Overview
Quality Assurance Engineer Jobs in Chicago at Tyrant CNC
Quality Assurance Engineer
Company: Tyrant CNC
Location: Chicago, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Tyrant CNC
Tyrant CNC is an engineer-driven defense products company based in Chicago, specializing in premium aftermarket components and accessories. We design, test, manufacture, and launch products at a fast pace, with a focus on precision, performance, and real-world reliability.
We are looking for a Quality Assurance Engineer who can help strengthen our quality systems, improve inspection processes, support product launches, and ensure that every product leaving our facility meets the standards our customers expect from Tyrant CNC.
Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Engineer will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and improving quality control processes across incoming inspection, in-process inspection, final inspection, supplier quality, and new product introduction.
This role is ideal for someone who understands precision manufacturing, has a strong eye for detail, and can bridge the gap between engineering, production, vendors, and customer experience. The right person will not just inspect parts — they will help build systems that prevent defects, improve consistency, and support scalable growth.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and maintain quality assurance procedures for machined, molded, finished, and assembled components.
Perform and oversee incoming inspection, first article inspection, in-process checks, and final product inspections.
Review engineering drawings, CAD models, tolerances, specifications, and GD&T requirements to ensure products meet design intent.
Create and maintain inspection plans, check sheets, quality documentation, and product-specific QC criteria.
Use precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, pin gauges, height gauges, optical comparators, thread gauges, and other inspection equipment.
Identify quality issues, root causes, and corrective actions related to manufacturing defects, vendor nonconformance, assembly issues, or customer returns.
Work with engineering and product development teams during new product launches to define critical dimensions, quality risks, inspection requirements, and production readiness.
Support supplier quality by inspecting vendor parts, documenting nonconformances, communicating quality concerns, and helping vendors improve consistency.
Analyze customer returns, warranty issues, and field feedback to identify recurring problems and drive permanent solutions.
Develop and maintain quality metrics including defect rates, return trends, supplier performance, inspection results, and corrective action status.
Assist with process improvement initiatives to reduce scrap, rework, returns, and production bottlenecks.
Help build and improve Tyrant CNC’s internal quality systems as the company continues to grow.
Ensure quality standards are clearly communicated across production, shipping, assembly, engineering, and vendor partners.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent hands-on experience will also be considered.
3+ years of experience in quality assurance, quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, or precision inspection.
Experience working with CNC-machined parts, metal components, tight tolerances, surface finishes, coatings, or assembled products.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, CAD files, and technical specifications.
Strong working knowledge of measurement tools and inspection methods.
Understanding of GD&T and how it applies to real-world manufacturing.
Experience identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation.
Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, production, vendors, warehouse, and leadership.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where new products are developed and launched frequently.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with firearms, defense products, sporting goods, automotive, aerospace, medical device, or other precision-manufactured products.
Experience with ISO 9001, AS9100, PPAP, FAI, CAPA, 8D, or similar quality systems and methodologies.
Experience using ERP, inventory, or quality management software.
Familiarity with coatings, anodizing, heat treating, injection molding, MIM, stamping, springs, fasteners, and vendor-supplied components.
Experience creating quality systems from the ground up in a growing manufacturing company.
Experience with CMM inspection, vision systems, or advanced measurement equipment.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is technical, detail-oriented, and practical. They understand that quality is not just about rejecting bad parts — it is about building repeatable systems that make good parts easier to produce.
They are comfortable working directly with engineers, machinists, vendors, and warehouse teams. They can diagnose problems, document issues clearly, and push for solutions without slowing down the speed of innovation.
They take pride in precision, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Work Environment
This role will involve time in an office, warehouse, QC area, and product development environment. The candidate must be comfortable working around regulated defense products and firearm accessories in accordance with all applicable laws and company policies.
Compensation
Compensation will be based on experience, technical background, and overall fit for the role.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief explanation of their quality assurance, inspection, or manufacturing experience.
Tyrant CNC is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: $105,000.00 – $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Quality Assurance Engineer
Company: Tyrant CNC
Location: Chicago
