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Quality Assurance Associate Jobs in Springfield, MO

Quality Assurance Specialist III - Springfield, MO Build your future at Curia, where our work has the power to save lives. The Quality Assurance Specialist III serves as an embedded quality partner ...

QA Specialist III

Springfield, MO · On-site

$45 - $47/hr

Partner with Manufacturing, QC, and Quality Assurance teams to support investigations and ensure timely and compliant closure. * Provide coaching and training to staff on deviation investigations ...

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Associate degree or equivalent required * Bachelor's degree in Business, Quality, or Information Management preferred Experience * 3+ years combined document control, records management, and QA ...

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Quality Assurance Associate information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$10

$24

$52

How much do quality assurance associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality assurance associate in Springfield, MO is $24.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $28.99 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 Springfield, MO? The most popular types of Quality Assurance jobs in Springfield, MO are:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Assurance Associate jobs in Springfield, MO? For Quality Assurance Associate jobs in Springfield, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Quality Assurance Associate jobs? Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Quality Assurance Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Quality Assurance Associate job openings in Springfield, MO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,374 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Quality Assurance Specialist III

Curia, Inc.

Springfield, MO • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Curia rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Quality Assurance Specialist III - Springfield, MO
Build your future at Curia, where our work has the power to save lives.
The Quality Assurance Specialist III serves as an embedded quality partner to manufacturing operations, providing on-the-floor oversight and proactive compliance support. This role is focused on identifying and mitigating compliance risks before and during production execution, driving adherence to cGMPs and internal procedures, and ensuring that when deviations occur, corrective actions are appropriate, timely, and thoroughly documented.
This position maintains and supports Curia's Quality Management System across a broad range of activities, from document authorship and audit participation to deviation management and client communication. The QA Specialist III is a self-directed contributor who works collaboratively across departments to keep quality systems inspection-ready and client timelines on track.
Curia is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 30 years of experience partnering with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to provide life-saving treatments to patients. At Curia, we are on a mission to advance our customers' therapies from curiosity to cure and ultimately to improve patients' lives.
We proudly offer
• Generous benefit options (eligible first day of employment)
• Paid training, vacation and holidays (vacation accrual begins on first day of employment)
• Career advancement opportunities
• Education reimbursement
• 401K program with matching contributions
• Learning platform
• And more!
Responsibilities
Floor Presence and Compliance
• Provide on-the-floor QA oversight to manufacturing operations, proactively identifying compliance risks and coordinating day-to-day quality activities as needed.
• Represent Curia Quality Assurance when issues require immediate corrective action, ensuring actions taken are appropriate and correctly documented to support traceability and investigation substantiation.
• Assist in or lead deviation and investigation processes, including initiation, immediate corrective action, and resolution.
• Track and follow up on Deviations, Change Controls, Investigations, and CAPAs to ensure timely closure.
• Actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, including development and implementation.
Quality Systems and Documentation
• Author, revise, review, and approve Quality Management System documents, including SOPs, CAPAs, Deviations, Change Controls, test methods, protocols, validation documentation, certificates of analysis, and equipment qualification documentation.
• Support compilation and maintenance of quality documentation and systems to ensure inspection readiness for domestic and international regulatory bodies (ISO, FDA, QP, EMEA).
• Develop, support, and maintain Quality System metrics for management review.
• Assist in training personnel in cGMPs and Curia's quality system to ensure real-time compliance.
Audits and Client Support
• Participate in and support internal and external audit programs, including planning, conducting audits, weekly walkthroughs, and preparing audit reports.
• Participate in regulatory, client, and external supplier qualification audits.
• With appropriate supervision, respond to or manage client communications regarding manufacturing, testing, and documentation issues.
• Support QA team members and internal project teams to ensure client timelines are on schedule, communicating proactively with customer contacts as needed.
• Report personnel performance observations to appropriate management, noting both areas for improvement and individuals exceeding expectations.
Good Manufacturing & Documentation Practices
Quality is something we take pride in together. You'll perform your work in alignment with cGMP requirements and Curia's standards to ensure our facilities support the safe and reliable manufacture of products for our customers.
• Perform all documentation in compliance with ALCOA++ principles and site SOPs.
• Adhere to applicable cGMP documents including SOPs, batch records, protocols, change controls, and controlled forms.
• Keep all required cGMP training current and escalate quality concerns along with proposed solutions to the Quality department.
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or a related field; alternate fields of study may be considered in combination with significant industry experience
• Minimum 6-8 years of QA experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, or a cGMP FDA-regulated industry
• Strong familiarity with regulatory requirements including ICH Q7, Q9, Q10, and/or 21 CFR 210 and 211
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly to management and peers
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work independently and proactively while collaborating effectively across departments
• Detail-oriented, self-directed, and comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office or other relevant software
Preferred
• Experience working with third-party contract manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry
Other Qualifications
• Must pass a background check
• Must pass a drug screen
• May be required to pass Occupational Health Screening
• May be required to obtain and maintain gowning certification
• May be required to obtain and maintain media qualification
Education, experience, location and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.
We do not accept unsolicited assistance from any headhunters or recruitment firms for any of our job openings. All resumes or profiles submitted by search firms to any employee at Curia, in any form without a valid, signed search agreement by an authorized signatory in place for the specific position, approved by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Curia. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Curia because of the unsolicited referral.
All interested applicants must apply online. Please be aware of scammers. Curia will only send offer letters and requests for sensitive personal information from a curiaglobal.com email address. Curia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Curia is an E-Verify employer.

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