Lead Quality Inspector

Job Description

Job Description

Who Is Prince?

Founded in 1959 by Ed Miller near Chicago, Prince Industries has grown from a one-man shop into a global manufacturing partner. With seven facilities across the U.S. and China, we serve industries from hydraulics to aerospace, handling everything from just-in-time components to high-volume assemblies.

At Prince, we don’t just make parts—we solve complex supply chain challenges. We are a strategic partner, focused on helping clients improve products, reduce costs, and simplify operations. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100 standards, we combine quality, innovation, and growth-minded thinking to deliver real value.

Job Summary

The Quality Lead, Fabrication coordinates activities of workers engaged in inspecting and testing materials or products for conformance to blueprint specifications and works in conjunction with Engineering to develop inspection methods that meet or exceed customer requirements. 

Compensation: $27-32/hr

Key Responsibilities

• Understands and observes all necessary safety procedures: safety procedures, safety glasses, shoes, ear protection, machine interlocks, lifting guidelines, etc. as designated in specific work area assigned.
• Supervises and oversees all quality control / inspection operations (i.e., Hold Area, Lab, and Calibration) within the department daily. 
• Revises work assignments as needed to meet production schedules and directs work assignments accordingly to ensure on-time inspection of parts.
• Manages and enforces procedures for disposition of discrepant material.
• Frequently reviews all correspondence (i.e., voice mail messages, emails, faxes, mail) and responds to all requests in a timely manner.
• Assists subordinates or co-workers in resolving technical problems.
• Uses statistical process control techniques when required.
• Collaborates across departments and with Quality Manager to investigate defective parts to improve the process.
• Completes all necessary job-related paperwork in a concise and timely manner.
• Collaborates with Engineering to create Master Inspection documentation for First Piece, In Process and Final Inspections.
• Works effectively with all department personnel in a harmonious and cooperative manner to meet the needs and goals established by the company.
• Regularly holds department meetings to communicate with department workers on work-related matters and safety training discussions.
• When required, attends all meetings related to department operations and quality improvements.
• Keeps Management informed of all major department issues or concerns related to inspection, performance or any issue that could negatively affect the company's operation.
• Recommends methods to working conditions, processes and use of equipment that would improve efficiency and reduce material and labor waste.
• Initiates or suggests plans to motivate inspection workers to achieve work goals.
• Accurately communicates all necessary inspection staffing and equipment issues to all shifts.
• Interprets and enforces all supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Performs personnel tasks in consultation with Quality Manager to assist Human Resources Department as needed, to effectively maintain departmental staff, such as:
• Interviewing and training
• Addressing complaints
• Investigating and resolving employee issues
• Conducting performance reviews
• Understands all necessary processes and procedures in order to maintain Prince's required quality certifications (i.e., ISO).
• Participates and plans for annual internal and external audits to maintain company certifications (i.e., ISO).
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by management may include overseeing other departments or workloads as needed to meet the company’s production needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence as needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written form.
• Proficient in the use of all department and inspection equipment.
• Ability to perform advanced math skills related to manufacturing environment (i.e., trigonometry, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints (i.e., assembly, production, GD&T).
• Excellent knowledge of standard inspection variables like thread, knurling, hardness finish operations.
• Understands and follows the company’s certification policies and standards (i.e., ISO).
• Ability to pay attention to detail to visually inspect and recognize discrepancies in part's defects.
• Basic computer knowledge with data entry skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills required to schedule work assignments and prioritize urgent matters.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure; involves coping with stress and maintaining a composed, professional manner in all circumstances related to employees or co-workers.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Associate-level degree or equivalent in quality related functions required. 
• Apprenticeship, formal training, college course work or continuing education required.
• 3 or more years previous work experience in related machining and inspection environment. 
• Previous supervisory experience preferred. 
  
  
  

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk the duration of shift, 8-10 hours. 
• Frequently required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull or bend.
• Regularly lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision in which 20/20 vision or corrected vision to 20/20 vision is required.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles resulting from metalworking coolants and oils.
• The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud when working in the plant, in which hearing protection is required.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays (9 per year)
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with strong employer match
• Company paid life insurance & AD&D
• Partial tuition reimbursement for job relation classes
• PPE reimbursement
• Your specific benefits package will depend on your position, location, and years of service with Prince

Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons—defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and U.S. nationals—are eligible for this position.

*We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Applicants can learn more about Prince's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster ( )