How to hire a quality control operator

How to hire a quality control operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step quality control operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a quality control operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new quality control operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the quality control operator you need to hire. Certain quality control operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A quality control operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, quality control operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of quality control operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Quality Control Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Quality Control Operator		$12-22
   Quality Assurance Scientist	In a manufacturing setting, a quality assurance scientist specializes in utilizing scientific procedures in ensuring that products adhere to a company's quality standards and policies. Their responsibilities include developing quality control procedures, conducting experiments and analysis, identifying areas needing improvement, implementing solutions in problem areas, and maintaining detailed records of results... Show more	$23-44
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Quality Checks
   • Machine Operators
   • Laboratory Equipment
   • ISO
   • Pallet Jack
   • Quality Issues
   • CNC
   • Assembly Line
   • Client Specifications
   • CMM
   • GMP
   • Quality Inspection
   • Sops
   • Test Results

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate, setup and programme CNC mills & lathes.
   • Operate CNC machine fabricating parts and inspecting there tolerances.
   • Inspect pasta products for presence of metal in accordance with GMP standards.
   • Coordinate ISO, RoHS, FCC/CE, and UL initiatives for engineering department.
   • Operate CMM as required for first piece, die trials and layout requests.
   • Implement SPC techniques to analyze CMM reports for analyzing process trends and fluctuations.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your quality control operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A quality control operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, quality control operators' average salary in delaware is 44% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level quality control operators 43% less than senior-level quality control operators.
   • Certifications. A quality control operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a quality control operator's salary.

   Average quality control operator salary

   $16.77hourly

   $34,879 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level quality control operator salary

   $26,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a quality control operator job description

   A quality control operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a quality control operator job description:

   Quality control operator job description example

   Company Information
   
   DAK Americas is a globally competitive supplier of Terephthalic acid (TPA) - Monomers, Polyethylene Terephthalate Resins (PET) and Polyester Staple Fibers (PSF) for the western hemisphere. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with manufacturing facilities in the Carolinas. This opening is located at our Moncks Corner, SC facility. DAK Americas is a division of Alpek, the petrochemicals and synthetic fibers business group of Alfa, S.A.B. de C.V., one of Mexico's largest corporations.
   
   POSITION SUMMARY:
   
   * Perform routine analytical quality testing in QC/QA lab for Resins manufacturing.
   * Ensure proper operation of lab equipment through routine standard checks and maintenance.
   * Maintain a clean and orderly laboratory working environment.
   * Effectively communicate with staff, and ensure that lab results are delivered in a clear and timely manner.
   * Adhere to all applicable laboratory safety and documentation guidelines.
   * Preferred knowledge in the following analytical instruments and techniques: AA, GC, LC, FTIR, titration, extraction, gravimetric analysis, and preparation of standards.
   * Work schedule is 12hr shifts (36/48), rotating shifts.
   
   DAK Americas LLC is subject to US Department of Commerce export regulations and thus must hire individuals who meet national security requirements. Interested applicants (or temporary employees) must meet eligibility requirements. DAK Americas LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
   
   Job Requirements:
   
   * Good organizational skills and ability to manage time / multi-task.
   * Excellent command of written and spoken English is required. Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operation instructions, and procedures. Strong written and verbal skills required to effectively communicate with operations.
   * Proven command of math and computer literacy (Microsoft Office suite).
   * Ability to work independently & safely.
   * Preferred experience in ISO 9001 / 14001, LIMS and SAP experience but not required.
   * Teamwork philosophy.
   * Manufacturing background preferred with at least 2 years laboratory experience
   * 4 year degree preferred, but will consider years of experience and background
   
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5. Post your job

   To find the right quality control operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with quality control operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit quality control operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your quality control operator job on Zippia to find and recruit quality control operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit quality control operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new quality control operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect quality control operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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