We are seeking a QA Operations Lead to join our quality assurance team in Chicago. This role combines hands-on quality expertise with operational leadership, offering the opportunity to shape testing strategies, mentor growing teams, and drive continuous improvement across our QA function. Please note the content of this advert does not represent a live vacancy. About the opportunity This is an opportunity to register your interest in future QA Operations Lead roles within quality assurance and testing operations. Roles of this type could involve overseeing test planning, automation frameworks, defect management and quality metrics across multiple product lines or initiatives. You would work with engineering, product and compliance teams to ensure product quality and regulatory alignment, with scope to influence testing standards and operational processes. Typical role overview

Location:

Chicago, Illinois, USA — hybrid environment with flexibility

Type:

Permanent

•

Full-time Salary:

$130,000 - $190,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Domain:

Quality Assurance

• Testing & Validation Operations What you would do Typical responsibilities could include: Leading and mentoring a QA team, balancing hands-on testing work with coaching and performance development Developing and maintaining test plans, test cases, and automation frameworks aligned with product requirements and compliance standards Managing defect triage, prioritization and resolution workflows across multiple product releases Establishing and monitoring quality metrics, KPIs and reporting cadences for leadership visibility Coordinating quality assurance efforts across engineering, product management and compliance functions Ensuring compliance validation and regulatory alignment in testing strategies Driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance testing efficiency and product quality Contributing to root cause analysis and process refinement based on quality trends What you could bring Most roles of this type require the following: Must-have 5-10 years of quality assurance, testing or validation experience 2-5 years leading, mentoring or managing QA teams Strong knowledge of test planning, test case design and defect management Experience with test automation tools and frameworks Working knowledge of quality metrics, KPIs and reporting Familiarity with compliance validation and regulatory standards relevant to your domain Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management or related field Authorization to work in the United States Nice-to-have ISTQB Certified Tester or ISTQB Advanced Tester certification Experience in Agile or DevOps testing environments Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and continuous testing Background in medical device, pharmaceutical or highly regulated industry QA Master's degree or equivalent advanced qualification What roles of this type could offer Most roles of this type offer the following, dependent on the industry and seniority of the role: Opportunity to lead QA operations and shape testing strategy across product lines Scope to mentor and develop QA professionals, building a stronger testing culture Involvement in process improvement and standardization across quality functions Exposure to multiple product areas and stakeholder groups Potential progression toward senior or principal QA leadership roles Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision coverage Paid time off and flexible work arrangements Professional development support and certification pathways 401(k) matching and flexible compensation options About Specialist Staffing Group Specialist Staffing Group is a leading staffing and recruitment partner specializing in quality assurance, engineering, and technical talent across regulated industries. We partner with innovative organizations to build high-performing teams and connect talented professionals with roles that advance their careers. How to register interest If you are interested in being added to our database to be considered for future opportunities, registering is quick and easy. No cover letter required. We will be in touch when we are instructed on these roles to discuss the next step in your career. Please note that the content of this advert does not represent a live vacancy or any guarantee of future vacancies, and by responding to this advert you agree to us adding your details to our database for future opportunities.