Quality Assurance Associate

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Assurance Associate to join a growing Quality team and play a key role in strengthening quality systems, supporting customer-facing quality processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This newly created position offers the opportunity to take ownership of complaint investigations, internal audits, document control activities, quality metrics, and Quality Management System (QMS) processes. Working directly with an experienced Quality Manager, you'll gain broad exposure to quality operations and have a clear path toward developing into an Internal Audit Lead role.

Responsibilities

• Customer Complaint Management
  • Lead customer complaint investigations from intake through closure.
  • Collect and evaluate data to determine root causes and identify appropriate corrective actions.
  • Prepare clear, professional investigation reports and customer-facing communications.
  • Participate in customer discussions to review findings and support quality-related inquiries.
  • Ensure investigations are completed accurately, thoroughly, and within established timelines.
• Audits & Quality Systems
  • Coordinate internal audit schedules and track audit activities across the organization.
  • Support and eventually lead internal audits, including planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up.
  • Document audit findings and ensure completion of corrective actions.
  • Assist in maintaining compliance with ISO-based quality systems and regulatory requirements.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen quality processes and system effectiveness.
• CAPA, NCR & Quality Records
  • Maintain and organize complaint files, CAPA records, nonconformance reports (NCRs), audit documentation, and quality records.
  • Support corrective and preventive action activities, including tracking implementation and effectiveness.
  • Assist with nonconformance investigations and follow-up activities.
  • Ensure accurate documentation and record retention practices.
• Document Control & Reporting
  • Maintain controlled documents, procedures, work instructions, and quality records.
  • Track and analyze quality metrics using Excel and other reporting tools.
  • Generate reports that support management review, trend analysis, and continuous improvement efforts.
  • Identify opportunities to improve manual workflows and streamline quality processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Customer-facing teams.
  • Support supplier quality activities and communications as needed.
  • Provide professional, customer-focused support that reinforces the organization's commitment to quality and compliance.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in Quality Assurance, Quality Systems, or a related quality function within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting customer complaint investigations, including documentation, analysis, and follow-up.
• Experience participating in or coordinating internal audits.
• Understanding of ISO-based quality systems and quality management principles.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to create professional investigation reports and customer correspondence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for tracking, reporting, and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and professional business communication.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence interacting directly with customers and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Previous Quality Control, inspection, or manufacturing quality experience.
• Experience with CAPA programs and effectiveness verification.
• Experience managing or supporting NCR processes.
• Document control experience within a regulated or ISO-compliant environment.
• Exposure to supplier quality activities and supplier corrective actions.
• Experience communicating directly with customers on quality matters.
• Interest in developing into an Internal Audit Lead role.
• Experience improving manual systems, workflows, and process documentation.

What Success Looks Like

• You take ownership of quality investigations and drive them to timely completion.
• You communicate professionally with both customers and internal teams.
• You maintain well-organized records and documentation.
• You proactively identify opportunities for process improvement.
• You become a trusted contributor to the Quality Management System and a future leader in audit activities.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Pay

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Schedule

• Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Onsite position located in San Marcos, CA.
• Occasional overtime may be required during audits, customer visits, or periods of increased business demand.

Work Environment

• Manufacturing environment operating 24/7 with close interaction across departments.
• Heavy use of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and quality tracking systems.
• Opportunity to work on a wide range of quality initiatives within a small, collaborative team.
• Temp-to-hire opportunity with strong potential for long-term career growth.