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Quality Assurance Associate Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Global Modular, Inc.

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QUALITY ASSURANCE MANAGER

Atwater, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

The QA Manager is responsible for establishing and implementing the quality standards throughout the company resulting in the elimination of re-work and field service calls, His/Her activities ...

Joseph Gallo Cheese Company

QA TECHNICIAN

Atwater, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $23.50/hr

Report all activities and suggestions to improve QC and packaging operations to QA management. * Foot foamers/Glue boards/Foggers. * Have the ability to be a self-starter and to work with little ...

Certified Group

Microbiology Lab Tech

Turlock, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.25/hr

Maintain laboratory condition, to include equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and ... Associate degree in Life Science or two years of laboratory experience, preferred * Broad knowledge ...

Mariposa County

Mental Health Clinician

Mariposa, CA · On-site

$73K - $89K/yr

Develops, conducts, and/or participates in quality assurance and program evaluation studies ... Requestors of associate numbers must receive the number within 90 days of hire to remain employed.

Mariposa County, CA

Mental Health Clinician

Mariposa, CA · On-site

$73K - $89K/yr

Develops, conducts, and/or participates in quality assurance and program evaluation studies ... Requestors of associate numbers must receive the number within 90 days of hire to remain employed.

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All JobsQuality Assurance Associate JobsQuality Assurance Associate Jobs in Merced, CA

Quality Assurance Associate information

See Merced, CA salary details

$13

$30

$65

How much do quality assurance associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality assurance associate in Merced, CA is $30.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $36.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a quality assurance associate?

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 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 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.

Is a Quality Assurance Associate an entry-level job?

A Quality Assurance Associate position is often considered entry-level, suitable for candidates with little to no prior experience in quality assurance or related fields. It typically requires basic knowledge of testing procedures, attention to detail, and may involve training on specific tools or software used in quality control processes.

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 the most commonly searched types of Quality Assurance jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Quality Assurance jobs in Merced, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Quality Assurance Associate jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Quality Assurance Associate jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Quality Assurance Associate jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Quality Assurance Associate job openings:

Quality Assurance Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Quality Assurance Associate job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,338 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Quality Assurance Supervisor

California Dairies, Inc.

Los Banos, CA • On-site

$72K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

California Dairies rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Join the California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) team, a farmer-owned cooperative dedicated to sustainably producing the highest quality dairy products while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. CDI products are delivered locally and around the world.
Located in the heart of the Central Valley, our Los Banos manufacturing facility specializes in creating high value milk powder.
We encourage you to be part of our team that's shaping the future of dairy, right from the heart of California!
Our commitment to CDI employees:
We believe in valuing our team with a total rewards package that goes beyond the basics. You'll find we offer competitive pay and incentive programs designed to recognize and reward your contributions. Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous paid time off, sick days & holidays, retirement plans designed to secure your future. We don't stop there. We've also cultivated a variety of valuable programs focused on your personal well-being and professional growth, ensuring you have the support you need to both inside and outside of work.
Job Summary
The Quality Assurance Supervisor will be responsible to support and maintain the company Quality Systems programs, support and enforce the SQF, QA, GMP, and Safety policies and procedures including production needs, support and assist in maintaining the HACCP program and its pre-requisite programs, support and maintain the Food Safety/Food Security/Biosecurity programs, and aid in customer complaint investigations and response.
Essential Functions
  • Ensure that product releases are done in a timely manner.
  • Take over the hold and release of products in the absence of the Product Control Specialist.
  • Assist the Quality Assurance Manager with the following duties:
    • Aid in the review of microbiology test results daily and further investigate high counts. Physically inspect known or likely trouble points of potential contamination with production management.
    • Aid in the review of plant documents and inspections to ensure all procedures are being followed:
      • Aid in the inspection of dryers during down time, and ensure forms are properly filled out and all the critical parameters are addressed.
      • Aid in the pre-inspections leading towards audits to ensure no infractions are found during the walk through.
      • Aid in new pre-start up inspections for all major equipment.
    • Aid in the maintenance of all plant audit related forms and binders to ensure everything is properly filled out, such as:
      • Daily/Monthly glass, plastic brittle and ceramics inspections.
      • Daily/Weekly/Monthly/Quarterly pest control inspections.
  • Oversee daily equipment calibrations.
  • Understanding of SOPs- Micro, chemical, and procedures.
  • Ensure technicians calibrate load out and receiving thermometers daily.
  • Ensure technicians calibrate all other thermometers weekly.
  • Ensure NIST certified thermometers are re-calibrated annually.
  • Aid in the master sanitation programs to ensure high compliance rate at the end of the month.
  • Oversee the review of CIP records daily - investigate and report any cleaning problems or deficiencies.
  • Generate a Preventative Measure if needed and consult with plant management for implementation approach.
  • Assist QA Manager with the Appendix N program administration.
  • Aid in the inspection of codes for both finish powder and butter (Tipton, Visalia, Fresno, Turlock South) daily.
  • Aid in the inspection finish package appearance daily for both butter (Tipton, Visalia, Fresno, Turlock South) and powder.
  • Will be responsible for all Quality Assurance Manager tasks during vacation or leave.
  • Excellent regular full-time attendance in support of company objectives.
  • Follow all safety and working rules.
  • Must have the ability to get along with co-workers, management personnel, customers, vendors, and employees in accordance with the company policies and working rules while ensuring a harmonious and conducive work environment.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and contribute towards a quality environment.
  • Use initiative and judgment in making decisions, keeping with California Dairies Inc. best interests.
  • Assist in quality assurance and any other areas of the plant when necessary.
  • Support and enforce SQF / QA, GMP, Safety policies and procedures, and production needs. "Food Safety and Quality" are the responsibilities of this position.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Lead:
  • Clearly communicate the company's vision & goals and how the team's work contributes to them.
  • Set a positive example through their own work ethic, attitude, and commitment to quality.
  • Develop and empower team members by delegating tasks effectively and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Guide:
  • Provide clear instructions and expectations, along with the "why", for tasks and projects.
  • Offer regular feedback and coaching to help team members improve their skills and performance.
  • Foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose, emphasizing that the team is stronger together.

