Entry Level Quality Analyst Associate

The Fountain Groups; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Fountain Groups is seeking a relatively entry-level data analyst to support statistical analysis and data analytics on product testing data. You will compile and analyze quality data, create charts and trend analyses, and prepare reports for internal stakeholders.

Candidates should be comfortable with Microsoft Excel (VBA a plus), and familiar with SPC, control charts, and data verification. A strong attention to detail and the ability to work independently are essential.

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of statistics and statistical analysis.
• Experience using Excel for statistical or data analysis.
• Familiarity with SPC and control charts.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to verify data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Pharmaceutical or medical device experience.

Responsibilities

• Heavy focus on statistical analysis and data analytics involving product testing data.
• Compile and analyze quality data.
• Create charts, trend analyses, and statistical reports.
• Prepare and present reports to internal stakeholders.
• Verify data accuracy and review reports for quality and consistency.

Skills

Statistics basics

Excel for data analysis

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Tools

Excel

Minitab

JMP

Power BI

Job description

• Basic understanding of statistics and statistical analysis (not looking for an advanced statistician).
• Experience using Excel for statistical or data analysis is required.
• Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and control charts.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to verify both your own work and the work of others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Pharmaceutical or medical device experience

Candidate Profile

• Relatively entry-level position.
• 6 months to 1 year of relevant experience preferred, but will consider candidates with less experience if they have applicable academic or internship experience.
• Master's degree is not ideal due to the risk of being overqualified.
• Preferred backgrounds include science, mathematics, quality, or data analysis, though a specific degree is not mandatory.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Heavy focus on statistical analysis and data analytics involving product testing data.
• Compile and analyze quality data.
• Create charts, trend analyses, and statistical reports.
• Prepare and present reports to internal stakeholders.
• Verify data accuracy and review reports for quality and consistency.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Microsoft Excel (primary tool; VBA experience is a plus)
• Minitab
• JMP
• Power BI (nice to have)
• Experience troubleshooting or working with Excel macros is beneficial.

Experience Expectations

• 6 months to 1 year of relevant industry experience is preferred.
• Internships, co-ops, or short-term industry contracts are viewed favorably.
• Academic research involving statistical analysis, quality data, or similar analytical work may be accepted in place of industry experience.
• Candidates with hands-on statistical or quality data analysis experience will be stronger than candidates who only have coursework or an associate degree.

What the Manager Is Looking For

• Detail-oriented individual with strong analytical skills.
• Comfortable working extensively in Excel with statistical data.
• Ability to identify trends and communicate findings clearly to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Quick learner who can adapt to new reporting tools and processes.
• Someone with foundational statistical knowledge—not an advanced statistician or data scientist.