Quality Technician Lead

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

Collaboration, Reporting & Analysis

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.

Visit www.FourHands.com for more information.