Quality Control Associate

Quality Control Associate

Sprout is a global IT hardware retirement provider for hyperscaler and enterprise clients. We leverage a nationwide footprint (and international partner network) combined with proprietary software to enable efficient end-to-end IT asset disposition (ITAD) with a focus on data-bearing devices from the client to the cloud. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, NC with additional operations near Sacramento, Dallas, and Boston. Sprout provides software and services to clients in the form of our IT Asset Disposition, Certified Destruction, and Responsible Recycling solutions.

Since our founding as an electronic waste startup from a Duke University dorm room in 2014, we have been expanding at an average rate of >66% each year. By adhering to our 3 values (One Sprout, Deliver Excellence, and Integrity Matters), we are proud of our culture to move at #SproutSpeed to become the emerging leader in our industry.

The Quality Control Associate makes sure every asset leaving our warehouse is accurately tested, graded, data-sanitized and documented. You'll audit servers, storage, networking gear, laptops and components after processing, catch errors before they reach customers, and keep our R2/e-Stewards and data-security commitments intact.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect and audit processed assets (servers, storage, networking, laptops, desktops, drives, memory, CPUs) against work orders and grading standards.
• Verify cosmetic and functional grades, part numbers, configurations and serial numbers match what's recorded in the ERP/WMS.
• Confirm data sanitization and destruction are complete and documented, including wipe reports, drive shred logs and certificates of data destruction.
• Run sample-based and 100% audits on outbound lots before they ship to buyers or customers.
• Spot-check testing results (POST, diagnostics, burn-in) and re-test units when results look inconsistent.
• Log nonconformances, track root causes and work with processing leads on corrective actions.
• Inspect packaging, labeling and palletization so outbound shipments arrive undamaged and correctly identified.
• Investigate customer returns and RMAs to find where a grading or testing error happened.
• Maintain QC records and support internal and external audits (R2, e-Stewards, ISO 9001/14001/45001, NAID AAA).
• Keep chain-of-custody and serialization accurate from receipt to final disposition.
• Follow and help improve SOPs, checklists and grading guides; suggest process fixes that reduce repeat errors.
• Follow all safety, ESD and environmental handling procedures, including for batteries and e-waste.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ year of experience in quality control, inspection, IT hardware testing, refurbishment or warehouse operations.
• Able to identify common enterprise and end-user hardware and components (server models, drive types, RAM, CPUs).
• Strong attention to detail and comfort rejecting work that doesn't meet standard.
• Comfortable with barcode scanners, spreadsheets and an ERP or WMS system.
• Clear written documentation and the ability to explain issues to processing teams.
• Able to pass a background check, given access to customer data-bearing devices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience at an ITAD, IT refurbishment, e-waste recycling or data center decommissioning company.
• Working knowledge of R2v3, e-Stewards or ISO quality management systems.
• Familiarity with data sanitization tools and standards (Blancco, NIST 800-88).
• CompTIA A+ or similar hardware certification.
• Experience with ITAD-specific platforms such as Makor, Razor or a comparable ERP.
• Forklift or pallet jack certification.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Stand and walk for most of a shift in a warehouse setting.
• Regularly lift up to 50 lbs; team-lift heavier servers and equipment.
• Bend, reach and handle equipment in racks and on pallets.
• Work around forklifts, conveyor lines and shredding equipment while wearing required PPE.
• Warehouse temperatures may vary with the season.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Hands-on training on enterprise hardware and data security
• A path into Quality Lead, Auditor or Compliance roles

EEO – Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, gender, ethnicity, religion, national origin, ancestry, nationality, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law (except where an attribute is a bona fide occupational qualification).