1

Quality Associate Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Must have 2+ years experience working in a quality control position for apparel manufacturing, cut & sew knits experience preferred Ensure garments are being sewn to specifications and adhering to ...

Must have 2+ years experience working in a quality control position for apparel manufacturing, cut & sew knits experience preferred Ensure garments are being sewn to specifications and adhering to ...

Must have 2+ years experience working in a quality control position for apparel manufacturing, cut & sew knits experience preferred Ensure garments are being sewn to specifications and adhering to ...

Associate's degree or experience in inspection preferred. * Minimum Experience (preferred): * 1 year of work experience as a Quality Inspector or 2 years of related inspection experience in the ...

Associate's degree or experience in inspection preferred. * Minimum Experience (preferred): * 1 year of work experience as a Quality Inspector or 2 years of related inspection experience in the ...

Quality Engineer

Lebanon, PA · On-site

$70K - $91K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Quality, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field preferred * 5-7 years of quality engineering experience within a manufacturing environment

Quality Inspector

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Quality Inspector is responsible for inspecting company's final products to meet established ... Associates degree from a two-year college or technical school; or two years related experience and ...

Quality Inspector is responsible for inspecting company's final products to meet established ... Associates degree from a two-year college or technical school; or two years related experience and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Quality Associate information

See Reading, PA salary details

$10

$25

$48

How much do quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality associate in Reading, PA is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $30.24 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quality jobs in Reading, PA? The most popular types of Quality jobs in Reading, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Associate jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Associate jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Quality Associate jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Quality Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Quality Associate job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,797 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Associate I, Quality Operations

Alcon

Sinking Spring, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Alcon rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

321st of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

At Alcon, we're passionate about enhancing sight and helping people see brilliantly. With more than 25,000 associates, we innovate fearlessly, champion progress, and act swiftly to impact global eye health. We foster an inclusive culture, recognizing your contributions and offering opportunities to grow your career like never before. Together, we make a difference in the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us?
This role is part of Alcon's Quality & Regulatory Affairs function, a team that ensures our products are in compliance with global, local, and internal regulations and meet the strictest standards of quality as we help people see brilliantly.
The Associate I, Quality Operations is primarily responsible for applying specialized knowledge to support project goals by monitoring product quality, resolving non-conformances, and maintaining documentation. You will use advanced quality management practices and conduct independent research.
In this role, a typical day will include:
  • Interact effectively with other facilities to support product tech transfer.
  • Support product validations through data collection.
  • Support/ execute validations, product, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
  • Ensure adequate product and process controls are in place for identified critical or major quality attributes/process parameters within assigned production areas.
  • Investigate and/or provide input on non-conformance events (NC), Corrective Actions, and Preventive Actions (CAPA) while providing guidance and approval.
  • Ensure supplier-related quality issues (i.e. customer complaints, non-conformances) with assigned commodities are corrected to prevent recurrence. Partner with the supplier on the use of root cause analysis tools paired with a formal corrective action process.
  • Ensures immediate action, including for cause visits, is taken with suppliers on issues deemed critical.
  • Track and trend NC and CAPA data with guidance using various statistical and non-statistical problem-solving tools as part of the analysis.
  • Lead product holds and quarantine when necessary.
  • Assist Manufacturing, Engineering, and other Quality functions to create a presence on the production floor to support the production process.
  • Support and promote improvement activities for production areas.
  • Uses various statistical and non-statistical problem-solving tools to analyze data, issues, or improvement opportunities.
  • Administer validation protocols associated with product/process changes including writing the initial protocol for qualification, scheduling the logistics of the protocol run with manufacturing, product testing, and evaluation writing a final technical summary to include conclusions drawn from the test data and subsequent recommendations.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING TO ALCON:
  • Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school +8 yrs; Assoc.+4 yrs)
  • The ability to fluently read, write, understand and communicate in English
  • Work hours: Exempt
  • Work Location: Onsite
  • Travel Requirements: 5-10%
  • Relocation assistance: None
  • Sponsorship available: No

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, & EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Mechanical, Industrial, Biomedical, or related field) preferred, recent graduates are encouraged to apply
  • Experience with medical devices or pharmaceuticals
  • Knowledge of Excel, Power Point and Minitab
  • Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, regulated environment
  • Interest in quality systems, manufacturing processes, and continuous improvement

HOW YOU CAN THRIVE AT ALCON:
  • Join Alcon's mission to provide outstanding, innovative products and solutions to improve sight, improve lives, and grow your career!
  • Collaborate with teammates to share standard processes and findings as work evolves!
  • See your career like never before with focused growth and development opportunities!
  • Alcon provides a robust benefits package including health, life, retirement, flexible time off for exempt associates, PTO for hourly associates, and much more!

ATTENTION: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker
If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon, please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.
Find Jobs for Employees
Find Jobs for Contingent Worker
ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY
Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to alcon.recruitment@alcon.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

What Alcon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom