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Quality Control Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: QC Copyright Auditor Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM Pay Rate: $18.14 ... In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other ...

Quality Requirements: Build Quality into all aspects of their work by maintaining compliance to all quality requirements. * Ensure compliance to all FDA and Worldwide Quality & Compliance regulations ...

Quality Requirements: Build Quality into all aspects of their work by maintaining compliance to all quality requirements. * Ensure compliance to all FDA and Worldwide Quality & Compliance regulations ...

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Quality Control Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$22

$33

How much do quality control associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality control associate in Michigan is $22.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Quality Control Associate do?

A Quality Control Associate is responsible for ensuring that products meet established standards of quality, including reliability, usability, and performance. They conduct inspections, perform tests, and document their findings to identify defects or deviations from specifications. Quality Control Associates often work closely with production teams to address issues and help maintain compliance with industry regulations. Their role is critical in maintaining customer satisfaction and upholding the reputation of their company. They may work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and food production.

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

To thrive as a Quality Control Associate, you need a solid understanding of quality assurance principles, attention to detail, and often a background in science or manufacturing. Familiarity with inspection tools, laboratory equipment, and quality management systems (such as ISO standards) is typically required, and certifications like Six Sigma or ASQ may be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure that products consistently meet standards, reduce errors, and support overall operational excellence.

What are some common challenges Quality Control Associates face when ensuring product consistency across different production batches?

Quality Control Associates often encounter challenges such as variations in raw material quality, changes in manufacturing processes, and tight production schedules that can lead to inconsistencies between batches. Addressing these issues requires keen attention to detail, effective communication with production teams, and a strong understanding of standard operating procedures. Staying proactive in identifying potential sources of variation and collaborating closely with other departments helps maintain high product standards and minimizes the risk of defects.

Is a degree needed to be a QC?

A degree is not always required to become a Quality Control Associate, but many employers prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant skills such as attention to detail and knowledge of quality standards. Some positions may require or prefer post-secondary education or certifications in quality management or related fields. Practical experience and familiarity with testing tools can also be valuable for this role.

Which is higher position, QA or QC?

In the context of a Quality Control Associate role, Quality Assurance (QA) is generally considered a higher-level function that focuses on preventing defects through process improvements, while Quality Control (QC) involves inspecting products to identify defects. QA roles often involve more strategic responsibilities and may require broader skills or certifications, whereas QC roles are more focused on testing and inspection tasks.

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

AspectQuality Control AssociateQuality Assurance Technician
CertificationsOften requires GMP, ISO, or industry-specific quality certificationsSimilar certifications, with focus on quality standards and compliance
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, manufacturing, or production settingsLaboratory, manufacturing, or quality compliance environments
Primary FocusInspecting products, testing samples, identifying defectsDeveloping and implementing quality systems, audits, and process improvements
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food productionManufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food industry

While both roles focus on quality, the Quality Control Associate primarily inspects and tests products to identify defects, whereas the Quality Assurance Technician develops and maintains quality systems to prevent issues. Both roles are essential in ensuring product quality and compliance within manufacturing and production environments.

Is QC a hard job?

Quality Control Associate roles can be challenging due to the need for attention to detail, adherence to strict standards, and sometimes repetitive tasks. The job often requires good observation skills, knowledge of quality procedures, and sometimes certifications, but the difficulty varies depending on the industry and specific responsibilities.

What does a QC associate do?

A Quality Control (QC) Associate inspects and tests products or materials to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications. They document findings, identify defects, and collaborate with production teams to address issues, often using tools like inspection equipment and quality management systems. Attention to detail and knowledge of industry standards are essential for this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Control jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Quality Control jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Associate jobs in Michigan? For Quality Control Associate jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Quality Control Associate jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Quality Control Associate job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Associate jobs in MI? For Quality Control Associate jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Quality Control Associate job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 64% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,162 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
QC Lab Manager - Petrifilm

