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Quality Engineer Associate Jobs in Chicago Heights, IL

Our Engineering teams play a critical role in maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality environments that support exceptional guest and associate experiences. Summary The Bench Engineer serves as ...

Quality Assurance Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.47 - $32.45/hr

We are looking for a Senior Quality Assurance Associate or Quality Assurance Specialist who will be ... High school diploma, Bachelor's Degree in Life Science or Engineering preferred * 0-2 years of ...

New

Quality Assurance Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.47 - $32.45/hr

We are looking for a Senior Quality Assurance Associate or Quality Assurance Specialist who will be ... High school diploma, Bachelor's Degree in Life Science or Engineering preferred * 0-2 years of ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Quality Engineer Associate information

See Chicago Heights, IL salary details

$16

$31

$47

How much do quality engineer associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality engineer associate in Chicago Heights, IL is $31.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $36.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a quality engineer associate do?

A Quality Engineer Associate supports the quality assurance and control processes within manufacturing or production environments. Their responsibilities typically include inspecting products, monitoring production processes, assisting with quality audits, and helping to implement quality standards and procedures. They work closely with senior quality engineers and production teams to identify defects, resolve quality issues, and ensure that products meet required specifications. This entry-level role is a great starting point for a career in quality engineering, as it provides hands-on experience with quality systems and tools.

What are some common challenges a quality engineer associate might face in their daily work?

Quality Engineer Associates often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, interpreting complex product specifications, and effectively communicating quality standards to cross-functional teams. They may also need to troubleshoot unexpected production issues and adapt quickly to new processes or technologies. Developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as building collaborative relationships with manufacturing, engineering, and quality assurance teams, can help overcome these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a quality engineer associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Quality Engineer Associate, you need a solid understanding of quality control principles, data analysis, and basic engineering concepts, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as statistical process control (SPC), Six Sigma methodologies, and quality management systems (QMS) is often required, and certifications like ASQ CQE can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across teams and address quality issues proactively. These skills are vital for ensuring product reliability, compliance with standards, and continuous improvement in manufacturing or service processes.

What is the difference between Quality Engineer Associate vs Quality Technician?

AspectQuality Engineer AssociateQuality Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; certifications like ASQ CQE are a plusUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like CQI or CQT are common
Work EnvironmentInvolves analysis, process improvement, and collaboration with engineering teamsFocuses on inspection, testing, and data collection on the production floor
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and electronics industriesCommonly employed in manufacturing and production settings

The Quality Engineer Associate and Quality Technician roles share a focus on quality assurance but differ mainly in responsibilities and required education. The associate typically engages in process analysis and improvement, while the technician concentrates on testing and inspection tasks. Both roles are vital in maintaining product quality within manufacturing industries.

Are quality engineer associates paid well?

Quality engineer associates typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, but with skills in quality management tools and certifications, salaries can increase significantly over time.

Is a Quality Engineer Associate an entry level job?

A Quality Engineer Associate is typically considered an entry-level position in quality assurance and engineering. It often requires basic knowledge of quality tools, inspection processes, and sometimes certifications like Six Sigma Green Belt, making it suitable for those starting their careers in quality roles.

What cities near Chicago Heights, IL are hiring for Quality Engineer Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago Heights, IL with the most Quality Engineer Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Quality Engineer Associate job openings in Chicago Heights, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,154 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Management Associate - Quality Assurance

United States Steel Corporation

Gary, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

227th of 546 rated manufacturers


Job description

The Management Associate program is our entry level program for college graduates to help accelerate their professional development. Management Associates are provided between 12-24 months of training across one or more functional areas with work assignments designed to assist in both personal and skill-set development. The role may include rotational assignment(s) within the department. This program is designed to strengthen leadership capabilities to prepare the college graduate for advanced roles within our operations or in several disciplines that support our operations. U. S. Steel has an opening for a Management Associate in our Quality organization. The Quality organization helps to ensure U. S. Steel can deliver on our commitment to being a supplier of quality products to our customers. 

Job Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Support the management and maintenance of the quality systems critical to ISO/QS 9000 and IATF 16949 certifications 
  • Assist with the formulation and maintenance of quality control standards and objectives 
  • Collaborating with research and process technology engineers to investigate and propose solutions to internal/external customer quality issues 
  • Assisting with development and delivery of quality-control training 
  • Travel to operating facilities is expected 
  • All plant activities require a Safety-First work attitude.
  • Incumbent is expected to attend conferences within the field of expertise

Candidate Requirements: 

  • Bachelor's Degree in Material Science, Metallurgy, Chemical Engineering or related area of study
  • Must have graduated within the last three years from an accredited college or university at the time of hire
  • Must have less than three years of professional work experience 
  • Prior internship a plus

Preferred Skills:

  • We are looking for motivated self-starters that can work in a fast paced, data-driven environment. The successful undergraduate will be an analytical problem solver, have an extremely high level of customer focus and a passion for process improvement. In addition, a successful intern will have: 
  • Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and an aptitude for your area of study
  • A strong record of team, project and/or people leadership in a work setting and/or extracurricular activities 
  • A willingness to take initiative to understand the business 
  • An aptitude for problem solving; strong writing and verbal communication skills
  • A strong commitment to excellence and to personal and professional growth
  • Must be resourceful, responsible, tenacious, curious, independent, confident and high energy 
  • The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks. 
  • Leadership and strong decision-making skills 
  • Ability to think and act both strategically and tactically
,

Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:

  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24


Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)


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