Quality Technician Lead

Four Hands•Austin, TX

11h

About The Position

The Quality Technician Lead supports product quality and continuous improvement through hands-on evaluation of vendor samples, prototypes, pre-production products, existing inventory, packaging, materials, and product construction. The role partners with Product Design, Quality, Sourcing, Operations, and suppliers to identify quality concerns, investigate product failures, communicate findings, and recommend practical improvements. It combines technical inspection and metrology work with team coordination, analytical problem-solving, and communication. The lead assigns and prioritizes inspections, monitors team productivity and inspection accuracy, trains and coaches Quality Associates, reviews inspection documentation, and escalates inspection challenges and quality concerns. The position also supports sample preparation and reviews, packaging evaluation, stock inspections, product disposition, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement. It prepares reports and maintains accurate inspection records and quality data. The role works in warehouse, inspection, and office environments, including a warehouse that is not air conditioned and may have elevated temperatures. It involves prolonged standing, walking, or sitting; lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; and frequently bending, reaching, crouching, and maneuvering around furniture and products. Safe operation of warehouse and inspection equipment is required after appropriate training and authorization.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in quality inspection.
Working knowledge of quality terminology, inspection methods, measurement techniques, and basic manufacturing processes.
Ability to use precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, force gauges, moisture meters, and other inspection equipment.
Ability to interpret product specifications, dimensions, tolerances, and technical documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including formulas and PivotTables.
Strong written communication, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
Ability to work regularly in a non-air-conditioned warehouse, including exposure to elevated temperatures.
Ability to stand, walk, or sit for prolonged periods and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to frequently bend, reach, crouch, and maneuver around furniture and other products.
Ability to safely operate hand tools, inspection equipment, pallet jacks, forklifts, and material lifts with required training and authorization.
Ability to transition between warehouse, inspection, and office environments as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

Experience in manufacturing, metrology, product testing, or a related technical field is preferred.
Familiarity with Microsoft Power BI, SharePoint, and digital reporting systems, or the ability to learn these tools.
Willingness to train and become proficient with CAD SolidWorks and 3D scanning tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

Assign and prioritize inspections according to business needs, inventory availability, quality concerns, and operational deadlines.
Monitor team productivity, inspection accuracy, and adherence to quality standards and procedures.
Train, coach, and provide technical guidance to Quality Associates on inspection methods, specifications, equipment, and quality expectations.
Act as the first point of escalation for inspection challenges, product defects, and quality-related concerns.
Review inspection findings and documentation for accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend improvements to inspection processes, team performance, and resource utilization.
Communicate daily priorities, progress, staffing constraints, and operational challenges to Quality leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Promote accountability, teamwork, safe work practices, and continuous improvement; support onboarding, skills development, and performance feedback in collaboration with Quality leadership.
Inspect vendor samples, prototypes, pre-production products, and existing inventory against specifications, approved standards, and quality expectations.
Use metrology tools and measurement techniques to evaluate dimensions, tolerances, fit, alignment, construction, finishes, and functionality.
Investigate damaged or defective inventory and identify potential causes related to manufacturing, packaging, transportation, handling, or storage.
Apply lessons from prior quality issues, customer claims, and supplier corrective actions to future evaluations; support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Receive inbound pre-production samples and document arrival and carton condition before opening.
Unbox samples methodically and photograph packaging, inserts, and product condition at each stage before disturbing or discarding anything.
Assemble samples exactly as instructed; record errors, unclear steps, and missing or incorrect hardware against the bill of materials.
Clean and stage samples for Product Design reviews, reposition furniture as needed, break down packaging, and retain representative packaging when supplier findings need to be demonstrated.
Keep the sample review area organized, safe, and ready for scheduled reviews.
Evaluate packaging design, materials, protection, and effectiveness in preventing transportation and handling damage; recommend and implement practical improvements and document methods and results.
Complete stock inspections and support product disposition decisions.
Safely operate pallet jacks, forklifts, material lifts, and other warehouse equipment following required training and authorization.
Collaborate with Product Design, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, and suppliers to communicate findings and resolve quality concerns.
Prepare professional inspection reports with photographs, measurements, observations, and actionable recommendations; communicate technical findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Analyze quality data for trends, recurring defects, and improvement opportunities; maintain accurate inspection records, test results, and supporting documentation.
Perform other duties consistent with training and qualifications, uphold Four Hands’ Core Values, and contribute as a member of the team.