QC Lab Manager - Petrifilm

Neogen Corporation

Lansing, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Neogen rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly believe in what they are doing!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Petrifilm QC Lab Manager is the strategic and administrative leader of the QC Laboratory, accountable for quality compliance, departmental performance, and final product quality release. Essential duties include:
  • Directly manage the QC Lab Supervisor, guiding their focus on daily lab flow, training, and troubleshooting. Responsible for staff performance reviews, compensation reviews, and hiring decisions for the department.
  • Hold final accountability for the release or rejection of Petrifilm products, ensuring all quality standards and regulatory requirements are met before material is released.
  • Serve as the primary point person for the QC Lab function during all regulatory agency inspections and internal/external quality audits. Oversee internal inspection readiness and drive the on-time closure of all audit commitments.
  • Lead the development and optimization of all quality systems and processes specific to the QC Lab. Author and manage all Standard Test Procedures (STPs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Risk Assessments for the laboratory.
  • Manage the departmental budget for consumables, capital equipment, and labor. Responsible for compiling, analyzing, and reporting key laboratory metrics, including On-Time Release performance, OOS investigation closure rate, and managing quality alignment along the manufacturing line.
  • Lead the investigation and closure process for all Out-of-Specification (OOS) results and assist the Quality Engineer in all internal and external quality investigations related to the QC Lab, identifying root causes and developing effective corrective and preventative actions.
  • Define and establish departmental Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) that align the QC Lab's goals with the overall organizational and Quality department strategy.

Skills and Competencies:
  • Leading Others: Delegates tasks appropriately to the Supervisor to enhance team effectiveness. Leverages team strengths to drive performance and testing efficiency.
  • Organizational Strategy: Is the expert in the QC function and uses understanding of the organization to help drive performance.
  • Decision Making and Problem Solving: Possesses innovative problem-solving skills, particularly in complex quality investigations (OOS, audit responses). Ensures the team and Supervisor have the information and tools necessary to make compliant decisions, while retaining final accountability.
  • Driving Performance: Creates accountability for Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Utilizes time and resources effectively to control the lab budget and meet critical metrics like On-Time Release.
  • Communication: Clearly conveys information and ideas through a variety of media, varying the message based on the audience (e.g., technicians, Director, auditors). Fosters collaboration across departments.
  • Cultural Fit: Demonstrates and lives Neogen's Pillars of Trust (Openness, Honesty, Credibility, Respect, and Service) in all actions and behaviors.

Qualifications:
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.
Education and Experience:
  • Ph.D. in Microbiology or a closely related science field AND 0-1 year of related experience.
  • OR Master's Degree in Microbiology or a closely related science field AND 3-4 years of related experience in a QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
  • OR Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology or a closely related science field AND a minimum of 6-7 years of related experience in a QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
  • OR Associate's Degree in a science-related field AND 9-11 years of related experience in a QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
  • OR High School Diploma/GED AND a minimum of 15-16 years of progressive lab experience AND a minimum of 7 years of related experience in QC/QA environment AND a minimum of 3 years of direct managerial experience.
  • Proven experience acting as a designated trainer or technical resource is required.
  • Advanced knowledge of GLP, ISO, and relevant regulatory standards is required.

Language Skills:
  • Advanced ability to read and interpret complex regulatory, procedural, and scientific documents in English.
  • Exceptional ability to write formal reports, SOPs, and correspondence, and to speak effectively as the lab's representative to regulatory auditors, executive leadership, and technical teams.

Mathematical Skills:
  • Ability to perform routine, college-level mathematical operations, including statistical functions relevant to microbiological data analysis (e.g., CFU calculations, growth curves), trend analysis, risk assessment, and reporting quality metrics.

Computer Skills:
  • Solid knowledge of computers and operating systems, including software used for data acquisition and analysis in a microbiology lab.
  • Ability to effectively communicate electronically.
  • Required knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential for authoring documents, managing data, and presenting reports.

Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk, or hear.
  • Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit, especially when working in a microbiology lab.
  • Occasionally required to use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, particularly when setting up or maintaining microbiological equipment.
  • Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, such as media bottles or equipment.
  • Specific vision abilities required include high visual acuity and color vision, especially for accurate reading of microbiological results and differentiation of microbial growth.
  • Employee must pass a standardized color deficiency test with a score of > 80%.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • This is primarily an office-based role, with frequent interaction with the BSL-2 laboratory environment.
  • Requires adherence to strict aseptic techniques and the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection, especially in the microbiology lab.
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes/airborne particles/odors/microbiological hazards.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to quiet.

Come Be Part Of A Mission that Matters!
From inside the farm gate to our dinner plates, Neogen protects the world's food supply. Through a variety of animal healthcare products, to food safety solutions for dangerous bacteria, allergens, toxins, drug residues and much more, Neogen is there - and you can be too.

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