Job Title: Technical Lead QA (Project Lead & Quality Expert)
Location: Playa Vista, Los Angeles, CA (Onsite)
Client: Google/ Cognizant
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Technical Lead QA / Project Lead & Quality Expert (PLQE) to lead quality assurance and data collection operations for AI/ML training projects. The ideal candidate will have 6 8 years of experience in QA, project leadership, or data collection operations, with proven experience mentoring teams, managing stakeholders, and ensuring high-quality project execution. This role requires strong leadership, technical aptitude, and the ability to oversee end-to-end data collection projects while maintaining compliance with client quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end data collection projects, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely delivery.
- Supervise project setup, implementation, execution, and quality control activities.
- Perform quality audits on at least 10% of completed data collections and provide actionable feedback.
- Mentor, coach, and support project associates to achieve performance and quality goals.
- Track project metrics, analyze trends, and prepare reports for Weekly Reviews, MBRs, and QBRs.
- Coordinate with stakeholders to understand project requirements and resolve operational challenges.
- Manage project artifacts, reporting, bug triaging, and documentation.
- Oversee device setup, inventory, tracking, shipping, firmware deployment, and maintenance.
- Conduct quality evaluations, data collection sessions, and client demonstrations.
- Identify risks, resolve blockers proactively, and drive continuous process improvements.
- Cross-train new team members and ensure adherence to project protocols and compliance standards.
- Maintain effective communication with clients and internal teams throughout the project lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
- 6 8 years of experience in QA, project leadership, data collection operations, or a similar technical environment.
- Prior experience leading or mentoring teams in a Team Lead or Acting Team Lead capacity.
- Strong understanding of quality assurance processes, audits, and operational reporting.
- Experience with firmware deployment, system rollbacks, and device management.
- Comfortable working in Linux/Unix shell environments and executing command-line operations.
- Experience reviewing and validating technical documentation or product datasheets.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides).
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
- Ability to multitask, manage priorities, and work effectively under tight deadlines.
- Flexible to work across shifts and adapt to changing business requirements.
- Strong attention to detail with a proven track record of maintaining high-quality standards.
- No attendance or compliance issues.
Preferred Skills
- Experience supporting AI/ML data collection or annotation projects.
- Knowledge of quality metrics, process improvement methodologies, and stakeholder management.
- Experience managing cross-functional teams and client-facing projects.
- Strong decision-making, critical thinking, and leadership abilities.