Quality Control Technician

Job Description

Job Purpose

The Quality function at Smiths Interconnect is responsible for the operation and production of goods while achieving speed, quality, and cost targets. The Quality Technician supports quality control and assurance activities to ensure products meet internal, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming inspection of raw materials, PCB, PCBA, and RF components in accordance with specifications and quality requirements
• Conduct in-process and final inspections ensuring compliance with engineering drawings, procedures, and customer specifications
• Execute First Article Inspections (FAI) per AS9102 and support Customer Source Inspections (CSI)
• Perform detailed visual inspections using microscopes and precision measurement tools in accordance with IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
• Handle and test highly sensitive microelectronic and RF components, ensuring adherence to ESD and handling protocols
• Accurately collect, record, and maintain inspection and test data within quality systems (ERP/MES)
• Prepare Certificates of Compliance (CoC) and customer-required quality documentation
• Maintain product traceability and serialization records in accordance with AS9100 requirements
• Follow documented data collection, control, and record retention procedures
• Identify, document, and segregate nonconforming materials and products
• Initiate and support nonconformance reports (NCR) and corrective actions (CAR)
• Assist in root cause investigations and verification of corrective actions
• Support Material Review Board (MRB) activities as required
• Assist with incoming quality issues and supplier-related concerns
• Support internal and external audits by providing inspection records and objective evidence
• Contribute to contract review activities related to quality requirements
• Perform minor mechanical assembly, labeling, and final packaging as required
• Prepare finished goods for transfer to Stores or Shipping
• Support achievement of daily and weekly production/shipping targets
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 / ISO 9001 Quality Management System, EHS, and security requirements
• Adhere to ESD and clean handling practices for sensitive electronic components
• Act as a technical resource to junior inspectors and support team knowledge sharing
• Perform other quality-related tasks assigned
• Support training of new inspectors
• Provide feedback to Engineering on quality risks
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean / Kaizen)

Qualifications

Education Requirements

Vocational/Technical certification in Electronics or Quality. Required.
Advanced technical certifications. Preferred.

Additional Qualifications

Preferred, some experience with internal audits
3-5 years in PCB/PCBA, microelectronics, or RF manufacturing within AS9100 environment
Ability to travel domestically and internationally <10%

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
  • PCB fabrication and PCBA assembly processes (SMT & through-hole)
  • RF components and high-frequency product considerations
  • Electronic systems and circuit functionality
• Understanding of:
  • AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality systems
  • IPC standards (IPC-A-610, J-STD-001)
  • GD&T interpretation
• Skilled in:
  • Microscopic inspection and precision measurement
  • Data collection, analysis, and reporting tools
• Ability to:
  • Apply technical expertise to complex quality problems
  • Work resourcefully and independently in ambiguous situations
• High attention to detail and inspection accuracy
• Strong ownership of product quality and compliance
• Effective collaboration across functions
• Ability to detect and resolve issues before customer impact
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence

Additional Information

Controlled Goods and Technology

A part of this position, you will be required to examine, handle, or transfer highly confidential equipment and technologies, including technical data or any technical assistance (such as instructions, training, etc.) classified as controlled goods. These goods have military or strategic significant, are critical to national security, and are strictly regulated under the Defence Production Act (DPA), and the Controlled Goods Regulations (CGR), as part of Canada’s Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

As a condition of an offer of employment, you must agree to undergo a security assessment conducted by Smiths Interconnect Canada designated official, in compliance with the CGP and DPA requirements. This screening includes the verification of proof of citizenship or permanent resident status, a criminal record and other security check. The disclosure of controlled goods to unauthorized persons is a criminal offense under Canadian law, therefor, you will be required to strictly comply with all Canadian laws that apply to controlled goods.

Additional Information

Impact: Planning and Decision Making

• Works with limited supervision and may operate without fully established procedures.
• Exercises independent judgment in resolving complex quality issues.
• May act as an informal team leader or subject matter expert.
• Errors may not be immediately detectable and could result in customer impact, rework costs, or product reliability issues.

Scope, Complexity and Impact

• Handles a wide range of quality activities across inspection, testing, and process validation.
• Applies advanced technical knowledge to solve multi-dimensional problems in a high-reliability environment.
• Contributes to process improvements and quality system effectiveness.

Liaisons

• Frequent interaction with:
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams
  • Supplier Quality and external vendors
  • Customers and auditors (as required)
• Communication involves exchanging critical technical data and quality information impacting production and compliance.

Health, Safety and Environment Requirements

• On‑site manufacturing and laboratory environment.
• Extended periods of visual inspection and fine motor work.
• Handling of delicate and high‑value components.
• Adherence to Cleanroom Gowning Protocols (full-body suits, masks, and gloves) and maintain an organized and clean inspection area.
• Comply with Québec Occupational Health and Safety regulations, company safety policies, and ISO‑aligned procedures.
• Follow safe handling and storage requirements for sensitive, delicate, or controlled products.
• Adhere to environmental and waste‑handling procedures related to inspection, testing, and packaging activities.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time; a minimum of 2 hours.
• Must be able to maneuver all areas of the office.
• Must be able to lift up and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, reach, kneel, twist, and grip items while working at assigned desk area.
• Must have manual dexterity and coordination to operate office equipment
• Must be able to tolerate changing priorities, and complete assignments despite frequent interruptions.
• Must be able to read, write, speak and understand French & English.
• Must be able to respond to visual and aural cues.
• Complete all work in a safe manner and follow all safety requirements consistent with supporting the Company’s goals.
• Lifting guidelines in accordance with the Manual Lifting Guidelines noted in the Safety Handbook.
• Follow all environmental requirements consistently with supporting the company’s environmental performance goals.
• Complete, and actively participate in all other EHS training requirements.

Work environment is typically considered within a Smiths location during normal or extended business hours to include offices, manufacturing plants and repair facilities.  Work environment may also include customer sites including oil well sites, and meeting venues. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and approved PPE is required when on the factory floor.

Why Smiths Interconnect?

Global Impact: As part of Smiths Group, a global engineering leader, you'll work on breakthrough technologies that make a difference in the industries that shape the future.

Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career progression across Smiths Interconnect and the wider Smiths Group.

Innovative culture: Join a collaborative and innovative team, where your ideas and contributions are valued and rewarded.

Competitive Package: We offer a competitive salary, benefits package and performance incentives.

Location: Kirkland is a thriving business hub on Montréal’s West Island, offering easy access to major highways, the international airport, and downtown. It’s an ideal location for professionals, combining strong industry presence with a high quality of life.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)