Project Quality Engineer - Architectural Fit-Out (AFO)

---

Project Quality Engineer - Architectural Fit-Out (AFO)

Confidential Client | Data Center Project | Greater Chicago, Illinois

Function

Quality & Commissioning Management

Reports To

Project Quality Lead

Location

Greater Chicago, Illinois - project site / field-based

Project Type

Data Center / Mission-Critical EPC

Role Purpose

Implement quality assurance and quality control for Architectural Fit-Out (AFO), finishes and interior interfaces on a major data center project. The role protects approved aesthetic, functional, life-safety and durability requirements through benchmark/mock-up control, inspection, deficiency prevention and evidence-based closeout, while coordinating closely with CSA and MEP teams on concealed and finished-work interfaces.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and implement AFO quality requirements, finish schedules, ITPs, mock-up plans and acceptance criteria.
• Perform and coordinate inspections for interior partitions, ceilings, finishes, doors/hardware and related fit-out scope.
• Control benchmarks, samples, approved materials, protection and workmanship standards through final acceptance.
• Raise, track and verify closure of defects, punch items, NCRs and corrective actions.
• Report AFO quality status, room/area readiness and closeout progress to the Project Quality Lead.
• Review architectural drawings, room data sheets, finish schedules, specifications, RFIs, submittals, samples and approved changes.
• Plan and document mock-ups, benchmark rooms and first-work inspections; maintain approved visual and dimensional acceptance standards.
• Inspect framing, gypsum assemblies, fire/smoke and acoustic seals, ceilings, flooring, coatings, doors, frames, hardware, casework, specialties and assigned finishes.
• Verify rated-assembly listings, penetration interfaces, accessibility, tolerances, substrates, environmental conditions and manufacturer installation requirements.
• Coordinate above-ceiling and in-wall inspections with MEP and CSA before closure.
• Verify material receipt, color/lot consistency, storage, environmental protection and care of completed work.
• Manage room-by-room quality walks, progressive punch, final punch and owner/architect observations to closure.
• Document deficiencies and NCRs, support disposition and verify repair, replacement and finish-match acceptance.
• Review warranties, attic stock, cleaning, O&M/maintenance data and closeout records for assigned scope.
• Participate in audits, lessons learned, subcontractor reviews and recurring-defect prevention.

Professional Experience & Education

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline; equivalent fit-out inspection and quality experience may be accepted.
• Typically 5+ years in architectural construction, interior fit-out quality, inspection or field engineering.
• Demonstrated experience with mock-ups, finish-quality standards, rated assemblies, close-in inspections and progressive punch management.
• Data center, advanced technology or high-specification commercial/industrial project experience preferred.
• Relevant ICC, firestop, envelope or manufacturer inspection credentials are desirable where applicable.

Specific Skills & Knowledge

• Interpretation of architectural drawings, room data, finish schedules, shop drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of fit-out sequencing, substrates, tolerances, rated assemblies, accessibility and workmanship standards.
• Benchmark/mock-up control, visual acceptance, punch management and closeout documentation.
• Strong interface coordination for above-ceiling, in-wall and equipment-room finishes.
• Clear photographic reporting and objective defect classification.

Core Competencies

• Strong visual and dimensional attention to detail.
• Consistency in applying approved benchmarks.
• Proactive protection of finished work.
• Constructive communication with trades and designers.
• Persistence through final closeout.

Travel & Working Environment

The position is primarily site-based in Lisle, Illinois, with travel to suppliers, fabricators or mock-up locations as required. The role requires regular work in active construction and commissioning environments and the ability to safely access project areas, use required PPE and visually inspect installed work and test indications.

TEC Group International is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.