1

Quality Associate Jobs in Minooka, IL (NOW HIRING)

We are currently hiring Food Quality Associates immediately for a leading local client in Joliet, IL. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the preparation of fresh meal kits ...

The Quality Assurance Associate audits our production processes to ensure our customers receive a safe, high-quality product. This position completes various inspections on the quality of fresh ...

The Quality Assurance Associate audits our production processes to ensure our customers receive a safe, high-quality product. This position completes various inspections on the quality of fresh ...

Be Seen First

Quality Control Associate HQC Inc. | Oswego, IL | Full-Time 3rd Shift: 10:45pm-7:15am Starting pay $18-20 an hour Join the HQC Team: HQC Inc. is a well-established plastic injection molding company ...

Plant Manager

Channahon, IL · On-site

$133.80 - $157.40/hr

Minimum five (5) years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role that includes responsibility for P&L, safety, quality, associate development, production, and financial & inventory management.

Warehouse Associates - QC (Quality Control) Position Romeoville, IL $19.00 per hour 11am to 7:30pm Be sure to create your candidate account when you apply! About the Role As a Warehouse Associate ...

Warehouse Associates - QC (Quality Control) Position Romeoville, IL $19.00 per hour 11am to 7:30pm Be sure to create your candidate account when you apply! About the Role As a Warehouse Associate ...

Warehouse Associates - QC (Quality Control) Position Romeoville, IL $19.00 per hour 11am to 7:30pm Be sure to create your candidate account when you apply! About the Role As a Warehouse Associate ...

Quality Engineer

Minooka, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... associates Assists with the creation of area Quality loss profile analysis and performance metrics Develops gap analysis to support WPS integration Supports Department Managers with WPS programs ...

Quality Engineer

Minooka, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... associates Assists with the creation of area Quality loss profile analysis and performance metrics Develops gap analysis to support WPS integration Supports Department Managers with WPS programs ...

Plant Manager

Channahon, IL · On-site

$133K - $157K/yr

Minimum 5 years of overall manufacturing experience in a leadership role, including responsibility for P&L, safety, quality, associate development, production, and financial and inventory management

Assigns QA team work schedules, directs team, trains associates in required QA processes and monitor's associates' compliance and progress. Key Accountabilities : * Monitor and report level of QMS ...

Assigns QA team work schedules, directs team, trains associates in required QA processes and monitor's associates' compliance and progress. Key Accountabilities : * Monitor and report level of QMS ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Quality Associate information

See Minooka, IL salary details

$10

$26

$49

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Minooka, IL is $26.30, 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 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 Minooka, IL?

The most popular types of Quality jobs in Minooka, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Quality Associate jobs in Minooka, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Quality Associate jobs in Minooka, IL are:

What cities near Minooka, IL are hiring for Quality Associate jobs?

Cities near Minooka, IL with the most Quality Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Minooka, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,700 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Internship - Food Safety & Quality Associate

General Mills

Geneva, IL • On-site

$28.85/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


General Mills rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.

Internship - Food Safety & Quality Associate

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, includingCheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry and more. H eadquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2026net sales U.S.$18billion.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY AT GENERAL MILLS?

Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Associates lead programs and provide technical expertise to ensure the safety, regulatory compliance, and quality of General Mills food.

WHAT WILL I DO?

As a Quality Associate (QA) Intern you will experience a robust 10-week internship leading business critical projects at one of our US manufacturing locations with hopes that you’ll roll into our full-time QA program upon graduation. Our QA internship provides front-line, factory-based experiences that provide in-role practices to build expertise in Food Safety and Quality, manufacturing, and people leadership. The QA Intern will be a key team player on their assigned system(s), with no two days the same within the manufacturing facility. The variety of tasks include:

  • Evaluate and implement food safety and quality systems improvements
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data to make quality driven process capability improvements
  • Assess risk using problem solving techniques

QA Interns will develop a professional network with mentors and other technical experts locally and at the corporate office. They will also engage regularly with other members of the General Mills Supply Chain Development Program in their facility and across the network inclusive of Manufacturing, Logistics and Sourcing focused peers.

Key FSQ Responsibilities

Lead safety and quality strategy and act to address gaps and effectively mitigate risk.

  • Collaborate with internal business partners in Research & Development (R&D), Operations, Engineering and Maintenance to validate manufacturing controls and system capability to meet consumer and specification requirements.
  • Manage issues with non-confirming product including risk assessment, data driven decision making and eliminate future occurrences through root cause analysis.
  • Protect General Mills’ brands and engender consumer trust by ensuring the manufacturing of safe, quality food.
  • Gain exposure to building external relationships with regulatory, industry and audit agencies in support of global manufacturing.
  • Learning from and Leading Operators, Technicians and Mechanics to grow your coaching, team building, and people-development skill set.

WHERE WILL I WORK?

You will be placed at one of our manufacturing plant locations nationwide.

IS THIS YOU?

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science , Engineering (primarily Chemical / Food Process / Biological), or related degree
  • Graduating in Winter 202 7 or Spring 202 8

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong academic record
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve results and a commitment to developing technical and business skills
  • Learning agility, curiosity & inventiveness are key in Food, Safety & Quality
  • Strong interpersonal & communication skills, passion for food safety and quality , enthusiasm, and the ability to conduct themselves professionally
  • Demonstrated people, technical, and process leadership skills and a willingness to engage in hands-on work on the manufacturing floor

HUNGRY FOR WHAT’S NEXT?

  • Internship is 10-weeks in Summer 202 7
  • Relocation assistance (if eligible)

The hourly rate for this position is $28.85/hour. General Mills strives to provide fair and competitive pay that reflects your skills, experience, and academic background. The pay for this role considers many factors, including, but not limited to, your degree program, major, and year in school. Beyond a competitive hourly rate, as a General Mills intern, you'll gain access to a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall development and wellbeing. This includes partially subsidized housing & relocation assistance (if applicable & requirements are met), a summer of learning and fun featuring networking opportunities with company leaders, comprehensive health benefits, wellbeing resources, and other valuable perks . Specific benefits may vary by role, location, and eligibility requirements.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION REQUEST

If you need to request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please fill out our online accommodation request form by following this link: Accommodation Request .


What General Mills employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


General Mills logo

About General Mills

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Mills, Inc. manufactures some of the most beloved foods in the world, including Cheerios and Lucky Charms, Nature Valley granola bars, Totino's pizza rolls, and Yoplait yogurt. Blue Buffalo became part of General Mills in 2018, so even your pets love us too.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1928