Quality Inspector Lead
Description
Self. Made. at RK
At RK, Self. Made. isn’t a tagline, it’s how work gets done. People here build more than projects; they build capability, confidence, and careers they can be proud of. With so much work designed and fabricated in-house, ideas move quickly from concept to shop floor to job site. Teams collaborate across disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and grow through hands-on work that truly matters.
RK Overview
RK Industries is a second-generation family-owned company led by brothers Rick and Jon Kinning. With seven specialized business units working together, we deliver construction, fabrication, manufacturing, and building services with a focus on safety, quality, and craftsmanship.
What Sets RK Industries Apart
People join RK for the craftsmanship, complexity, and the ability to make a real impact. Our in-house capabilities mean employees see their ideas become real solutions, creating meaningful collaboration and clear visibility into how work gets built. Growth happens through challenging projects, mentorship from experienced builders, and opportunities that stretch your skill set.
With RK University, accredited apprenticeships, competitive benefits, and deep community investment, RK offers the stability of a family-owned company with the opportunity and momentum of an industry leader.
Position Summary
The Lead Quality Inspector is responsible for overseeing and coordinating quality inspection activities across multiple projects, departments, or locations to ensure consistent adherence to company, client, and regulatory standards. This role provides technical leadership, supports audit readiness, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and mentors quality personnel while maintaining compliance with applicable industry codes and quality systems.
Role Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate inspection activities to ensure consistent quality standards across projects and departments.
- Supervise, mentor, and guide quality inspectors and QA technicians; set performance expectations and provide feedback in coordination with department leadership.
- Lead audit preparation efforts and serve as a primary contact during regulatory, third-party, and customer audits, including corrective action planning and follow-up.
- Develop, implement, and improve inspection procedures, QA plans, training programs, policies, and SOPs.
- Provide strategic recommendations to strengthen company-wide QA/QC systems and continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean and Six Sigma projects.
- Review and approve Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs), and welder qualifications.
- Conduct audits of raw materials, packaging components, labels, in-process work, and finished products to ensure compliance with specifications and regulatory standards.
- Review production records and manufacturing documentation to verify proper recordkeeping and adherence to regulatory and GMP requirements (as applicable).
- Support coordination of testing outcomes, including managing product release, hold, and rejection processes, including oversight of the “Red Tag” program.
- Conduct root cause investigations for non-conformances and customer complaints; implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
- Review project requirements and develop internal QA plans to ensure compliance with contract documents, codes, and standards.
- Collaborate with project managers, production teams, clients, regulatory agencies, and third-party auditors to resolve technical issues and ensure quality objectives are met.
- Read and interpret complex blueprints, specifications, and technical documents to verify compliance.
- Perform advanced technical inspections and evaluations within established procedures and defined scopes.
- Actively participate in meetings to support operational alignment and continuous improvement efforts.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in quality inspection, construction, or welding required.
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification preferred.
- Additional certifications such as ASNT Level II, NACE, or other industry-recognized credentials are highly desirable.
- Extensive knowledge of applicable industry codes and standards, including AISC, ASME, API, ISO, and related regulatory requirements.
- Proven experience leading audits and managing comprehensive QA/QC programs.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- Proficient in advanced mathematics, including geometry and trigonometry.
- Strong ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and technical documentation.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and represent the company externally.
Applications
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law