Entry Level Quality Assurance Program Manager Jobs
New grad quality assurance program manager jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong internship background or hands-on portfolio can carry more weight than years on a resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Technology & Software, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Food & Beverage, with employers like BDO, Lockheed Martin, and Simplot Company hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 169+ Entry Level Quality Assurance Program Manager jobs
JOB PURPOSE
For Charlotte Line
The Quality Inspector role involves day-to-day product and process audits that monitor production activities and generate performance data. This also includes collecting and maintaining build records and documentations while rotating through the facility to build broad product knowledge. Perform other functions or assist in other departments as needed.
REQ ID
12454BR
WORK LOCATION OPTIONS
Winston Salem NC
REGION
North Carolina
CITY
Winston Salem
STATE
North Carolina
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.
KEY JOB ELEMENTS
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct product audits/inspections on major subassemblies and final products during and after production has completed their operations to see if the unit meets specifications and needs of fitness for use;
- Conduct in-process monitoring while product is being assembled and recording the associated defect data;
- Assist in monitoring special projects;
- Provide audit coverage and complete audit summaries for review with Quality Supervisor and distribution;
- Complete documentation requirements, e.g. Change Control, Height Sheets, Weights, Unit Folders, Inspection Records;
- Act as a resource for problem-solving within departments;
- Perform Quality System audits;
- Obtain all necessary documentation required to do in-process monitoring and audit functions, e.g. inspection plans, routings, prints, customer contracts, etc.;
- Able to work well with production and others team members consistently, accurately, and safely.
ADVANCED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Process non-conforming material in production departments;
- Be task-oriented with Quality Engineers;
- Perform Quality System audits;
- Interpret measurements, read measuring devices like gauges, calipers, etc.;
- Use LN, ETQ, iPREP, Q-Das and imagesite.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
- Skill Level I – 0-1 years of experience without any technical education;
- High School Education or GED.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Model specific courses / classes / training based on shop customer requirements;
- Accurately complete basic math skills;
- Intermediate computer skills (Outlook, data entry, Microsoft Excel).
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Document control processes and procedures;
- Collaborate and interact effectively with a variety of other team members – assemblers, engineers, managers;
- Problem-solving abilities; identifying process problems and non-conformances;
- Ability to read engineering drawing;
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met successfully to perform the essential functions of the job:
- Requires long periods of standing, reaching and using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls;
- Requires frequent walking up and down floor to platforms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl inside the product as required;
- Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds;
- Metatarsal safety shoes are required as well as safety glasses.
BENEFITS
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.
- Competitive Salary
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time-Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Education Assistance Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
- Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
- Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
EEO
Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
JOB CATEGORY
Production - Hourly
PRS FACILITY LOCATION
Winston Salem, NC - 329
INSPECTOR I, QUALITY ASSURANCE | PROGRESS RAIL SERVICES CORPORATION, A CATERPILLAR COMPANY
JOB PURPOSE
For Charlotte Line
The Quality Inspector role involves day-to-day product and process audits that monitor production activities and generate performance data. This also includes collecting and maintaining build records and documentations while rotating through the facility to build broad product knowledge. Perform other functions or assist in other departments as needed.
REQ ID
12454BR
WORK LOCATION OPTIONS
Winston Salem NC
REGION
North Carolina
CITY
Winston Salem
STATE
North Carolina
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.
KEY JOB ELEMENTS
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct product audits/inspections on major subassemblies and final products during and after production has completed their operations to see if the unit meets specifications and needs of fitness for use;
- Conduct in-process monitoring while product is being assembled and recording the associated defect data;
- Assist in monitoring special projects;
- Provide audit coverage and complete audit summaries for review with Quality Supervisor and distribution;
- Complete documentation requirements, e.g. Change Control, Height Sheets, Weights, Unit Folders, Inspection Records;
- Act as a resource for problem-solving within departments;
- Perform Quality System audits;
- Obtain all necessary documentation required to do in-process monitoring and audit functions, e.g. inspection plans, routings, prints, customer contracts, etc.;
- Able to work well with production and others team members consistently, accurately, and safely.
ADVANCED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Process non-conforming material in production departments;
- Be task-oriented with Quality Engineers;
- Perform Quality System audits;
- Interpret measurements, read measuring devices like gauges, calipers, etc.;
- Use LN, ETQ, iPREP, Q-Das and imagesite.
EDUCATION / TRAINING
- Skill Level I – 0-1 years of experience without any technical education;
- High School Education or GED.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Model specific courses / classes / training based on shop customer requirements;
- Accurately complete basic math skills;
- Intermediate computer skills (Outlook, data entry, Microsoft Excel).
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Document control processes and procedures;
- Collaborate and interact effectively with a variety of other team members – assemblers, engineers, managers;
- Problem-solving abilities; identifying process problems and non-conformances;
- Ability to read engineering drawing;
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met successfully to perform the essential functions of the job:
- Requires long periods of standing, reaching and using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls;
- Requires frequent walking up and down floor to platforms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl inside the product as required;
- Must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds;
- Metatarsal safety shoes are required as well as safety glasses.
BENEFITS
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.
- Competitive Salary
- 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Time-Off (PTO)
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Education Assistance Program
- Employee Recognition Programs
- Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
- Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
- Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
EEO
Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
JOB CATEGORY
Production - Hourly
PRS FACILITY LOCATION
Winston Salem, NC - 329
INSPECTOR I, QUALITY ASSURANCE | PROGRESS RAIL SERVICES CORPORATION, A CATERPILLAR COMPANY
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Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software26
- Healthcare & Medical Services16
- Food & Beverage13
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals12
- Manufacturing11
Entry Level Quality Assurance Program Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level quality assurance program manager job?
Start by building hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, or academic project work that shows you can coordinate testing cycles and track defects. Employers at this level look for familiarity with QA methodologies, basic program coordination skills, and clear written communication. Certifications like ISTQB Foundations or coursework in Agile and Scrum give entry level candidates a concrete edge over applicants with no structured QA training.
Which companies hire entry level quality assurance program managers?
Companies hiring entry level quality assurance program managers right now include BDO, Lockheed Martin, and Simplot Company, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from mid-size technology firms, government contractors, healthcare organizations, and manufacturing companies that have structured QA programs and enough team depth to onboard and develop junior talent.
Are there remote entry level quality assurance program manager jobs?
Yes, though on-site and hybrid roles still dominate at the entry level. About 16% of entry level quality assurance program manager openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting employer preference for new hires to work closely with QA teams during onboarding. Fully remote positions do exist, particularly at software and technology companies with established distributed workflows.
Are these new grad quality assurance program manager jobs?
Yes, the roles on this page include new grad, recent graduate, and junior quality assurance program manager positions. A new grad-friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internships or academic project work in lieu of full-time history, and does not require prior managerial responsibility. Look for language like 'entry level,' 'junior,' or 'will train' as reliable signals that the role is open to candidates just starting out.
Which industries hire the most entry level quality assurance program managers?
Entry Level quality assurance program manager roles concentrate in Technology & Software, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Food & Beverage, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at the entry level because they operate large, regulated product or software pipelines that require structured QA oversight and benefit from bringing in junior coordinators to support established program teams.