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Quality Associate Jobs in Maple Valley, WA (NOW HIRING)

QA Inspector

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Undergraduate (associate) degree or higher, preferred * Inspector 1: 1-2 years' experience in quality inspection or manufacturing role with inspection duties required * Inspector 2: 3-5 years ...

The QA Manager partners cross-functionally with Operations,Maintenance,Supply Chain,Product ... Associate discounts * Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical ...

Position Overview The Quality Assurance Coordinator supports the site's Food Safety, Quality, and ... Associate discounts * Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical ...

Position Overview The Quality Assurance Coordinator supports the site's Food Safety, Quality, and ... Associate discounts * Health and financial well-being benefits for eligible associates (Medical ...

Construction Quality Manager

Seattle, WA · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Our services help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. We always ... Associates Degree in a related field plus 6 years of relevant construction inspection experience ...

Construction Quality Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$89K - $119K/yr

Our services help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. We always ... Associates Degree in a related field plus 6 years of relevant construction inspection experience ...

Construction Quality Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$89K - $119K/yr

Our services help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. We always ... Associates Degree in a related field plus 6 years of relevant construction inspection experience ...

Construction Quality Manager

Redmond, WA · On-site

$93K - $124K/yr

Our services help improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. We always ... Associates Degree in a related field plus 6 years of relevant construction inspection experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Quality Associate information

See Maple Valley, WA salary details

$12

$31

$58

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Maple Valley, WA is $31.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $36.44 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 Maple Valley, WA?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in Maple Valley, WA are:

What cities near Maple Valley, WA are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities near Maple Valley, WA with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Maple Valley, WA 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 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,806 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Quality Inspector - Mechanical - Welding

SQA Services

Seattle, WA • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

For almost 30 years, SQA Services has been a premier leader in the provision of managed supplier quality services for audits, assessments, remote surveillance assessments, corrective actions, remediation, inspections, and engineering to manufacturers within all industries. We deliver services by deploying associates who are located throughout the United States and in 90+ countries around the world to your supplier sites. Our associates are expert quality assurance professionals with broad experience and local knowledge who can represent our clients on-demand and on-site faster than our competitors.
 
We are seeking a detail-oriented Welding Inspector to ensure the quality, compliance, and integrity of welded components and assemblies. This role is responsible for performing inspections, verifying documentation, and ensuring all materials and workmanship meet applicable standards, drawings, and specifications. This position with be on site 4 days a week. This will include 2 days in Seattle and 2 days in Spokane with travel expenses covered. This is a contract position for the next 6 months. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform visual inspection (VT) of structural welds in accordance with AWS D1.1 acceptance criteria
  • Evaluate weld workmanship and surface condition
  • Identify weld discontinuities including:
    • Cracks
    • Undercut
    • Porosity
    • Overlap
    • Incomplete fusion indications
    • Arc strikes
    • Excessive reinforcement
    • Crater defects
  • Verify weld profiles, weld size, and contour requirements
  • Inspect fillet welds, groove welds, CJP and PJP welds
  • Welding Documentation Review

    • Review and verify approved WPS documentation
    • Confirm welder qualifications and continuity records
    • Verify welding processes and consumables comply with approved procedures
    • Review fabrication drawings and weld symbols
    • Ensure inspection requirements are properly flowed down

    In-Process and Final Inspection

    • Perform pre-weld, in-process, and final inspections
    • Verify fit-up, joint preparation, alignment, and cleanliness
    • Monitor workmanship during fabrication activities
    • Verify repairs and rework activities meet acceptance criteria
    • Coordinate with NDE personnel when required

    Reporting and Documentation

    • Generate inspection reports and nonconformance documentation
    • Document weld findings accurately and clearly
    • Provide objective disposition recommendations
    • Support corrective action and root cause investigations
    • Maintain inspection records and traceability documentation

    Supplier / Source Inspection Support

    • Perform source inspections at supplier facilities when required
    • Support supplier quality evaluations and audits
    • Communicate technical concerns professionally with suppliers and customers
    • Assist in process improvement and workmanship standardization activities
Required Qualifications:
  • Education / Experience

    • High school diploma or equivalent required
    • Technical training in welding inspection preferred
    • Minimum 3-5 years of structural welding inspection experience preferred
    • Experience inspecting structural steel fabrication and welded assemblies

    Technical Knowledge

    Strong working knowledge of:

    • AWS D1.1 requirements
    • AWS B1.11 visual inspection practices
    • Weld symbols and fabrication drawings
    • Welding processes:
      • FCAW
      • GMAW
      • SMAW
      • GTAW (preferred)
    • Structural steel fabrication practices
    • Weld gauges and inspection tools
    • Weld discontinuities and workmanship evaluation
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
  • VT Level II certification
  • NDE certifications (MT/PT preferred)
  • OSHA safety training
  • Structural steel fabrication experience
$35 - $40 an hour
Note: This position requires access to ITAR-controlled technical data and/or defense articles. As such, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder) to comply with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who do not meet these criteria will not be considered for this role.
 
SQA Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
 
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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