Senior Manager, Quality Assurance & ControlMinnesota (Onsite/Field-Based) | Full-TimeHelp Build the Quality Standard for the Future of EnergyAt Sparkfund, we're helping organizations deploy and scale distributed energy solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable energy future. Our work sits at the intersection of energy infrastructure, construction, engineering, and operations - bringing battery storage and distributed energy projects from concept to reality.
We're looking for a
Senior Manager, Quality Assurance & Control to lead and scale Sparkfund's field quality program across our growing portfolio of distributed energy projects.
This is more than a quality management role. It's an opportunity to build systems, lead a team, influence how projects are delivered, and establish the quality standards that ensure projects are safe, reliable, and ready for long-term operation.
If you're passionate about quality, operational excellence, team leadership, and building scalable programs that drive measurable impact, we'd love to talk.
What You'll DoLead Sparkfund's Quality Program- Own and continuously improve Sparkfund's quality assurance and quality control program across a growing portfolio of distributed energy projects
- Develop inspection standards, audit frameworks, quality metrics, acceptance criteria, and field quality processes
- Establish portfolio-wide quality reporting and performance metrics
- Analyze quality trends, identify systemic issues, and implement corrective actions that improve project outcomes
Build and Lead a High-Performing Team- Recruit, develop, and lead a team of QA/QC professionals responsible for field audits and quality inspections
- Establish clear performance expectations, accountability standards, and development plans
- Manage team workload, resource planning, and audit coverage across active projects
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, documentation rigor, and operational excellence
Drive Field Quality Excellence- Oversee quality audits and inspections across active construction projects
- Validate substantial completion and commissioning readiness prior to project handoff
- Ensure projects conform to approved drawings, specifications, applicable codes, and program requirements
- Conduct field reviews on complex, high-risk, or escalated projects as needed
Manage Defects and Contractor Accountability- Own portfolio-wide defect management processes from identification through verified closure
- Partner with construction teams, subcontractors, and vendors to resolve quality issues and improve performance
- Track recurring quality concerns and drive long-term solutions
- Support vendor performance improvement and quality accountability initiatives
Partner Across the Business- Collaborate with Construction, Project Management, Engineering, Commissioning, Safety, and Operations teams to align quality expectations and delivery standards
- Provide quality reporting, insights, and recommendations to leadership
- Serve as Sparkfund's subject matter expert for field quality and commissioning readiness
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen project delivery and operational performance
What We're Looking ForRequired Experience- 7+ years of experience in quality assurance, quality control, field inspections, commissioning, construction management, or industrial infrastructure projects
- Experience leading or managing QA/QC teams, field inspection teams, or quality programs
- Demonstrated experience developing quality standards, inspection frameworks, or quality management processes
- Strong field observation, documentation, and problem-solving skills
- Experience reviewing work against drawings, specifications, scopes of work, or applicable codes and standards
- Ability to effectively influence contractors, vendors, and project stakeholders while maintaining quality expectations
- Comfortable working in active construction environments and traveling to project sites
Preferred Experience- Experience supporting distributed energy, battery storage, utility, renewable energy, EPC, or infrastructure projects
- Familiarity with commissioning workflows, punch lists, and project handoff processes
- CQM, CQI, or similar quality management certification
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Knowledge of construction safety practices and field compliance requirements
What Success Looks Like- Building a scalable, high-performing quality program that supports Sparkfund's growing project portfolio
- Delivering consistent, high-quality project outcomes across active construction sites
- Reducing recurring defects through process improvement and root-cause analysis
- Developing a strong team capable of executing audits and quality reviews with consistency and rigor
- Establishing trusted partnerships across construction, engineering, commissioning, and operations teams
- Ensuring projects are commissioning-ready and delivered to the highest quality standards
Compensation$152,500 - $185,000 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and geographic location alignment.
Benefits & Perks- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Flexible vacation policy designed to support work-life balance
- Federal holidays observed plus alternating four-day work weeks (every other Friday off)
- 12 weeks gender-neutral paid caregiver leave
- Monthly communication stipend
- Opportunities to grow within a rapidly evolving energy industry
- Collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on innovation and impact
Location & TravelThis position is based in Minnesota and requires regular travel to active project and construction sites. Candidates must reside within reasonable commuting distance of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
