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Quality Lab Associate Jobs in Athens, AL (NOW HIRING)

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Quality Lab Associate information

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How much do quality lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality lab associate in Athens, AL is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Quality Lab Associate, you need a solid background in laboratory procedures, analytical testing, and quality assurance, usually supported by a degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instruments like HPLC/GC, and relevant certifications such as GMP or ISO standards is often required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication enable you to identify problems, maintain accurate records, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the integrity of test results, regulatory compliance, and overall product quality in laboratory environments.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, senior roles such as Laboratory Director or Chief Scientific Officer tend to be the highest paying positions, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and may involve overseeing multiple labs or research programs.

What does a Quality Lab Associate do?

A Quality Lab Associate is responsible for performing laboratory tests and analyses to ensure that products meet established quality standards and regulatory requirements. This role typically involves preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, recording data, and reporting results to supervisors or quality managers. They may also assist in investigating deviations or non-conformities and help maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment. Quality Lab Associates play a critical role in maintaining product safety and consistency, particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, or manufacturing.

What do lab associates do?

A Quality Lab Associate conducts tests and inspections on products, raw materials, or samples to ensure they meet quality standards and specifications. They use laboratory equipment, follow safety protocols, and document test results accurately, often working in a controlled environment and requiring attention to detail and sometimes certifications in quality management or laboratory procedures.

What are some common challenges Quality Lab Associates face when working with cross-functional teams?

Quality Lab Associates often collaborate with production, R&D, and regulatory teams to ensure product quality and compliance. A common challenge in this environment is effectively communicating technical laboratory findings to non-technical stakeholders, which requires clear documentation and presentation skills. Additionally, balancing multiple project deadlines while maintaining strict adherence to quality standards can be demanding. Building strong relationships and understanding the goals of other departments can help overcome these challenges and foster smoother workflows.

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

AspectQuality Lab AssociateQuality Control Technician
CertificationsOften requires a degree in science or related field; certifications like ASQ are a plusSimilar requirements; certifications like ASQ are common
Work EnvironmentLaboratory setting, performing tests and analysesLaboratory and production environment, conducting inspections and tests
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food, and biotech industriesCommon in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food industries

Both roles involve testing and ensuring product quality, often requiring similar educational backgrounds and certifications. The main difference lies in their focus: Quality Lab Associates typically perform routine testing and data recording, while Quality Control Technicians may also conduct inspections and troubleshoot quality issues on the production line.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a Quality Lab Associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring an associate's degree or higher in a science-related field. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with testing equipment; certifications such as OSHA training may also be beneficial. Prior experience in a laboratory setting can be advantageous but is not always required for entry-level positions.

Who gets paid more, MLS or MLT?

In the medical laboratory field, Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) typically earn higher salaries than Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) due to advanced education and certification requirements. MLS professionals often have a bachelor's degree and perform more complex testing, which is reflected in their higher pay scale.
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What job categories do people searching Quality Lab Associate jobs in Athens, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Quality Lab Associate jobs in Athens, AL are:
Infographic showing various Quality Lab Associate job openings in Athens, AL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,903 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Senior Electronics Lab Assembly / Solder Technician

Senior Electronics Lab Assembly / Solder Technician

RTX

Huntsville, AL

$82K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


RTX rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-07-07
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-AL-HUNTSVILLE-315 315 Bob Heath Dr BOB HEATH
Position Role Type:
Onsite
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Security Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: Secret
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world's most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today's mission and stay ahead of tomorrow's threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
An Electronics Lab Assembly / Solder Technician is responsible for assembling, cabling, and validating complex testing rack test systems. This includes building and repairing cables and connector assemblies as a critical part of the role. Additional responsibilities include assembling and configuring rack-mounted devices, troubleshooting and diagnosing system issues, and performing functional validations to ensure assembly quality and performance. Additional activities may include basic soldering, fabricating test boxes, or supporting other hardware integration tasks.
The candidate may provide on-the-job recommendations to solve hardware integration issues with mid and upper-level engineering and leadership. The candidate will comply with the company's FOD program, tool control program, and all safety regulations.
Work primarily includes cabling and assembly of Rack-mounted Test Systems but may also include working with Engineering prototyping.
What You Will Do:
  • Assemble and configure rack-mounted devices, troubleshooting and diagnosing system issues, and performing functional validations to ensure assembly quality and performance.
  • Perform other activities such as basic soldering, building or repairing cables and connector assemblies, or fabricating test boxes.
  • Perform pin crimping, wire routing, and use hand and powered tools.
  • Test and troubleshoot systems using multimeters and other diagnostic tools.
  • Provide on the job recommendations to solve hardware integration issues with mid and upper-level engineering and leadership.
  • Perform physical tasks such as retrieving, storing, and installing equipment.
  • Work from detailed assembly drawings, schematics, or work instructions.
  • Work from verbal instructions and conceptual ideas to a achieve a desired output.
  • Recognize failures, isolate problems and suggest appropriate corrective action.
  • Keep management appraised of all unresolved and/or potential problems that would negatively affect schedules or quality.
  • Manage inventory, paperwork, and maintain organizational standards.
  • This 1st shift role will be 100% on-site & based in Huntsville, AL.

Qualifications You Must Have:
  • HS Diploma or AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
  • Assemble and configure rack-mounted test systems, cables, and harnesses.
  • Verification/Inspection experience with associated standards, processes, and documentation.

Qualifications We Prefer:
  • Work experience with mechanical and soldering standards, processes, and documentation.
  • Experience working within an Engineering Technical Support Environment.
  • Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, memos, schematics, detailed electronic blueprints, and other similar authorized drawings and documents.
  • CCA manufacturing experience.
  • Knowledge of Fabrication Standards, Processes, and Documentation.
  • IPC J-STD-001 solder certification and IPC 610 and IPC 620 certifications.
  • Associate's Degree in a Technical field.

What We Offer:
  • Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Learn More & Apply Now!
  • Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite.
  • Clearance Information: This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm

Location Information
  • Huntsville, Alabama, earned the nickname "ROCKET CITY" for its close association with U.S. space research since 1950. RTX has been here since the early years, having launched its Huntsville operations as the Raytheon Company in 1948. Some of the brightest minds in aerospace and defense call it home. Can you see yourself here?
  • Huntsville Location information: https://www.huntsville.org/

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 43,400 USD - 82,600 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.
Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company's performance.
This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.
RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.
RTX 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, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act.
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