Quality Lead

Vaco is hiring for a Quality Leader opportunity in Chicago IL
Direct Hire, Onsite
Salary: 80-100,000/yr + Bonus

Position Summary

The Quality Lead serves as the primary liaison for all quality-related issues and technical questions requiring metallurgical expertise. This role supports process and product quality control and improvement, with a focus on raw materials and metals fabrication processes. The Quality Lead also provides technical support to customers regarding material specifications and metallurgy-related concerns.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Respond to customer inquiries regarding non-conformance and quality issues
• Ensure product conformance to specifications and customer requirements
• Conduct product inspections and review documentation for compliance
• Maintain and monitor quality performance metrics
• Oversee and support process improvement initiatives related to quality
• Assist in the management of nonconformance issues and corrective actions
• Conduct supplier assessments, audits, and approvals
• Support internal and external quality audits and compliance activities
• Maintain calibration systems and oversee inspection/measuring equipment traceability
• Monitor and maintain shelf-life sensitive inventory items
• Maintain customer property in accordance with established procedures
• Support sales and operations with technical and compliance-related needs
• Assist with customer quality system requests, certifications, and approvals
• Support onboarding and quality training for new employees
• Maintain specification databases and ensure compliance with industry standards
• Perform periodic specification reviews and updates
• Support regulatory compliance activities and reporting
• Maintain supplier release programs and associated documentation
• Oversee outsourced testing coordination with approved external resources
• Ensure adherence to quality manuals, procedures, and work instructions
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma principles
• Perform general housekeeping in alignment with quality and safety expectations
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• 2 Direct Reports

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED with 1–3 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
  
  OR
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Metallurgy, Quality Engineering, or related field with manufacturing or metals distribution experience
• Knowledge of steel products, fabrication processes, and metallurgy preferred
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and AS9100 Quality Management Systems
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles

Skills and Abilities

Language Skills

• Ability to read and interpret technical documents, safety rules, and procedures in English
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence in English
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, employees, and groups

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to perform basic calculations (add, subtract, multiply, divide)
• Ability to compute ratios, percentages, and interpret data/graphs

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems in varied and complex situations
• Ability to interpret written, verbal, and diagram-based instructions

Certifications (Preferred/Required by Customers)

• Supplier certifications such as GE DSQR, PWA SDRA, or equivalent industry certifications

Physical Demands

• Regular sitting, talking, and hearing required
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and use of hands for handling equipment or materials
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Requires close and distance vision with ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Occasional exposure to mechanical equipment, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, vibration, and electrical risk
• Moderate noise environment
• Reasonable accommodations available as needed

Safety, Ethics, and Compliance Expectations

• Maintain compliance with all safety policies and procedures (OSHA, EPA, internal standards)
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement
• Follow company ethics and code of conduct requirements
• Support Lean and 5S workplace standards
• Participate in continuous learning related to metallurgy, quality systems, and industry standards

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.