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Quality Control Associate Jobs in Charlottesville, VA

... quality customer service. The Sales Associate is knowledgeable in each product area or department ... control procedures and informing management and/or appropriate officials of potential fraud risk.

Senior Roadway Engineer

Waynesboro, VA · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Rinker Design Associates (RDA) is seeking a talented Senior Roadway Engineer to join our growing ... Support project schedules, budgets, and quality control efforts. * Collaborate with traffic ...

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Quality Control Associate information

See Charlottesville, VA salary details

$11

$25

$37

How much do quality control associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality control associate in Charlottesville, VA is $25.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $30.77 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?

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 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 cities near Charlottesville, VA are hiring for Quality Control Associate jobs?

Cities near Charlottesville, VA with the most Quality Control Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Control Associate job openings in Charlottesville, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,542 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Principal/Senior Principal Quality Analyst

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Charlottesville, VA

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At the heart of who we are, Northrop Grumman is a leading American manufacturing company delivering advanced technologies in support of national security. Our manufacturing operations in Waynesboro, Virginia support production of advanced electronics, radar, and communication systems within our broader portfolio of defense capabilities. Our teams work collaboratively to ensure manufacturing excellence, production readiness, and continuous improvement across programs.

We are looking for you to join our team as a Principal Quality Analyst or a Senior Principal Quality Analyst to support manufacturing operations at our Waynesboro, VA facility.

What You'll Get To Do:

  • Interface with internal engineering resources as well as material suppliers to ensure critical features and performance characteristics are included in the product verification process.

  • Develop and maintain inspection plans and other departmental process control documents

  • analyze various processes within the departments and work with the team to evaluate current tools and techniques for potential upgrade/replacement.

  • Utilize material forecast tools to proactively develop inspection documentation before material arrives

  • Analyze and incorporate vendor performance and material criticality into inspection plans

  • Analyze performance data and provide recommendations for corrective actions

  • Monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process, and/or other control procedures.

  • Develop, organize, and administer standard training documents for various inspection activities (Mechanical, Quality Notifications, etc. processes)

  • Evaluate current inspection techniques/tools and make recommendations for replacement by newer technology.

  • May be called on to perform inspections during high workload periods.

  • Conduct internal quality and process audits as assigned.

This position is contingent upon proposal/task award.

This req may be filled as a Principal Quality Analyst or a Senior Principal Quality Analyst depending on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications for a Principal Quality Analyst:

  • High School Diploma plus a minimum of 9 years of experience with mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain OR an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 7 years of mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain OR a Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 5 years with mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain OR a Master's degree plus a minimum of 3 years with mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain

  • Experience reading engineering documentation and inspect drawings and parts lists, inspection plans, and supplemental instructions

  • Experience in Quality Analysis tools, such as Ishikawa, FMEA, DOE, 8D, 5 Why

  • Ability to move and position objects weighing up to 35 pounds

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance and higher-level program clearance(s)

  • US citizenship is required.

Basic Qualifications for a Senior Principal Quality Analyst:

  • High School Diploma plus a minimum of 12 years of experience with mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain OR an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 10 years of mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain OR a Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 8 years with mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain OR a Master's degree plus a minimum of 6 years with mechanical inspection, manufacturing, or supply chain

  • Experience reading engineering documentation and inspect drawings and parts lists, inspection plans, and supplemental instructions

  • Experience in Quality Analysis tools, such as Ishikawa, FMEA, DOE, 8D, 5 Why

  • Ability to move and position objects weighing up to 35 pounds

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance and higher-level program clearance(s)

  • US citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficient in MS Office Suite

  • Active Secret clearance

  • Experience working with MES, SAP S/4 AND HQMS

  • Proficient with AS9102 and AS9100D Aerospace standards

  • Working knowledge or certification(s) in IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620 and J-STD-001 standards

  • Working knowledge and experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) IAW ASME Y14.5

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Primary Level Salary Range: $81,400.00 - $122,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $101,400.00 - $152,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939