Dimensional Quality Inspection Lead (Manufacturing)

Location: Itasca, IL
Schedule: Full-Time | 1st Shift

A day in this role

When 1st shift begins in our Itasca facility, you’ll review the inspection queue, set team priorities, and verify that critical gaging is ready to go. You’ll split your time between coaching inspectors and personally performing complex visual and dimensional checks on manufactured components. Throughout the day, you’ll validate results against specifications and customer requirements, resolve nonconformances with production and engineering, and document findings to keep our quality records audit-ready. You’ll also mentor team members on reading prints and interpreting GD&T so that the entire group raises its game.

What you will lead and do

• Direct the daily workflow and performance of the inspection team.
• Conduct and oversee visual and dimensional inspections of fabricated parts.
• Confirm conformance to drawings, specs, and customer expectations.
• Interpret engineering drawings/blueprints and GD&T callouts with confidence.
• Operate and guide use of precision instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges, and related tools).
• Investigate nonconforming product, drive root cause, and partner with production/engineering on corrective actions.
• Own inspection documentation: records, reports, and traceability.
• Spot patterns in defects and recommend process improvements to prevent recurrence.
• Train, coach, and upskill inspectors on procedures, equipment, and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with production, engineering, and leadership to resolve quality concerns quickly.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in manufacturing quality inspection.
• Prior lead/supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong blueprint literacy and GD&T proficiency.
• Hands-on experience with precision measurement tools.
• Proven ability to diagnose dimensional and quality issues.
• Exceptional attention to detail and solid organizational skills.
• Background working on a production/manufacturing floor.
• Clear, effective communication across production, engineering, and management.

Why this role

Step into a hands-on leadership position where your decisions directly raise product quality, strengthen the inspection function, and influence manufacturing outcomes. You’ll balance technical depth with people leadership, creating accountability and developing talent.

Preferred proficiencies

• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• ISO 22000