Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in Illinois
Quality Assurance Lead jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in manufacturing, food and beverage production, pharmaceutical operations, and enterprise software development across seniority levels from entry-level QA coordinator through senior lead and program manager. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford anchor most of the hiring, supported by major employers including Abbott Laboratories, Caterpillar, and Kraft Heinz, all of which maintain large Illinois operations and hire quality assurance leads on a recurring basis. The most in-demand specialties are regulatory compliance and validation, software QA and test automation, and production quality systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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KEDPLASMA is a subsidiary of Kedrion Biopharma Inc. KEDPLASMA specializes in the collection and procurement of high-quality plasma that is processed into plasma-based therapies. Kedrion Biopharma Inc. is an international company specializing in the collection and fractionation of blood plasma to produce and distribute plasma-derived therapeutic products. Our therapies help treat and prevent serious diseases, including Hemophilia, Primary Immune System Deficiencies, and Rh-Sensitization.
Job Summary
Are you detail-oriented and passionate about quality and compliance? Join our team as a Quality Assurance Specialist and help ensure the safety and integrity of life-saving plasma products. In this role, you’ll be a key player in upholding regulatory standards and supporting continuous improvement across the center’s operations.
As a Quality Assurance Specialist, you’ll work closely with the Quality Assurance Manager and center leadership to monitor compliance, review documentation, and support training and audit readiness. Your work will directly impact donor safety and product quality.
What you'll do
- Review manufacturing activities and documentation to ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and escalate non-compliance issues that could affect donor safety or plasma quality.
- Support plasma release and shipment processes, ensuring all units meet specifications.
- Investigate deviations and assist in implementing corrective actions.
- Audit records for completeness, consistency, and accuracy to maintain data integrity.
- Monitor equipment qualification, calibration, and maintenance documentation.
- Ensure proper storage and documentation of supplies, reagents, and equipment.
- Perform quality control checks on stored and shipped products, as well as test reagents.
- Track and trend quality data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Participate in internal audits and support external inspections.
- Assist in training staff on quality procedures and ensure training records are up to date.
- Evaluate staff competency through direct observation, written assessments, and proficiency testing.
- Prepare and submit epidemiological data and compliance reports as required.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory excellence.
Qualifications and need-to-know
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a regulated industry (plasma center or biomedical field preferred).
- Ability to analyze data and identify trends.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Familiarity with FDA, EU GMP, and cGMP standards.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Comfortable working in a highly regulated environment with exposure to bloodborne pathogens and cold storage areas.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems preferred.
Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Kedrion Biopharma Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment terms, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary ranges are determined based on relevant experience, education, and certifications.
If you require assistance with your employment application or need reasonable accommodations to perform job duties, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at kedtalent@kedrion.com.
Employee Benefits: At Kedrion Biopharma Inc., we believe in taking care of our people. Our benefits package is designed to support your health, happiness, and future, including:
- Health & Wellness – Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Financial Security – Life insurance, AD&D, and retirement savings plans
- Work-Life Balance – Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
- Career Growth – Training programs and development opportunities
- Extra Perks – Employee discounts, wellness initiatives, and more!
For specific inquiries please reach out to us
Kedrion Biopharma Inc. participates in E-Verify and provides the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm employment authorization. For more information, please contact the Department of Homeland Security.
KEDPLASMA is a subsidiary of Kedrion Biopharma Inc. KEDPLASMA specializes in the collection and procurement of high-quality plasma that is processed into plasma-based therapies. Kedrion Biopharma Inc. is an international company specializing in the collection and fractionation of blood plasma to produce and distribute plasma-derived therapeutic products. Our therapies help treat and prevent serious diseases, including Hemophilia, Primary Immune System Deficiencies, and Rh-Sensitization.
Job Summary
Are you detail-oriented and passionate about quality and compliance? Join our team as a Quality Assurance Specialist and help ensure the safety and integrity of life-saving plasma products. In this role, you’ll be a key player in upholding regulatory standards and supporting continuous improvement across the center’s operations.
As a Quality Assurance Specialist, you’ll work closely with the Quality Assurance Manager and center leadership to monitor compliance, review documentation, and support training and audit readiness. Your work will directly impact donor safety and product quality.
What you'll do
- Review manufacturing activities and documentation to ensure compliance with SOPs and regulatory requirements.
- Identify and escalate non-compliance issues that could affect donor safety or plasma quality.
- Support plasma release and shipment processes, ensuring all units meet specifications.
- Investigate deviations and assist in implementing corrective actions.
