Quality Assurance Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Iowa concentrate in food and beverage manufacturing, agricultural processing, insurance and financial services, and industrial equipment production, with openings at every level from entry-level inspector to senior quality engineer. The busiest hiring markets are Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where employers like Principal Financial Group, Quaker Oats, and John Deere maintain large, established operations that consistently need QA professionals. The most in-demand specialties are food safety compliance, ISO audit management, and process quality for manufacturing lines. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 41+ Quality Assurance Specialist jobs
Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness—We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.
Position Summary
For more than 30 years, our Management Development Associate program has developed our future leaders. As a Management Development Associate, you will embark on a personal and professional development experience a classroom simply can’t offer.
As a Quality Assurance Management Development Associate at Nestlé Purina, we will coach you from the start, shaping your career trajectory for continuous learning and growth. Together, we’ll explore safety, supply chain, engineering, human resources, production, R&D engineering, information systems, and operations performance to understand how each of these areas collaborate with quality assurance. You’ll also gain experience in delivering good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality analysis, and food safety support to the factory.
Why choose a leadership developmental role with us? It's a full-time position that fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. You are our future leader! Plus, the rotational component of the program provides a change in location which offers fresh perspectives and growth opportunities. With a relocation assistance package, each move will be supported so that you can focus on learning end-to-end processes, building your network, and launching your career.
Perform quality assurance and control functions for production, quality assurance, and food safety associates.Train with all departments to understand how quality interacts across functions.
Contribute to continuous improvement during factory and quality assurance department training.
Collaborate with the quality assurance staff to improve their portion of the two-year Training & Development plan and six-week quality assurance analyst training checklist.
Gain experience working with all three shifts and participate in shift meetings.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science or other scientific discipline attained or expected by June 2027
Must be open to relocation to any of our 24 Nestlé Purina manufacturing sites across the U.S. as you progress through the MDA program
You will start your rotation for this Quality Assurance MDA at one of the following Nestlé Purina factories: Crete, Nebraska; Clinton, Iowa; or Davenport, Iowa
Other
Prior internship, co-op, practicum or manufacturing experience preferred
Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience preferred
Don’t meet all the qualifications listed under “other”? These are preferred but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestlé Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration.
Salary: $57,746.70 to $83,872.00 per year
Bonus Eligibility: Yes
The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.
Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 420460
Driven by integrity and united by the people-and-pet bond, we find strong purpose in the work we do and an even greater joy in those we get to work alongside. Together, we harness the expertise of our long-standing tradition of excellence to embrace possibility and continuously push to do what's never been done before in pet care. Discover your purpose and fuel your passions when you bring your love of pets to a team that prides itself on the power of togetherness—We are Proudly Connected. Purely Driven.
Position Summary
For more than 30 years, our Management Development Associate program has developed our future leaders. As a Management Development Associate, you will embark on a personal and professional development experience a classroom simply can’t offer.
As a Quality Assurance Management Development Associate at Nestlé Purina, we will coach you from the start, shaping your career trajectory for continuous learning and growth. Together, we’ll explore safety, supply chain, engineering, human resources, production, R&D engineering, information systems, and operations performance to understand how each of these areas collaborate with quality assurance. You’ll also gain experience in delivering good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality analysis, and food safety support to the factory.
Why choose a leadership developmental role with us? It's a full-time position that fast-tracks you to management on the manufacturing side of our business. You are our future leader! Plus, the rotational component of the program provides a change in location which offers fresh perspectives and growth opportunities. With a relocation assistance package, each move will be supported so that you can focus on learning end-to-end processes, building your network, and launching your career.
Perform quality assurance and control functions for production, quality assurance, and food safety associates.Train with all departments to understand how quality interacts across functions.
Contribute to continuous improvement during factory and quality assurance department training.
Collaborate with the quality assurance staff to improve their portion of the two-year Training & Development plan and six-week quality assurance analyst training checklist.
Gain experience working with all three shifts and participate in shift meetings.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Biology, Microbiology, Animal Science or other scientific discipline attained or expected by June 2027
Must be open to relocation to any of our 24 Nestlé Purina manufacturing sites across the U.S. as you progress through the MDA program
You will start your rotation for this Quality Assurance MDA at one of the following Nestlé Purina factories: Crete, Nebraska; Clinton, Iowa; or Davenport, Iowa
Other
Prior internship, co-op, practicum or manufacturing experience preferred
Involvement in student organizations and/or other leadership experience preferred
Don’t meet all the qualifications listed under “other”? These are preferred but not required. When you apply for a role with Nestlé Purina, we ensure that individual confidentiality is held to the highest regard. We are intentional about creating an inclusive workplace for everyone. We consider our associates our most valuable assets. Please apply for full consideration.
Salary: $57,746.70 to $83,872.00 per year
Bonus Eligibility: Yes
The pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at top of range.
Nestlé offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at https://www.nestlejobs.com/nestle-in-the-us-benefits
It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.
To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.
The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.
This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
Review our applicant privacy notice before applying at https://www.nestlejobs.com/privacy.
Job Requisition: 420460
See All 41 Quality Assurance Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsQuality Assurance Specialist Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Assurance Specialist Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Food & Beverage
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality assurance specialist jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in a science, engineering, or quality-related field required
- Demonstrated experience with ISO 9001 standards and internal audit processes
- Proficiency with statistical process control tools and quality management software
- ASQ Certified Quality Auditor or Certified Quality Engineer credential preferred
- Experience in food manufacturing, financial services, or industrial production environments
- Strong written communication skills for documentation, reporting, and corrective actions
Quality Assurance Specialist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality assurance specialist in Iowa?
Most quality assurance specialist roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, life sciences, food science, or business. Iowa does not issue a state license for this role, but employers strongly favor candidates who hold professional certifications from the American Society for Quality, such as the Certified Quality Auditor or Certified Quality Technician. Building experience in a regulated Iowa industry like food processing or insurance operations is the most direct path.
Which companies hire quality assurance specialists in Iowa?
Iowa quality assurance specialist roles are posted by Smithfield Foods, JBS Foods, and Owen Industries and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's deep roots in food manufacturing, agricultural processing, and financial services mean that large, long-standing employers across those sectors generate consistent QA hiring throughout the year.
Which Iowa cities have the most quality assurance specialist jobs?
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and West Des Moines account for the largest share of quality assurance specialist openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors demand through its concentration of insurance carriers and financial firms, Cedar Rapids draws openings from its significant food processing and manufacturing base, and Davenport benefits from the industrial and agricultural equipment operations in the Quad Cities corridor.
Are there remote quality assurance specialist jobs in Iowa?
Yes, though availability varies by industry. About 22% of quality assurance specialist openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting a split between desk-based roles and those requiring physical presence on a production floor. Quality assurance work in insurance, software compliance, and documentation management is most likely to be offered with remote flexibility, while food manufacturing and industrial QA roles typically require on-site work.
How can I get hired as a quality assurance specialist in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a quality technician or production inspector role at one of Iowa's large food or manufacturing employers, where hands-on floor experience leads naturally into QA analyst positions. Companies like Quaker Oats and regional agricultural processors in Cedar Rapids and the Iowa City corridor regularly bring in candidates from adjacent roles such as lab technician, production associate, or compliance coordinator. Earning an ASQ Certified Quality Technician credential before applying gives candidates a measurable edge without requiring years of direct QA experience.
Where can I find and apply to quality assurance specialist jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to quality assurance specialist jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings. Search the roles that fit your background and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 41 Quality Assurance Specialist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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