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Quality Assurance Associate Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Requirement : Previous 1 year of quality assurance and food safety experience required. Cold ... Associates Degree in an Engineering or Business Field, and 5 years' of experience in the ...

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Quality Assurance Associate information

See Kansas salary details

$11

$26

$55

How much do quality assurance associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality assurance associate in Kansas is $26.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $30.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Quality Assurance Associate vs Quality Control Inspector?

AspectQuality Assurance AssociateQuality Control Inspector
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ASQ CQIA or related quality assurance trainingMay require certifications such as ISO auditor or specific industry standards
Work EnvironmentInvolves process audits, documentation, and improving quality systemsFocuses on inspecting products or materials for defects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and tech industriesPrimarily in manufacturing, food production, and assembly lines

While both roles focus on quality, the Quality Assurance Associate emphasizes developing and maintaining quality systems and processes, whereas the Quality Control Inspector concentrates on inspecting products for defects. Both roles are essential for ensuring product quality but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Which pays more, QA or QC?

In the quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) fields, QA roles typically offer higher salaries because they involve broader responsibilities such as process improvement and compliance management. QC positions often focus on inspecting and testing products, which may have lower pay scales. Salary differences can vary based on industry, experience, and certifications like Six Sigma or ISO standards.

What is the role of a quality assurance associate?

A quality assurance associate is responsible for monitoring and testing products or services to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications. They often develop testing procedures, document issues, and collaborate with teams to improve processes, using tools like checklists and quality management systems. Attention to detail and knowledge of industry regulations are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by Quality Assurance Associates in ensuring consistent product quality?

Quality Assurance Associates often encounter challenges such as managing tight production deadlines while maintaining thorough testing standards, addressing unexpected defects, and adapting quickly to new regulatory or product requirements. Effective communication with production, development, and regulatory teams is crucial for resolving issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving quality standards and continuously improving testing processes are also important for success in this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a QA?

To become a Quality Assurance Associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with many roles preferring a bachelor's degree in a related field such as quality assurance, engineering, or computer science. Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and familiarity with testing tools or software are important, along with good communication skills. Certifications like ISTQB can enhance prospects but are not always required.

Is QA a good entry level job?

Quality Assurance Associate roles are often suitable for entry-level candidates, as they typically require attention to detail, basic understanding of testing processes, and familiarity with tools like test management software. These positions can provide valuable industry experience and opportunities for skill development in areas such as software testing, documentation, and quality standards.

What does a Quality Assurance Associate do?

A Quality Assurance Associate is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the various processes involved in product development and production to ensure they meet established quality standards. Their duties typically include conducting inspections, documenting findings, assisting in process improvements, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. They play a critical role in identifying defects, reducing errors, and maintaining the overall quality of products or services before they reach customers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Quality Assurance Associate, and why are they important?

To excel as a Quality Assurance Associate, you need a solid understanding of quality control principles, attention to detail, and often a degree in a related field like chemistry, biology, or engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard quality management systems (such as ISO 9001), statistical analysis software, and documentation tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are highly valued in this role. These skills ensure that products and processes consistently meet standards, reduce errors, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Assurance jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Quality Assurance jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Assurance Associate jobs in Kansas? For Quality Assurance Associate jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Quality Assurance Associate jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Quality Assurance Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Quality Assurance Associate job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,336 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Quality Assurance Associate - Supplier Management

Quality Assurance Associate - Supplier Management

Elanco

Elwood, KS • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Your Role: Quality Assurance Associate - Supplier Management

As a Quality Assurance Associate - Supplier Management, you will support quality and compliance activities at our Elwood, Kansas facility. In this role, you will be responsible for material and packaging release activities, specification management, audit support, quality system records, and cross-functional collaboration with Manufacturing, Warehouse, and Supply Chain teams to ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Your Responsibilities:

  • Manage quality assurance activities related to material movement, including disposition, hold, rejection, and release of incoming materials.

  • Support Manufacturing and Warehouse teams by promoting compliance through leadership, collaboration, and day-to-day quality oversight.

  • Own the lifecycle management of material and packaging specifications, including drafting, annual review, and revision updates.

  • Conduct gap assessments for material, packaging, labeling specifications, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

  • Draft, route, and complete quality system records including change controls, deviations, CAPAs, and investigations within the Veeva Quality Management System.

  • Participate in and lead internal and supplier audits while supporting documentation requests for external regulatory audits.

  • Analyze quality events, investigations, and projects to determine appropriate actions and independently resolve complex technical and compliance issues.

  • Represent Quality Assurance on cross-functional project teams and provide quality guidance to support business objectives.

  • Author and revise quality documents, procedures, and records to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and internal standards.

  • Conduct SAP transactions to support material release activities and verify data accuracy within the system.

  • Support records management and archival activities while assisting other Quality Assurance team members as needed.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in a Life Science discipline preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a regulated industry (USDA, FDA, ISO, GMP, or similar) with direct Quality Assurance experience.

  • Strong understanding of quality systems, GMP principles, and applicable regulatory requirements.

  • Experience reviewing and approving quality documentation, investigations, deviations, CAPAs, and change controls.

  • Demonstrated ability to make sound independent decisions and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

  • Strong technical writing, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (preferred qualifications):

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or another Life Science field.

  • Experience with Veeva Quality Management Systems and SAP.

  • Knowledge of risk management tools and basic statistical analysis.

  • Experience conducting supplier, internal, and regulatory audits.

  • Familiarity with USDA, FDA, ISO, and GMP requirements within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or veterinary biologics manufacturing environments.

  • Demonstrated project management experience and ability to lead quality initiatives across functional teams.

  • Experience supporting continuous improvement and compliance-focused programs.

Additional Information:

  • Travel: 0-5%

  • Location: Elwood, Kansas

  • 24/7 Manufacturing Facility

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus offering

  • Flexible work arrangements

  • Up to 6% 401(k) matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against jobrelated criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.


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