Explore how your federal experience as a Quality Assurance (GS-1910) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Quality Control Technician, Quality Assurance Assistant, Quality Inspector | Perform routine inspections and tests on products to ensure compliance with quality standards. Document findings and assist in developing inspection procedures. Support quality control processes by collecting data and reporting discrepancies. | $30,000 - $45,000 |
| 5-7 | Quality Assurance Specialist, Quality Control Analyst, Quality Assurance Associate | Conduct assessments of products and processes to ensure adherence to quality standards. Develop quality control documentation, perform audits, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement in quality assurance practices. | $45,000 - $65,000 |
| 8-9 | Quality Assurance Manager, Senior Quality Analyst, Quality Control Supervisor | Lead quality assurance projects, oversee quality assurance personnel, and manage quality testing schedules. Analyze metrics to improve operational processes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Collaborate with other departments to resolve quality issues. | $65,000 - $90,000 |
| 10-11 | Quality Assurance Director, Quality Management Lead, Senior Quality Control Manager | Develop and implement quality assurance strategies that align with corporate objectives. Manage large-scale quality improvement initiatives and coordinate cross-functional teams. Ensure regulatory compliance and perform risk assessments related to product quality. | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Quality Assurance, Chief Quality Officer, Quality Operations Director | Set and oversee quality assurance policies and ensure company-wide adherence. Drive continuous improvement through analysis of quality performance and regulatory changes. Liaise with executive leadership to communicate quality metrics and strategies. | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Quality Assurance, Senior Vice President of Quality Management, Executive Director of Quality | Formulate the overall quality vision and strategy for the organization. Lead enterprise-wide quality initiatives and engage stakeholders to foster a culture of quality excellence. Analyze market trends and direct research into quality assurance technology advancements. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Senior Executive in Quality Management, Chief Compliance and Quality Officer, Executive Vice President of Quality Assurance | Provide strategic leadership for organizational quality metrics and compliance. Cultivate a holistic quality culture aligned with business goals. Represent the organization in industry standards discussions and work with regulators on quality assurance policies. | $200,000 - $300,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
The CQA certification showcases an individual's ability to evaluate the quality system of organizations, helping ensure compliance with established quality standards. Obtaining this certification would enhance job prospects in civilian industries where quality assurance is critical, such as manufacturing and healthcare.
Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)
The CQIA certification highlights one's knowledge of quality improvement processes and the fundamentals of quality management, making it beneficial for professionals in quality assurance roles. This credential can give candidates an edge in civilian roles by demonstrating a commitment to quality practices and continuous improvement.
Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
A Six Sigma Green Belt certification indicates that an individual is skilled in using Six Sigma methodologies to improve production processes and decrease defects. Acquiring this certification can significantly boost employability in the civilian workforce, particularly in manufacturing and process optimization sectors.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification signifies that an individual has the expertise to lead and direct projects efficiently, a valuable skill in quality assurance roles that often require organizing and executing projects to meet quality standards. This credential is highly regarded in civilian industries, enhancing project management capabilities and opening doors to leadership positions.
Lean Certification
Lean Certification demonstrates a person's ability to apply lean principles to minimize waste and enhance efficiency in processes. This is especially advantageous in civilian quality assurance roles, as organizations increasingly seek to optimize operations and deliver greater value to customers.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor Certification
This certification provides individuals with the skills needed to effectively audit a quality management system based on the ISO 9001 standard, enhancing an individual’s capacity to contribute to or lead quality improvement initiatives. As many civilian organizations strive for ISO certification, this credential is highly sought after and can make candidates more competitive in the job market.
Master Black Belt in Six Sigma
Achieving a Master Black Belt designation indicates a deep understanding of Six Sigma methodologies and an ability to lead complex projects. This certification provides a significant advantage in civilian sectors where data-driven decision-making and strategic quality management are crucial.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-1910 Quality Assurance role to a position in the private sector can be an invigorating and rewarding journey. However, it does require some strategic mindset shifts, effective resume crafting, and understanding of how to market your skills to potential employers. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to guide you through this transition.
Embrace Change: Moving from the stability of a government job to the dynamic nature of the private sector demands adaptability. Cultivate a mindset that welcomes change and views challenges as opportunities for professional growth.
Value of Your Experience: Recognize that your federal experience has value in the private sector. Quality Assurance is a crucial component in many organizations, and your background in compliance, risk assessment, and process improvement equips you with skills that many companies desire.
Client-Centric Thinking: Unlike the federal space, where the focus may often be on adherence to regulations, in the private sector, there is a stronger emphasis on client satisfaction and profitability. Think about how your QA role contributed to improving products or services that benefit stakeholders.
Cultural Awareness: Understand that private sector organizations often have different cultural dynamics than federal agencies. They may emphasize teamwork, agility, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Be open to adapting your communication and collaboration styles accordingly.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Highlight skills and experiences that directly align with the job description. Use keywords from the job listing to ensure you pass through automated applicant tracking systems.
Quantify Your Achievements: Use metrics to quantify your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying "improved process efficiency," you might say, "led a team that reduced product testing time by 30%, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings."
Translate Your Federal Experience: Federal job titles and jargon can be obscure to private-sector hiring managers. Instead of simply listing your federal job title, explain your role in terms that resonate with the private sector, such as "Quality Assurance Specialist" becoming "Quality Assurance Manager" or emphasizing your leadership in initiatives rather than federal terminology.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Highlight skills that are valuable in any environment, such as data analysis, problem-solving, project management, and cross-departmental collaboration. Be sure to emphasize how these skills resulted in measurable improvements.
Prepare for Behavior-Based Questions: Private sector interviews often focus on behavioral questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This approach helps you provide a clear narrative while elucidating your problem-solving abilities.
Research the Company Culture: Understand the company’s values, founding principles, and recent news. This preparation allows you to tailor your questions and make insightful comments during the interview that demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization.
Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your transition story concisely. Explain why you’re moving from a federal position to the private sector, focusing on your passion for quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Highlight Your Adaptability: Employers in the private sector look for candidates who can adapt quickly. Share experiences where you had to pivot in your approach due to changing priorities, regulations, or project scopes.
Leverage LinkedIn: Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills and accomplishments. Join relevant groups and engage with content to boost your visibility.
Informational Interviews: Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields you’re interested in. These conversations can provide insights and connections that could lead to job opportunities.
Attend Networking Events: Participate in industry conferences, webinars, and local professional meetups. Connecting with industry peers can open doors to opportunities and insight into the private sector landscape.
Utilize Alumni Networks: If you attended college, leverage your alumni network. Reach out to fellow alumni who are working in the private sector or in your area of interest.
Use Action Words: Start bullet points in your resume and cover letter with strong action verbs such as "developed," "managed," "innovated," and "led."
Focus on Outcomes: Emphasize the outcomes of your work rather than simply your responsibilities. Employers want to know what you achieved, not just what tasks you completed.
Avoid Jargon: Replace governmental acronyms and terminologies with more universally understood language. This helps avoid confusion and showcases your ability to communicate effectively in diverse environments.
Create a Skills-Based Summary: If applicable, begin your resume with a summary that showcases your key skills and how they apply to the private sector. For instance, highlight your process improvement achievements, risk management techniques, or your ability to work cross-functionally.
Transitioning to the private sector from a federal role can seem daunting, but with a strategic approach and a positive mindset, it is fully achievable. Focus on the unique skills and experiences you bring to the table, network actively, and be open to learning the nuances of private sector work culture. Stay persistent and remember to celebrate each step forward in your transition.