QA/QC Manager (Portage, MI or Osceola, IN)

The QA/QC Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing all quality assurance and quality control programs for a specialty piping contractor performing industrial and commercial work under collective bargaining agreements. This position ensures that all piping systems--including process, utility, steam, high-purity, and cryogenic--are fabricated, installed, inspected, and tested in full compliance with applicable codes, client specifications, and regulatory requirements. The QA/QC Manager serves as the company's primary quality authority and interfaces directly with clients, third-party inspectors, union stewards, and jurisdictional authorities.

Quality Program Management

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the company Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with ASME, AWS, API, ANSI, and client-specific standards
• Author, revise, and distribute Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), Quality Control Plans (QCPs), Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs), and Procedure Qualification Records (PQRs)
• Establish and manage document control systems, including NCR (Non-Conformance Report) tracking, corrective action workflows (CAR/PAR), and quality record retention
• Conduct internal audits and lead third-party or client audit preparations; respond to audit findings with corrective action plans

Welding & Fabrication Oversight

• Administer and maintain the company's welder and weld operator qualification program per ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1, D1.6, and applicable codes
• Review and approve WPS/PQR packages; coordinate third-party destructive and non-destructive testing labs
• Oversee all weld mapping, joint tracking, and heat treatment documentation for piping fabrication and installation
• Coordinate NDE activities including RT, UT, MT, PT, VT, and PMI; review and accept NDE reports

Field & Inspection Coordination

• Manage field QC Inspectors and coordinate with Owner's Inspector (OI), Owner's Authorized Inspector (AI), and Authorized Inspection Agency (AIA) representatives
• Conduct or oversee pipe system testing including hydrostatic, pneumatic, leak, and functional tests per code and project requirements
• Enforce material control procedures including material traceability, heat number verification, and positive material identification (PMI)
• Perform and document in-process and final inspections of pipe supports, hangers, flange assemblies, and specialty components

Regulatory Compliance & Code Authority

• Maintain current knowledge of applicable codes: ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.9, B31.12; ASME Section I, VIII; OSHA 29 CFR 1910 and 1926
• Serve as the company's designated Code Authority for ASME pressure piping programs; interface with the Authorized Inspection Agency
• Ensure compliance with jurisdictional requirements for permits, hydrostatic tests, and code stamps where applicable
• Maintain awareness of union contract quality provisions and ensure consistent application across all crafts

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary quality point of contact for clients, owner representatives, and regulatory agencies
• Participate in pre-construction meetings, design reviews, and constructability meetings to address quality requirements
• Review and respond to client RFIs, NCRs, and quality-related submittal requirements
• Prepare and present quality performance metrics, KPIs, and trend analyses to leadership and client teams

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate field QC Inspectors and Quality Coordinators
• Develop and deliver craft and staff training programs on quality standards, inspection techniques, and code compliance
• Collaborate with union stewards and foremen to build a culture of quality at the craft level
• Partner with project managers and estimators to integrate quality requirements into project planning and scheduling

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field preferred
• Associate's degree in a related field with commensurate experience will be considered
• High school diploma or GED with 12+ years of progressive quality management experience in industrial piping may substitute for degree

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in quality assurance/quality control in industrial piping construction or fabrication
• Minimum 5 years in a supervisory or lead QC role on union construction projects
• Demonstrated experience administering ASME pressure piping programs (B31.1 and/or B31.3 required)
• Hands-on experience in a pipe fabrication shop environment strongly preferred
• Familiarity with union collective bargaining agreements and labor relations in a construction environment

Certifications (Required or Strongly Preferred)

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - Required
• ASME Inspector qualification or equivalent - Strongly preferred
• ASNT Level II or III in RT, UT, MT, and/or PT - Preferred
• API 570 Piping Inspector Certification - Preferred
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction - Required (must obtain within 90 days if not current)

Technical Skills

• Thorough knowledge of ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.9, ASME Section IX, AWS D1.1/D1.6, and applicable OSHA standards
• Proficiency in developing and managing QMS documentation, ITPs, WPS/PQR packages, and material traceability systems
• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, or equivalent construction management and document control software
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, isometrics, and fabrication drawings
• Solid working knowledge of NDE methods and acceptance criteria

• Work is performed both in an office environment and on active construction sites, including industrial plants, refineries, power generation facilities, and commercial buildings
• Frequent exposure to outdoor elements, elevated structures, confined spaces, and industrial hazards--appropriate PPE required at all times on site
• Must be physically able to climb ladders and scaffolding, work at heights, navigate tight spaces, and stand/walk for extended periods
• Valid driver's license required; reliable transportation necessary for local site travel
• Must be able to pass client-required background checks, drug screens, and site access requirements, which may include DISA enrollment

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