Who Is Prince?

Founded in 1959 by Ed Miller near Chicago, Prince Industries has grown from a one-man shop into a global manufacturing partner. With seven facilities across the U.S. and China, we serve industries from hydraulics to aerospace, handling everything from just-in-time components to high-volume assemblies.

At Prince, we don’t just make parts—we solve complex supply chain challenges. We are a strategic partner, focused on helping clients improve products, reduce costs, and simplify operations. Certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100 standards, we combine quality, innovation, and growth-minded thinking to deliver real value.

Job Summary

The Quality Lead, Fabrication coordinates activities of quality inspectors (3 - 4) engaged in inspecting and testing materials or products for conformance to blueprint specifications and works in conjunction with Engineering to develop inspection methods that meet or exceed customer requirements. 

Compensation: Starting at $30 per hour. The final rate will be determined based on experience and a successful interview process.

Key Responsibilities

• Understands and observes all necessary safety procedures: safety procedures, safety glasses, shoes, ear protection, machine interlocks, lifting guidelines, etc. as designated in specific work area assigned.
• Supervises and oversees all quality control / inspection operations (i.e., Hold Area, Lab, and Calibration) within the department daily. 
• Revises work assignments as needed to meet production schedules and directs work assignments accordingly to ensure on-time inspection of parts.
• Manages and enforces procedures for disposition of discrepant material.
• Frequently reviews all correspondence (i.e., voice mail messages, emails, faxes, mail) and responds to all requests in a timely manner.
• Assists subordinates or co-workers in resolving technical problems.
• Uses statistical process control techniques when required.
• Collaborates across departments and with Quality Manager to investigate defective parts to improve the process.  
• Completes all necessary job-related paperwork in a concise and timely manner.
• Collaborates with Engineering to create Master Inspection documentation for First Piece, In Process and Final Inspections.
• Works effectively with all department personnel in a harmonious and cooperative manner to meet the needs and goals established by the company.  
• Regularly holds department meetings to communicate with department workers on work-related matters and safety training discussions.
• When required, attends all meetings related to department operations and quality improvements.
• Keeps Management informed of all major department issues or concerns related to inspection, performance or any issue that could negatively affect the company's operation.
• Recommends methods to working conditions, processes and use of equipment that would improve efficiency and reduce material and labor waste.        
• Initiates or suggests plans to motivate inspection workers to achieve work goals.
• Accurately communicates all necessary inspection staffing and equipment issues to all shifts.
• Interprets and enforces all supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures, and applicable laws.
• Performs personnel tasks in consultation with Quality Manager to assist Human Resources Department as needed, to effectively maintain departmental staff, such as:
• Interviewing and training
• Addressing complaints
• Investigating and resolving employee issues
• Conducting performance reviews
• Understands all necessary processes and procedures in order to maintain Prince's required quality certifications (i.e., ISO).
• Participates and plans for annual internal and external audits to maintain company certifications (i.e., ISO).
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by management may include overseeing other departments or workloads as needed to meet the company’s production needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence as needed.  
• Ability to communicate effectively both in oral and written form.
• Proficient in the use of all department and inspection equipment.
• Ability to perform advanced math skills related to manufacturing environment (i.e., trigonometry, etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints (i.e., assembly, production, GD&T).
• Excellent knowledge of standard inspection variables like thread, knurling, hardness finish operations.
• Understands and follows the company’s certification policies and standards (i.e., ISO).
• Ability to pay attention to detail to visually inspect and recognize discrepancies in part's defects.
• Basic computer knowledge with data entry skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills required to schedule work assignments and prioritize urgent matters.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure; involves coping with stress and maintaining a composed, professional manner in all circumstances related to employees or co-workers.
• PPAP & FAI experience

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Associate-level degree or equivalent in quality related functions required. 
• Apprenticeship, formal training, college course work or continuing education required.
• 3 or more years previous work experience in related machining and inspection environment. 
• Previous supervisory experience preferred. 
   

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk the duration of shift, 8-10 hours. 
• Frequently required to talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull or bend.
• Regularly lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision in which 20/20 vision or corrected vision to 20/20 vision is required.
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles resulting from metalworking coolants and oils.
• The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud when working in the plant, in which hearing protection is required.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and holidays (9 per year)
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Plans
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with strong employer match
• Company paid life insurance & AD&D
• Partial tuition reimbursement for job relation classes
• PPE reimbursement
• Your specific benefits package will depend on your position, location, and years of service with Prince

Compensation: Starting at $28/hr. The final rate will be determined based on experience and a successful interview process.

Due to ITAR regulations, only U.S. persons—defined as U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and U.S. nationals—are eligible for this position.

*We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Applicants can learn more about Prince's status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the federal "EEO is the Law" poster ( https://www.eeoc.gov/employers )