Quality Technician Lead

Four-Hands; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Hands in Austin, TX is seeking a Quality Technician to lead inspection efforts, evaluate vendor samples, and drive continuous improvement across design, sourcing, and operations.

The role combines hands-on testing with mentoring of Quality Associates, uses metrology tools, and requires working in a warehouse/office environment to ensure products meet specs and packaging standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in quality inspection in manufacturing or related technical field.
• Familiarity with metrology tools, inspection methods, and dimensional tolerances.
• Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Inspect vendor samples, prototypes, and inventory against specs and standards.
• Use metrology tools to measure dimensions, tolerances, and finishes.
• Investigate defects and determine root causes for corrective actions.
• Prepare inspection reports with findings and actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with design, sourcing, quality, and operations teams.

Skills

Quality inspection

Metrology

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Associate degree or technical field

Tools

Calipers

Micrometers

Power BI

Excel

SolidWorks

Job description

Join one of the fastest growing, most dynamic companies in the furniture industry. For over 25 years, Four Hands has been a leading designer and wholesaler of furniture and décor, helping people create spaces that feel like home.

Recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies and named one of Austin’s Top Workplaces year after year. We invest in exceptional people — with a team of over 800 and growing — fostering our employees’ careers and celebrating them at every step of the way. Four Hands is where passion meets purpose and where your next chapter begins.

The Quality Technician supports product quality and continuous improvement through hands-on evaluation of vendor samples, existing inventory, packaging, materials, and product construction. This position partners with Product Design, Quality, Sourcing, and Operations to identify potential quality concerns, investigate product failures, and recommend practical improvements.

The ideal candidate combines technical inspection and metrology skills with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities. This role requires working in both warehouse and office environments.

In This Role

Team Mentorship & Daily Operations

• Assign and prioritize inspections based on business needs, inventory availability, quality concerns, and operational deadlines
• Monitor team productivity, inspection accuracy, and adherence to established quality standards and procedures
• Provide hands-on training, coaching, and technical guidance to Quality Associates on inspection methods, product specifications, equipment, and quality expectations
• Serve as the first point of escalation for inspection challenges, product defects, and quality-related concerns
• Review inspection findings and documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and completeness
• Identify workflow inefficiencies and recommend improvements to inspection processes, team performance, and resource utilization
• Communicate daily priorities, progress, staffing constraints, and operational challenges to Quality leadership and cross-functional stakeholders
• Promote accountability, teamwork, safe work practices, and continuous improvement throughout daily operations
• Support onboarding, skills development, and performance feedback for Quality Associates in collaboration with Quality leadership

Product Quality & Technical Evaluation

• Inspect vendor samples, prototypes, pre-production products, and existing inventory against specifications, approved standards, and quality expectations
• Utilize metrology tools and measurement techniques to evaluate dimensions, tolerances, fit, alignment, construction, finishes, and functionality
• Investigate damaged or defective inventory, identifying potential causes related to manufacturing, packaging, transportation, handling, or storage
• Apply lessons learned from previous quality issues, customer claims, and supplier corrective actions to future product evaluations
• Support root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives

Sample Preparation & Review Readiness

• Receive inbound pre-production samples, documenting arrival, and carton condition before opening
• Unbox samples methodically, photographing packaging, inserts, and product condition at each stage before anything is disturbed or discarded
• Assemble samples following the instructions included exactly as written. Record errors, unclear steps, and missing or incorrect hardware against the bill of materials
• Clean and stage samples in review-ready condition for Product Design and reposition furniture as needed throughout reviews
• Break down packaging, retaining representative packaging when findings need to be shown to suppliers
• Keep the sample review area organized, safe, and ready for scheduled reviews

Packaging, Rework & Warehouse Operations

• Evaluate packaging design, materials, protection, and effectiveness in preventing transportation and handling damage
• Recommend and implement practical product and packaging improvements, documenting methods and results
• Complete stock inspections and support product disposition decisions
• Safely operate pallet jacks, forklifts, material lifts, and other warehouse equipment following required training and authorization
• Collaborate with Product Design, Sourcing, Quality, Operations, and suppliers to communicate findings and resolve quality concerns
• Prepare clear, professional inspection reports with photographs, measurements, observations, and actionable recommendations
• Communicate technical findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Analyze quality data to identify trends, recurring defects, and opportunities for improvement
• Maintain accurate inspection records, test results, and supporting documentation

Other Duties

• Other duties as assigned, in accordance with training and qualifications
• Uphold the Core Values and be a valuable member of the Four Hands Team
  • Be open and honest
  • Reach for excellence
  • Act with responsibility
  • Value the whole person
  • Enjoy the journey

The Ideal Person

• 3+ years of experience in quality inspection. Manufacturing, metrology, product testing, or a related technical field preferred
• Working knowledge of quality terminology, inspection methods, measurement techniques, and basic manufacturing processes
• Ability to use precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, force gauges, moisture meters, and other inspection equipment
• Ability to interpret product specifications, dimensions, tolerances, and technical documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, including formulas and PivotTables
• Familiarity with Microsoft Power BI, SharePoint, and digital reporting systems, or ability to learn these tools
• Strong written communication, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
• Willingness to train and become proficient with CAD SolidWorks and 3D scanning tools and equipment
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments
• Work regularly in a warehouse environment that is not air conditioned, including exposure to elevated temperatures
• Stand, walk, or sit for prolonged periods throughout the workday, and ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Frequently bend, reach, crouch, and maneuver around furniture and other products
• Safely operate hand tools, inspection equipment, pallet jacks, forklifts, and material lifts with required training and authorization
• Transition between warehouse, inspection, and office environments as operational needs require

About Four Hands

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, since 1996, Four Hands crafts furniture, art and décor — pieces that are all about creating space. Timeless, thoughtful designs with endless possibilities. Pieces meant to be experienced and form a whole that feels like home.

Our trade customers range from interior designers to large retailers who rely on our expertise to grow and guide their business to success. We treat our partners as part of the Four Hands family, championing them and rooting for their every win.

And, we are constantly pursuing better — from sourcing the finest materials and finishes to seeking fresh inspiration to elevate our designs — we are never settled, never done.

Four Hands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Four Hands recruits qualified applicants and advances in employment its employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, ethnic or national origin, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.