Support:
  • Recognize and celebrate team accomplishments and individual contributions.
  • Advocate for the team's needs and concerns, up, down, and across the organization.
  • Encourage and support the team to challenge the status quo, to identify and suggest process improvements, and to embrace innovation.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must work in a safe manner and follow all safety procedures including use of safety equipment.
  • Must be willing to ask for assistance when the process is unclear.
  • Must have good organizational and communication skills.
  • Must be able to provide training to employees through Power Point presentations.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours and weekends.
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Publisher, Word, Excel, and Power Point programs. Microsoft Visio is a plus.
  • College level verbal and written communication skills.
  • Advanced computational skills required.
  • Good math reasoning required.
  • Excellent organizational and follow through skills.
  • Ability to self-direct work to a timely completion.
  • Must demonstrate good judgement when carrying out duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience
  • A BS degree in Dairy or Food Science or other related field and four years of experience in a leadership role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience are required in five (5) out of the last ten (10) years.

Language Skills
English is required as the written and spoken language. Other languages are a definite asset. A well-modulated tonal volume is required with excellent diction skills needed.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Must possess or be able to obtain California State Pasteurizers License and California State Sampler's and Weigher's License.
Driving Requirements: N/A
Equipment
  1. CEM SMART System 5
  2. Charm Science Rosa Reader
  3. Charm Science EZ Reader
  4. Charm II by Charm Sciences
  5. Advanced Cryoscope
  6. Perten Instruments
  7. FOSS FT 1
  8. FOSS FT 2
  9. FOSS DS3
  10. FOSS Process Scan
  11. FOSS Pro-Foss
  12. WAL Analyzer
  13. Coders, Metal Detectors, Etc.
  14. Mettler Toledo Karl Fischer-V20
  15. Computer
  16. Thermometers
  17. Scales
  18. pH Meters
  19. Incubators
  20. Titrations

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The company will make reasonable accommodations that do not cause undue hardship if such an accommodation enables individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Employees will be subject to temperatures associated with an air-cooled room. Temperatures range from 34 to 120 degrees.
ADA/FEHA
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.
EEO
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Physical Demands
The physical requirements outlined here represent those necessary for successful performance of this position's core responsibilities. Upon request, the company will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these fundamental job duties, provided such accommodations do not create an undue burden on the organization.
  • Sitting/Standing/Walking: The supervisor spends about 75% of the workday standing or walking. They sit while entering data or using the computer. The supervisor walks on uneven gravel, dirt, concrete, and tile surfaces.
  • Lifting/Carrying: Occasional lifting requirements as job demands. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 lbs. on an occasional basis.
  • Pushing/Pulling: Occasional pushing or pulling requirements.
  • Bending/Stooping: Occasional bending and stooping requirements.
  • Squatting/Kneeling/Crawling: Occasional kneeling or crawling requirements.
  • Twisting/Turning: Ongoing twisting or turning requirements.
  • Climbing/Balancing: Climbing and balancing is required during plant inspections, and other related job requirements.
  • Reaching: Ongoing reaching requirements associated with job requirements.
  • Grasping/Manipulating: Grasping and manipulating of papers, objects, and equipment will be required. The ability to use a keyboard for data input will be required on an ongoing basis.

Fraudulent Recruiting Scam Disclaimer
To all applicants: We take your safety and privacy seriously at California Dairies Inc. All job applicants are directed to apply only through the official career pages. Please be aware that our talent team will never ask for any form of payment, financial account details, or sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. If you receive any suspicious messages claiming to be from California Dairies Inc., please contact us at talent@californiadaires.com. U.S. residents can get more information from the FTC at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams.
The pay range is listed below and represents a good faith estimate upon hire. The final offer will depend on factors such as the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.

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