QA/QC Manager - Skilled Trades

Accelera; Portage (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera, a piping contractor, seeks a QA/QC Manager to oversee quality control and assurance for industrial projects. You will ensure piping systems are fabricated, tested, and installed to regulatory standards, client specifications, and industry codes, interfacing with inspectors, unions, and clients.

You will lead the QMS, manage documentation, audits, and training while coordinating NDE, welding, and heat treatment activities on-site and in shop environments to uphold compliance and project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years in industrial piping quality control/assurance.
• Lead or supervisory QC on union-affiliated projects.
• Experience with ASME B31.1/B31.3 and AWS standards.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance QMS per API, ASME, AWS, ANSI, and client standards.
• Oversee welding fabrication quality, WPS/PQR review, and NDE coordination.
• Direct field QC inspections and coordinate with Owner's Inspectors.
• Deliver quality metrics and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and proper documentation control.

Skills

Quality Management

Field QC

Leadership

Regulatory Compliance

NDE Coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management / Mechanical Engineering

Associate degree + equivalent experience

HS diploma + 12+ years piping QC experience

Tools

Bluebeam

Procore

Job description

The QA/QC Manager oversees the creation, execution, and enforcement of quality control and assurance protocols for a specialized piping contractor. This role focuses on industrial and commercial projects governed by collective bargaining agreements. You will ensure that all piping systems—including steam, process, cryogenic, high-purity, and utility—are fabricated, tested, and installed according to regulatory standards, client specifications, and industry codes. As the primary authority on quality, you will manage interactions with third-party inspectors, jurisdictional officials, union leadership, and clients.

Role Overview

The QA/QC Manager oversees the creation, execution, and enforcement of quality control and assurance protocols for a specialized piping contractor. This role focuses on industrial and commercial projects governed by collective bargaining agreements. You will ensure that all piping systems—including steam, process, cryogenic, high-purity, and utility—are fabricated, tested, and installed according to regulatory standards, client specifications, and industry codes. As the primary authority on quality, you will manage interactions with third-party inspectors, jurisdictional officials, union leadership, and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Program Management

• Maintain and enhance the corporate Quality Management System (QMS) to align with API, ASME, AWS, ANSI, and client standards.
• Draft and distribute essential documentation including Quality Control Plans (QCPs), Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), and Welding Procedure Specifications (WPSs).
• Oversee document control workflows, such as non-conformance tracking and record retention, to ensure project integrity.
• Lead internal and external audit preparations to help maintain a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

Welding & Fabrication Oversight

• Manage the qualification program for welders and operators to ensure all personnel meet ASME Section IX and AWS standards.
• Review and validate WPS/PQR documentation while coordinating with external testing laboratories.
• Supervise all heat treatment, joint tracking, and weld mapping processes during fabrication and installation.
• Coordinate non-destructive examination (NDE) activities and verify the accuracy of all resulting reports.

Field & Inspection Coordination

• Direct field QC inspectors and maintain productive relationships with Owner's Inspectors and Authorized Inspection Agencies.
• Execute and document system testing, including hydrostatic and pneumatic leak tests, to ensure safe and reliable infrastructure.
• Monitor material traceability and verify heat numbers to help maintain strict adherence to project material specifications.
• Perform final and in-process inspections of flange assemblies, pipe supports, and specialty components.

Regulatory Compliance & Code Authority

• Stay updated on relevant codes such as ASME B31.1, B31.3, B31.9, B31.12, and OSHA safety regulations.
• Act as the official Code Authority for pressure piping programs and manage communication with inspection agencies.
• Ensure all jurisdictional requirements, including code stamps and permits, are met throughout the project lifecycle.
• Apply union contract quality provisions consistently across all craft activities to support project success.

Client & Stakeholder Relations

• Act as the main point of contact for regulatory bodies, owners, and clients regarding all quality matters.
• Engage in constructability reviews and pre-construction meetings to proactively address quality expectations.
• Manage and resolve quality-related submittals, RFIs, and non-conformance reports.
• Deliver performance metrics and trend analyses to leadership to help drive better project outcomes.

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate the performance of quality coordinators and field inspectors.
• Create and implement training initiatives to improve staff and craft knowledge of inspection techniques and code compliance.
• Work alongside foremen and union stewards to foster a high-quality work environment.
• Partner with project management teams to ensure quality requirements are fully integrated into project schedules.

Professional Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.
• Candidates with an Associate’s degree and relevant experience will be considered.
• A high school diploma or GED combined with over 12 years of progressive industrial piping quality experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.

Experience

• At least 8 years of experience in quality control or assurance within industrial piping fabrication or construction.
• Minimum of 5 years in a lead or supervisory QC role on union-affiliated projects.
• Proven expertise in managing ASME pressure piping programs, specifically B31.1 or B31.3.
• Practical experience working in a pipe fabrication shop is highly desired.
• Working knowledge of labor relations and union collective bargaining agreements.

Certifications

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – Required.
• ASME Inspector qualification or equivalent – Strongly preferred.
• ASNT Level II or III in VT, PT, MT, UT, or RT – Preferred.
• API 570 Piping Inspector Certification – Preferred.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction – Required (must be obtained within 90 days).

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of ASME Section IX, B31 series codes, AWS standards, and OSHA regulations.
• Proficiency in managing QMS documentation, material traceability, and WPS/PQR packages.
• Experience using construction management software such as Bluebeam or Procore.
• Ability to interpret complex fabrication drawings, isometrics, P&IDs, and engineering prints.
• Strong grasp of NDE acceptance criteria and testing methods.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Work occurs in both office settings and active field sites, including refineries, power plants, and commercial facilities.
• Frequent exposure to industrial hazards and outdoor elements requires consistent use of appropriate PPE.
• Must be physically capable of standing for long periods, navigating tight spaces, and climbing scaffolding or ladders.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for site travel.
• Must be able to pass all site‑specific access requirements, including drug screens and background checks.