About us
Norwest Precision Ltd. is seeking a qualified Quality Assurance Lead to join our team at our facility in North York, Ontario.
Established in 1965, Norwest Precision Ltd. is a Canadian owned and operated company specializing in the machining, fabrication, and mechanical assembly of complex components for a broad spectrum of industries including Power Generation, Mining, Steel Mills, Nuclear Power, Oil & Gas, Defense & Military and more.
This position reports directly to the QA Manager, Vice President, General Manager and VP of Business Development.
Position Summary
The Quality Assurance Lead is a hands-on operational leader responsible for solving quality problems, strengthening quality policies, and driving consistent execution across the organization. This role requires active ownership of issues, strong decision-making, and a visible presence on the shop floor.
The QA Lead supports production workflow and the QC Inspectors, training, setting priorities, reinforcing standards, and building a disciplined, high-performing, quality focused team. This position is accountable for effective problem solving, root cause analysis, and corrective action, as well as for strengthening procedures, controls, and audit readiness.
The QA Lead owns quality reporting and communication, ensuring risks, nonconformances, and corrective actions are clearly documented and communicated to management, customers, and auditors. This is a fast-paced, hands-on leadership role requiring daily engagement with machining, fabrication, welding, and inspection activities, aligned with ISO 9001 and CSA N299 requirements.
Duties & Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
· Provide visible, results-oriented leadership that drives continuous improvement consistent with company objectives.
· Foster a team-oriented, inclusive, and performance-driven culture through open communication and demonstrated leadership.
· Mentor, coach, train, recruit, and manage performance of QC staff.
· Lead production meetings and assist with workflow coordination when required.
· Promote problem-solving initiatives at the team level to maximize operational effectiveness.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
· Plan, manage, and execute actions to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, ISO 9001 requirements, customer specifications, and internal QMS.
· Lead and facilitate internal and external audits, including ISO and customer audits.
· Drive continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS).
· Ensure all QA documentation and quality packages are complete and accurate.
· Assist in assembling quality documentation such as Inspection & Test Plans (ITPs).
· Create dimensional inspection reports and facilitate customer QA reporting.
Inspection & Quality Control Oversight
· Oversee inspection activities and acceptance of detailed machined and welded components.
· Coordinate in-process inspections on the shop floor to ensure quality parts are produced.
· Oversee incoming inspection of subcontracted operations and materials.
· Complete physical inspections when required.
· Manage and coordinate QC teams in both the Machine and Weld Shops.
· Ensure proper organization of QA documentation including subcontractor inspection reports, MTRs, CofCs, and related paperwork.
Non-Conformance & Corrective Action
· Create and manage internal and external non-conformances.
· Handle customer correspondence related to quality issues.
· Issue non-conformances to subcontractors when required and ensure appropriate follow-up.
· Collaborate with production and management to implement corrective and preventive actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
· Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Production, HR/Administration, Estimating, Scheduling, and other departments.
· Work closely with the Machine Shop Manager to ensure effective in-process inspection.
· Develop and maintain relationships with key vendors and customers.
· Collaborate with the Management team to ensure operational commitments and on-time delivery objectives are achieved.
Operational & Safety Support
· Assist in supporting and promoting plant safety initiatives.
· Contribute to workflow planning and operational effectiveness.
· Perform additional duties as assigned.
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
· 3–5+ years of progressive experience in a QA or QC role within a machine shop or heavy manufacturing environment (machine shop experience is required)
· Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 quality systems; experience supporting CSA N299 or other nuclear quality programs is a strong asset
· Demonstrated experience working in regulated industries such as nuclear, defense, oil & gas, or power generation
· Proven ability to lead root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and nonconformance management
· Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, specifications, codes, and customer requirements
· Hands-on, shop-floor-focused leadership style with the ability to make decisions and solve problems in real time
· Proficiency with ERP systems and calibration management software
· Experience maintaining inspection and measuring equipment calibration systems
· Strong understanding of inspection methods and dimensional verification
· Experience with CMM, FARO arms, or equivalent measurement systems is an asset
· Welding quality experience (WPS/WPQ, weld inspection, or fabrication quality) an asset
· Willingness and flexibility to work extended hours and weekends as required to support production schedules, audits, and customer commitments
· Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with management, customers, auditors, and shop personnel
The company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, provincial, or local laws.
The company is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Pay: $25.00-$31.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
