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Quality Control Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certification preferred * 2+ years of experience in quality inspection, manufacturing testing, and final inspection * Experience ...

Associate Branch Manager

Willmar, MN · On-site

$47K - $57K/yr

As full-time Associate Branch Manager at QC Supply in Willmar, MN , you'll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in a rewarding environment. With a competitive salary and benefits package, you ...

Associate Branch Manager

Willmar, MN · On-site

$47K - $57K/yr

As full-time Associate Branch Manager at QC Supply in Willmar, MN , you'll have the opportunity to showcase your skills in a rewarding environment. With a competitive salary and benefits package, you ...

As a Counter Sales/Parts Associate at QC Supply in Willmar, MN , you'll be right in the heart of the action, providing excellent customer service and sales support, as well as ensuring that ...

The Senior Technician Quality Control is responsible for performing quality testing and data ... High School + 5 years applicable experience; a STEM associate's or bachelor's degree is a plus.

As a Counter Sales/Parts Associate at QC Supply in Willmar, MN , you'll be right in the heart of the action, providing excellent customer service and sales support, as well as ensuring that ...

The Senior Technician Quality Control is responsible for performing quality testing and data ... High School + 5 years applicable experience; a STEM associate's or bachelor's degree is a plus.

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Quality Control Associate information

See Minnesota salary details

$11

$24

$37

How much do quality control associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality control associate in Minnesota is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 is more about testing and inspection tasks. The hierarchy can vary by organization, but QA typically holds a higher or more senior position than QC.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Quality Control jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Quality Control jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Associate jobs in Minnesota? For Quality Control Associate jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Quality Control Associate jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Control Associate jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Quality Control Associate jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Quality Control Associate job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Quality Control Associate jobs in MN? For Quality Control Associate jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Quality Control Technician

Xylem

Plymouth, MN

$24 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Xylem rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Technician to support final product testing, inspection, and calibration management. This role is responsible for ensuring finished products meet established quality and performance standards prior to release, as well as evaluating incoming products to ensure requirements meet specification. This role will also coordinate calibration schedules with outside services and manage status of tools requiring calibration. The ideal candidate will have strong testing, troubleshooting, and documentation skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across production, engineering, and customer support teams.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform final inspection and testing of finished products prior to shipment or release
  • Conduct visual, functional, mechanical, and electrical testing in accordance with established procedures
  • Verify products meet quality standards, specifications, and acceptance criteria
  • Receive, inspect, log, and evaluate incoming products and components
  • Diagnose failures, identify nonconformances, and document findings accurately
  • Determine appropriate disposition of materials, including pass, fail, rework, repair, or scrap
  • Support Engineering in root cause investigations related to product failures, customer complaints, and returns
  • Maintain accurate quality records, test reports, and system transactions
  • Confirm repaired or reworked items meet quality requirements before release
  • Maintain test equipment, measuring devices, and fixtures in safe and proper working condition
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve product and process quality issues
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing defects and return rates
  • Comply with all company safety, quality, and operational policies and procedures

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED required; associate degree or technical certification preferred
  • 2+ years of experience in quality inspection, manufacturing testing, and final inspection
  • Experience performing product testing and inspection in a manufacturing or technical environment
  • Ability to read and interpret work instructions, technical documents, drawings, and specifications
  • Familiarity with measuring tools, inspection devices, and basic test equipment
  • Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and organizational skills
  • Proficiency with basic computer applications and data entry systems
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 4+ years of experience with end-of-line or final product testing
  • Knowledge of nonconformance reporting, CAPA, and root cause analysis methods
  • Familiarity with ISO-based quality systems (ISO13485)
  • Experience with electrical, mechanical, or electromechanical products

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift during the workday
  • Ability to lift and move products/materials up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to use hands and fingers to operate tools, instruments, and test equipment
  • Visual ability to inspect parts, read labels, and review documentation

Work Environment:
  • Manufacturing and warehouse
  • Will require use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed
  • Exposure to production equipment, test stations, and returned materials

The estimated pay range for this position is $24/hr. to $28/hr.. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience, and work location. At Xylem, we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefits package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.
Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.
At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.
Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation

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