Quality Assurance Intern Jobs in Iowa
Quality Assurance Intern jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where manufacturing, agribusiness, and financial services firms maintain active QA programs. Major employers with a lasting presence in Iowa, including Principal Financial Group, Collins Aerospace, and Hy-Vee, regularly bring on quality assurance interns across software testing, food safety compliance, and production quality control. Demand is strongest for interns with exposure to process documentation, defect tracking, and regulatory standards. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Location: Clive, IA
Department: Quality Assurance
Reports To: Quality Assurance Manager
Position Summary
We are seeking a detail-oriented Quality Assurance Associate with 2-3 years of experience in a pharmaceutical, OTC drug, medical device, or regulated manufacturing environment. The QA Associate will play a critical role in maintaining compliance with FDA regulations, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and internal quality systems.
This position is responsible for managing change controls, maintaining SOP and quality system documentation, reviewing batch production records, overseeing the stability program, conducting employee training activities, and generating reports to support quality and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and capable of managing multiple quality system activities while maintaining an audit-ready environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Change Control
· Manage the Change Control Program from initiation through approval, implementation, effectiveness verification, and closure.
· Evaluate proposed changes for quality, GMP, validation, regulatory, and operational impact.
· Support deviation investigations, root cause analyses, risk assessments, and CAPA activities.
Documentation & Document Control
· Draft, revise, review, route, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), forms, specifications, and quality system documents.
· Maintain controlled documents and quality records in an audit-ready state.
· Track periodic document reviews and ensure timely updates.
Batch Record Review
· Review manufacturing batch records, packaging records, and associated documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
· Identify documentation errors, discrepancies, and GMP issues and ensure appropriate resolution prior to product release.
Stability Program Management
· Coordinate and maintain the company's stability program for OTC drug products to support initial 24-month shelf-life and further extension based on accelerated/real-time data.
· Schedule stability pulls and ensure samples are collected, stored, tested, and documented according to approved protocols.
· Maintain stability databases, logs, and testing schedules.
· Review stability data and prepare trend analyses and summary reports.
Training Responsibilities
· Coordinate Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) training and quality system training programs.
· Maintain employee training records and training matrices.
· Assist in developing and delivering training materials related to SOPs, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
· Ensure new and revised procedures are communicated and training is completed and documented.
Reporting and Compliance Activities
· Prepare quality system reports, metrics, trend analyses, and management review summaries.
· Generate reports related to change controls, CAPAs, deviations, training compliance, and stability activities.
· Assist with preparation for regulatory inspections, customer audits, and internal audits.
· Participate in continuous improvement initiatives designed to strengthen quality systems and operational effectiveness.
Qualifications
Education
· Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Quality Management, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
· Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience
· 2-3 years of Quality Assurance experience in a pharmaceutical, OTC drug, nutraceutical, medical device, or other regulated manufacturing environment.
· Experience managing change controls, document control systems, and batch record review.
· Experience with GMP training programs and quality documentation.
· Familiarity with FDA regulations and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
· Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, 21 CFR requirements, and cGMP principles.
· Understanding of quality systems including Change Control, CAPA, Deviations, Document Control, Training, and Stability Programs.
· Excellent technical writing and report-writing skills.
· Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
· Experience with electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS) preferred.
· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to data integrity.
Preferred Qualifications
· Experience in an OTC pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
· Experience supporting FDA, customer, and third-party audits.
· Knowledge of risk management methodologies and quality metrics.
· Experience with stability trending and statistical analysis.
Physical Requirements
· Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
· Ability to periodically enter manufacturing, laboratory, and warehouse environments.
· Ability to review detailed documentation and electronic records for extended periods.
Benefits
· Competitive salary
· Medical, dental, and vision insurance
· SIMPLE IRA with company contribution
· Paid time off and company holidays
· Professional development and training opportunities
Why Join Us?
Join a growing OTC pharmaceutical manufacturer committed to quality, compliance, and continuous improvement. This role offers an excellent opportunity to expand your expertise in quality systems while contributing directly to the safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of products used by consumers every day.
Pay: From $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 35 Quality Assurance Intern Jobs in Iowa
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Find Quality Assurance Intern JobsQuality Assurance Intern Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Assurance Intern Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality assurance intern jobs across Iowa.
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in engineering, science, or a related field
- Familiarity with quality management principles such as ISO 9001 or Six Sigma basics
- Experience or coursework in data analysis, statistical process control, or inspection methods
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel for reporting and documentation
- Strong written communication skills for creating and maintaining quality records
- Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing, laboratory, or operations environment
Quality Assurance Intern Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality assurance intern in Iowa?
The most direct path is enrollment in an accredited degree program in engineering, food science, business, or a related field at an Iowa institution such as Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, or Kirkwood Community College. Quality assurance intern roles in Iowa do not require a state-issued license, but completing coursework in quality systems, statistics, or regulatory compliance gives candidates a strong competitive edge when applying to manufacturing or agribusiness employers.
Which companies hire quality assurance interns in Iowa?
Iowa quality assurance intern roles are posted by Elanco, National Beef, and Amcor and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's dense manufacturing and food processing sector means opportunities extend well beyond Des Moines to production facilities and corporate offices throughout the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most quality assurance intern jobs?
Des Moines, West Des Moines, and Tama are the Iowa cities with the most quality assurance intern openings. Des Moines draws postings from financial services and technology firms headquartered there, Cedar Rapids is anchored by aerospace and food production employers, and Davenport benefits from its position in the Quad Cities manufacturing corridor that extends across the Iowa-Illinois border.
Are there remote quality assurance intern jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're less common, since quality assurance intern work frequently requires hands-on inspection, equipment access, or on-site process observation. About 0% of quality assurance intern openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in software quality assurance or documentation-focused roles rather than production or laboratory positions.
How can I get hired as a quality assurance intern in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying through a university cooperative education or internship program, many of which are coordinated directly with Iowa State University's College of Engineering or the University of Iowa. Large Iowa manufacturers and food companies often run structured intern cohorts for students with no prior QA experience, prioritizing candidates who have completed relevant coursework and hold a basic credential such as a Six Sigma White Belt. Adjacent roles like production line associate or lab technician assistant at Iowa facilities are also common stepping stones that lead to formal QA intern placements.
Where can I find and apply to quality assurance intern jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to quality assurance intern jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 35 Quality Assurance Intern Jobs in Iowa
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