Quality Lead

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

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.

• 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

• 2 Direct Reports

• High school diploma or GED with 1-3 years of related 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

• 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

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

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

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

• 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

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

• 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.

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

Additional disclaimer:
Unless…