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Quality Assurance Associate Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Software QA Analyst Classification: FLSA Exempt Reports To: Software QA Supervisor Special Note to Applicants: This position is an in-office position, eligible to candidates currently residing in New ...

Software QA Analyst Classification: FLSA Exempt Reports To: Software QA Supervisor Special Note to Applicants: This position is an in-office position, eligible to candidates currently residing in New ...

Clayton is a leading single-family, values-driven home builder dedicated to attainable housing, sustainable practices and creating a world-class experience for customers and team members. Our company ...

Clayton is a leading single-family, values-driven home builder dedicated to attainable housing, sustainable practices and creating a world-class experience for customers and team members. Our company ...

The ideal candidate will be customer and quality centric, have a complete buy-in to safety, with a strong work ethic, and ALL IN attitude to achieve results. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Performs ...

The ideal candidate will be customer and quality centric, have a complete buy-in to safety, with a strong work ethic, and ALL IN attitude to achieve results. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Performs ...

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Quality Assurance Associate information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$12

$27

$58

How much do quality assurance associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality assurance associate in Rio Rancho, NM is $27.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $32.36 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 Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Quality Assurance jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Quality Assurance Associate jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Quality Assurance Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Assurance Associate job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,948 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Produce Quality Assurance Associate (Days)

Shamrock Foods Company

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Shamrock Foods rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 49 rated food wholesalers


Job description

The starting wage for this position will be between $20 & $25/HR.
Depending on experience.
Full-Time: Sunday, Tuesday-Friday | Saturday & Monday Off
Day Shift: Schedule will vary according to need

A Shamrock Foods Quality Assurance Specialist is the voice of the customer and should always have the customers best interest in mind. The role encompasses but is not limited to, inspecting, and testing all produce to assure each product meets quality specifications when received into the warehouse, pick slots and all returned product from customers. The specialist will communicate daily with buyers in all aspects of produce including questionable product receiving, returns and slotting. Assists in ensuring the Shamrock Foods sales department has the very best produce available to ship to our customers and for the growth of the category.

Essential Duties:

  • Daily inspections of the high volume produce products and most perishable produce for quality and ensure logical slot rotations.
  • Checks all incoming produce for quality, potential shelf life, sizing, USDA grade and acceptability of packaging.
  • Rejects any wrong or unacceptable products and reports all issues to buyers, Markon and Vendor Quality.
  • Serve as company liaison with Markon on all produce quality issues.
  • Communicates with produce purchasing on all incoming produce issues to jointly make a decision on the best course of action.
  • Daily slot checks in the warehouse with regard to produce are required for ensuring acceptable quality standards and proper follow through to have bad product dumped, working with produce re-pack to rework marginal product to be in a saleable condition, or sell through salvage.
  • Work with produce product returns to assure that only saleable products are returned to the pick slots.
  • Respond immediately to any quality challenges communicated from sales, customers, buyers or Shamrock inbound/outbound teams.
  • Regular and reliable attendance.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Fluency in English; speak, read, and write.
  • One plus year related work experience in various areas of the produce industry and/or training in produce quality inspections.
  • Demonstrates problem solving capabilities.
  • Demonstrates good communication skills.
  • Must be able to work in various temperature-controlled zones ranging from -5 F to ambient temperatures.
  • Must be flexible and willing to work the demands of the department which may be subject to evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Demands:

  • Regularly stand; walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear
  • Frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel
  • Occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
  • Frequently lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds. 
  • Regularly lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds
  • Occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 100 pounds
  • Operates hand pallet jack and electric pallet jack and forklift

Corporate Summary:

At Shamrock Foods Company, people come first – our associates, our customers, and the families we serve across the nation. A privately-held, family-owned and -operated Forbes 500 company, Shamrock is an innovator in the food industry and has been since being founded in Arizona in 1922.

Our Mission:

At Shamrock Foods Company, we live by our founding family’s motto to “treat associates like family and customers like friends.”

Why work for us?

Benefits are a major part of your overall compensation, and we believe offering them at an affordable cost is not only the right thing to do, but it helps keep you and your family healthy.  That’s why Shamrock Foods pays for the majority of your health insurance, allowing you to take home more of your paycheck.  And it doesn’t stop there - our associates also enjoy additional benefits such as 401(k) Savings Plan, Profit Sharing, Paid Time Off, as well as our incredible growth opportunities, continued education and wellness programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Shamrock Foods Co all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis protected by applicable law.


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