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.
Find Quality Assurance Intern JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 59+ Quality Assurance Intern jobs
Job Summary:
The Software QA Technical Team Lead provides hands-on technical leadership for quality assurance activities across assigned products, platforms, and initiatives. This role is responsible for driving test strategy execution, validating technical solutions, and ensuring that quality risks are identified and mitigated throughout the software development lifecycle. The Technical Team Lead partners closely with QA Management, Software Engineering, Product Management, and cross-functional stakeholders to align test coverage, automation efforts, and release readiness with delivery objectives.
This position maintains direct involvement in test execution while providing technical mentorship, guidance, and work direction to QA Engineers. The role emphasizes consistency in QA practices, effective use of test automation, rigorous defect analysis, and continuous improvement to enhance product quality and delivery predictability.
This role reports to the Senior QA Manager.
Supervisory Duties/Responsibilities:
(This is a technical leadership role and may include work direction and mentorship responsibilities but does not typically include full people-management duties.)
- Provide day-to-day technical leadership, work coordination, and guidance to QA Engineers supporting assigned initiatives.
- Mentor and coach team members on advanced test design, exploration testing techniques, automation strategies, and effective defect analysis.
- Support onboarding and training of new QA team members by reinforcing standard QA tools, frameworks, and engineering practices.
- Partner with QA Managers to identify skill gaps and recommend development opportunities.
- Promote consistent application of QA standards, test documentation requirements, and quality governance processes.
- Act as a technical escalation point for complex testing issues, environment constraints, integration challenges, or defect triage disputes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead test planning and execution for assigned initiatives, ensuring appropriate
- functional, regression, integration, and risk-based coverage.
- Design, review, and maintain high-quality test cases, test data and equipment in alignment with established QA standards.
- Perform hands-on manual and automated testing support across web, mobile, and backend systems as required.
- Drive and coordinate requests for development or product team support, including new software build deliveries, environment updates, and defect fixes.
- Partner with Development and Product teams during requirements refinement to identify test impacts, dependencies, and quality risks early in the lifecycle.
- Analyze defects and test results to identify root cause trends and systemic quality issues; collaborate with teams to implement quality improvements.
- Support release readiness activities, including test completion validation, quality risk assessments, and formal test signoffs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong technical understanding of software quality assurance methodologies, tools, and best practices across the SDLC.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence through technical expertise, collaboration, and data-driven decision making.
- Proven experience designing, reviewing, and executing manual and automated test cases.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience with Jira, Confluence, Azure, VM, SQL, Selenium, Postman, are preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software(s).
Education and Experience:
- Post-secondary education in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in software quality assurance or testing roles.
- Minimum of two years’ experience with test automation tools, defect tracking systems, and Agile or iterative delivery environments is required.
- Prior experience serving as a technical lead, subject matter expert, or senior-level QA Engineer.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer or laptop.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (including domestic and international), sometimes for extended periods, which may involve sitting during transit and walking at various locations.
- Ability to lift up to 10 pounds at a time.
- Ability to sustain high utilization of hand and wrist dexterity for computer-based work.
Disclaimers:
- All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
- This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Job Summary:
The Software QA Technical Team Lead provides hands-on technical leadership for quality assurance activities across assigned products, platforms, and initiatives. This role is responsible for driving test strategy execution, validating technical solutions, and ensuring that quality risks are identified and mitigated throughout the software development lifecycle. The Technical Team Lead partners closely with QA Management, Software Engineering, Product Management, and cross-functional stakeholders to align test coverage, automation efforts, and release readiness with delivery objectives.
This position maintains direct involvement in test execution while providing technical mentorship, guidance, and work direction to QA Engineers. The role emphasizes consistency in QA practices, effective use of test automation, rigorous defect analysis, and continuous improvement to enhance product quality and delivery predictability.
This role reports to the Senior QA Manager.
Supervisory Duties/Responsibilities:
(This is a technical leadership role and may include work direction and mentorship responsibilities but does not typically include full people-management duties.)
- Provide day-to-day technical leadership, work coordination, and guidance to QA Engineers supporting assigned initiatives.
- Mentor and coach team members on advanced test design, exploration testing techniques, automation strategies, and effective defect analysis.
- Support onboarding and training of new QA team members by reinforcing standard QA tools, frameworks, and engineering practices.
- Partner with QA Managers to identify skill gaps and recommend development opportunities.
- Promote consistent application of QA standards, test documentation requirements, and quality governance processes.
- Act as a technical escalation point for complex testing issues, environment constraints, integration challenges, or defect triage disputes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead test planning and execution for assigned initiatives, ensuring appropriate
- functional, regression, integration, and risk-based coverage.
- Design, review, and maintain high-quality test cases, test data and equipment in alignment with established QA standards.
- Perform hands-on manual and automated testing support across web, mobile, and backend systems as required.
- Drive and coordinate requests for development or product team support, including new software build deliveries, environment updates, and defect fixes.
- Partner with Development and Product teams during requirements refinement to identify test impacts, dependencies, and quality risks early in the lifecycle.
- Analyze defects and test results to identify root cause trends and systemic quality issues; collaborate with teams to implement quality improvements.
- Support release readiness activities, including test completion validation, quality risk assessments, and formal test signoffs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Strong technical understanding of software quality assurance methodologies, tools, and best practices across the SDLC.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and influence through technical expertise, collaboration, and data-driven decision making.
- Proven experience designing, reviewing, and executing manual and automated test cases.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with a high degree of attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Experience with Jira, Confluence, Azure, VM, SQL, Selenium, Postman, are preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software(s).
Education and Experience:
- Post-secondary education in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in software quality assurance or testing roles.
- Minimum of two years’ experience with test automation tools, defect tracking systems, and Agile or iterative delivery environments is required.
- Prior experience serving as a technical lead, subject matter expert, or senior-level QA Engineer.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer or laptop.
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (including domestic and international), sometimes for extended periods, which may involve sitting during transit and walking at various locations.
- Ability to lift up to 10 pounds at a time.
- Ability to sustain high utilization of hand and wrist dexterity for computer-based work.
Disclaimers:
- All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
- This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
See All 59 Quality Assurance Intern Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Insurance
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Manufacturing
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 ALPLA and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 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?
Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Fort Dodge 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 30% of quality assurance intern openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 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 59 Quality Assurance Intern Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Assurance Intern Jobs