- Audit records for completeness, consistency, and accuracy to maintain data integrity.
- Monitor equipment qualification, calibration, and maintenance documentation.
- Ensure proper storage and documentation of supplies, reagents, and equipment.
- Perform quality control checks on stored and shipped products, as well as test reagents.
- Track and trend quality data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Participate in internal audits and support external inspections.
- Assist in training staff on quality procedures and ensure training records are up to date.
- Evaluate staff competency through direct observation, written assessments, and proficiency testing.
- Prepare and submit epidemiological data and compliance reports as required.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory excellence.
Qualifications and need-to-know
- Bachelor’s degree in life sciences or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 1 year of experience in a regulated industry (plasma center or biomedical field preferred).
- Ability to analyze data and identify trends.
- Strong organizational and documentation skills.
- Familiarity with FDA, EU GMP, and cGMP standards.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Comfortable working in a highly regulated environment with exposure to bloodborne pathogens and cold storage areas.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems preferred.
Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire. This position does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Kedrion Biopharma Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment terms, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Salary ranges are determined based on relevant experience, education, and certifications.
If you require assistance with your employment application or need reasonable accommodations to perform job duties, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at kedtalent@kedrion.com.
Employee Benefits: At Kedrion Biopharma Inc., we believe in taking care of our people. Our benefits package is designed to support your health, happiness, and future, including:
- Health & Wellness – Full medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Financial Security – Life insurance, AD&D, and retirement savings plans
- Work-Life Balance – Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
- Career Growth – Training programs and development opportunities
- Extra Perks – Employee discounts, wellness initiatives, and more!
For specific inquiries please reach out to us
Kedrion Biopharma Inc. participates in E-Verify and provides the federal government with Form I-9 information to confirm employment authorization. For more information, please contact the Department of Homeland Security.
See All 98 Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Assurance Lead JobsQuality Assurance Lead Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Assurance Lead Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality assurance lead jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, life sciences, computer science, or a related technical field
- Three or more years of QA experience with demonstrated leadership over testing or inspection teams
- Proficiency with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, cGMP, or IATF 16949
- Experience writing and executing test plans, SOPs, or validation protocols
- Familiarity with defect tracking and project management tools such as Jira or Azure DevOps
- Strong cross-functional communication skills for collaborating with engineering, operations, and regulatory teams
Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality assurance lead in Illinois?
Most quality assurance lead roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in engineering, life sciences, or a technical field alongside several years of hands-on QA experience. Illinois does not issue a state license specific to quality assurance leads, but regulated industries add their own credentialing requirements: pharmaceutical and medical device employers expect familiarity with FDA quality system regulations, while manufacturing employers often value ASQ certifications such as the Certified Quality Engineer or Certified Quality Auditor, which are recognized across Illinois hiring markets.
How much do quality assurance leads make in Illinois?
Quality assurance leads in Illinois earn a median of about $104,910 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,480 for the lowest 10% to over $150,620 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire quality assurance leads in Illinois?
Employers hiring quality assurance leads in Illinois right now include GEI Consultants, AbbVie, and Abbott, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's deep base of pharmaceutical, food manufacturing, and enterprise technology companies means openings appear year-round rather than in seasonal bursts.
Which Illinois cities have the most quality assurance lead jobs?
Chicago, Niles, and Waukegan have the most quality assurance lead openings in Illinois. Chicago and its suburbs drive the largest share through headquarters and regional offices in pharma, medtech, and software, while Peoria's industrial base anchors demand in heavy equipment and manufacturing quality, and Rockford's aerospace and precision machining sector supports ongoing QA hiring.
Are there remote quality assurance lead jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and they are more common than in many technical roles, particularly in software QA and test automation. About 23% of quality assurance lead openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the shift toward distributed development teams. The work most likely to stay fully on-site involves physical inspection, production line oversight, or regulated lab validation where hands-on presence is required.
How can I get hired as a quality assurance lead in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic starting point is a QA analyst, QA tester, or quality inspector role at a mid-size Illinois manufacturer or software firm, then building toward a lead title from within. Large Illinois employers in pharma and food production, including Abbott and Kraft Heinz facilities, run associate quality programs and rotational operations tracks that bring in candidates without prior lead experience. Earning an entry-level ASQ credential such as the Certified Quality Technician strengthens applications considerably, as does building a portfolio of documented test cases or process audits from internships or academic projects.
Where can I find and apply to quality assurance lead jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to quality assurance lead jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across manufacturing, technology, pharma, and food production. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 98 Quality Assurance Lead Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Assurance Lead Jobs