Quality Assurance Manager

The QA/QC Manager plays a critical role in protecting UPI’s reputation, reducing rework and cost exposure, and strengthening client trust through proactive quality planning and execution.

This position has the responsibility to support our project teams in all aspects of Quality. The QA/QC Manager is a resource to our projects and support teams, monitors compliance, provides training, investigates incidents, and performs regular audits. The Quality Control Manager reports to the VP, Safety and Risk with oversight and alignment from the PM Group Manager.

• Partner with project leadership to proactively identify quality‑related risks that may impact cost, schedule, safety, or client relationships.
• Understand, follow, maintain, update, and enforce the requirements laid out in the Quality Management Plan, our customer specifications, and all applicable regulations and standards, consistent with the company’s mission, vision, and values.
• Lead post‑project quality reviews and lessons‑learned sessions; track recurring issues and drive corrective actions into procedures, training, and templates.
• Develop understanding of project contract requirements and specifications.
• Possess an understanding of ASME / API / DOT / AMPP standards and specifications as it pertains to our work. Develop and maintain corresponding procedures as‑needed.
• Develop and maintain QA/QC documentation templates, including but not limited to ITP’s, Project‑Specific Quality Plans, internal templates, continuity and inspection tracking, etc.
• Conduct new employee quality training, including an overview of the Quality Management Plan, appropriate processes, and documentation.
• Support digital quality initiatives, document control systems, and inspection tracking tools to improve visibility and consistency across projects.
• Provide quality oversight to all locations of UPI (i.e., Duluth, MN & Yorkville, IL, as well as remote project sites).
• Acts as a resource to the project team, support teams, and subcontractors.
• Lead a team of quality control professionals including project and shop‑based inspection of self‑performed and subcontractor performed work.
• Manage quality team growth, including permanent and 3rd party resources based on fluctuating project workload.
• Perform CWI / NACE / AMPP inspections as needed.
• Perform formal, documented project quality audits. Reviews all audit findings with project leadership including the Field Leader and Project Manager.
• Review and audit construction reports including but not limited to ITP’s, Receiving Reports, Torque Reports, Coating/Painting Reports, Weld Logs, MTR Logs, Quality Drawings, and Hydrotest Reports.
• Analyze quality metrics and trends (NCRs, rework, audit findings) and report insights to senior leadership.
• Success in this role is measured by effective implementation of the quality management system, reduction in rework and non‑conformances, audit performance, and positive feedback from project teams and clients.
• As a leader, mentor direct reports consistent with the company’s mission, vision, and values.
• Other duties as assigned
• Compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• No ethics violations.
• A drug and alcohol‑free workplace.
• Assist in accident investigations on assigned jobs.
• Honesty, integrity, ethical behavior.
• Do what’s right, when you say you are going to do it, the first time.
• Embrace a commitment to learning and development, recognizing areas you need improvement on and a responsibility to mentor and coach others.
• Be self‑motivated, demonstrate an ability to think outside of basic fundamentals of the job description to add value in the furtherance of company vision, goals, and success.
• Be actively engaged.
• Share information and offer and receive feedback (both positive and negative).
• Respect company and customer property including vehicles and equipment.
• Conduct self with “can‑do” attitude.
• Be accountable to your individual and departmental performance metrics.

• Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
• Communication
  : the ability to share ideas and information both externally and internally.
• Verbal and written communication skills are equally…