowledge of Quality Management Systems and relevant software platforms. * Strong ...

What You'll Do The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Supervisor is responsible for ... Associate's Degree in Construction Management, Project Coordination or similar; experience may ...

Associate degree, and; at least 5 years of manufacturing experience; at least 2 years of quality inspection experience; at least 1 year of leadership experience; or equivalent combination of ...

Education/ Skills/ Experience: • Associate degree, and; at least 5 years of manufacturing experience; at least 2 years of quality inspection experience; at least 1 year of leadership experience; or ...

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree preferred * Prior Quality Assurance auditing experience (required) * Record of passing HPS QA Test (required) * Experience with SAP systems preferred * Proficiency in ...

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree preferred * Prior Quality Assurance auditing experience (required) * Record of passing HPS QA Test (required) * Experience with SAP systems preferred * Proficiency in ...

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree preferred * Prior Quality Assurance auditing experience (required) * Record of passing HPS QA Test (required) * Experience with SAP systems preferred * Proficiency in ...

Technical certification or associate's degree in a related field preferred. 0-2 years of experience in quality inspection or a manufacturing environment. Ability to read and interpret technical ...

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Quality Associate information

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 Iowa, IA?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in Iowa, IA are:

What cities near Iowa, IA are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities near Iowa, IA with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Iowa, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

The Quality Manager role provides expertise for product quality management and food safety systems that result in enhanced customer satisfaction and increased profits. 


Key Responsibilities:

Manage and assess the effectiveness of food safety and quality policies/programs (SQF,

FDA, Food Safety and Quality).

Coordinate the development and delivery of quality and food safety training programs for

plant management and personnel.

Mentor and responsible for taking action with plant management and associates in

quality and food safety.

Conduct risk analysis in regard to food quality for food safety incidents (Class 1, 2, or 3).

Provide expertise to plant management in current good manufacturing practice (GMPs),

sanitary design, and sanitation practices.

Review, analyze, and react to shop floor operational data and QA product tests. Use

statistical tools to optimize the process.

Lead external regulatory or customer food safety audits. Coordinate corrective action to

identified deficiencies.

Ensure that in her/his absence the food safety/quality duties will be covered by QA

Supervisor/HACCP Coordinator.

Requirements

Technical Knowledge

Job experience in quality and food safety systems

Statistical process control, corrective action and continuous process improvement experience

Cost of quality analysis experience

Specifications, calibration and process capability experience

Total quality management knowledge

Planning and designing quality projects and procedures experience

Implementation of quality initiative experience

Developing, delivering and evaluating quality and food safety training programs

Assessing quality and food safety system performance experience

Working knowledge of food processing, regulatory requirements, food preservation, food borne illness, food allergies, pest management, sanitary design, sanitation, and food microbiology


Education and Experience 

Bachelor's degree in science or related field preferred

Certification in SQF, HACCP, PCQI or other related programs.

In depth knowledge of plant sanitation, HACCP, FSMA, SSOP and GMP program writing

Knowledge of food manufacturing industry a plus and regulation inspection procedures is highly desired.

Proven supervisory and leadership abilities and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Five (5) years Operations experience in a food manufacturing company