Quality Control Manager
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About Western Drilling Tools
Established in 2004, Western Drilling Tools Inc. is a proudly Canadian, privately owned family business. We are a leading machine shop and manufacturer of high-quality drilling tools and equipment, providing comprehensive machining and fabrication services. Our expertise spans the design, machining, manufacturing, and distribution of drilling tools and solutions for complex industry challenges. We serve a broad range of industries, including construction, exploration, water wells, geothermal, mining, and oil & gas.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Quality Control (QC) Manager to lead our quality operations and drive process improvements throughout the manufacturing cycle. This hands-on position is pivotal in ensuring product integrity, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machining environments and a proactive mindset geared toward operational excellence and innovation. This position will be responsible for managing a small team within the quality department and supporting their growth and development. Job-specific training will be required to ensure full integration into our quality systems and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of our ISO 9001:2015-certified Quality Management System (QMS).
- Develop and implement performance management systems, including regular evaluations and feedback.
- Supervise and perform dimensional inspections of critical components, with a focus on threaded products (API, STC, FJ, Sonic, Rope, Modified Buttress, proprietary threads). Oversee non-destructive testing (NDT) processes to ensure compliance with system and customer requirements.
- Plan, conduct, and document regular internal audits and system reviews to evaluate conformance with company standards and drive continual improvement.
- Maintain complete and accurate records of inspections, certifications, non-conformances, corrective actions, and external processes, ensuring traceability and customer confidence.
- Advise and support shop floor and production personnel on technical issues, inspection processes, and quality procedures to ensure manufacturing excellence.
- Work cross-functionally with production, engineering, and design teams to integrate quality controls into new product development, design reviews, and custom builds.
- Investigate nonconformities and customer complaints. Lead root cause analysis and implement CAPA to address issues and prevent recurrence.
- Track, analyze, and report quality KPIs. Identify trends and initiate continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing product reliability and reducing costs.
- Develop and deliver training programs and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for quality inspection techniques, standards, and best practices. Strike a balance between assurance and production-oriented approaches.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and internal standards related to machining, pressure-rated components, lifting certification, and material traceability.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or related field (preferred).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a manufacturing-based quality role (CNC machining/heavy mechanical preferred).
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, QMS platforms, and internal auditing processes.
- Expertise in dimensional inspection, thread gauging, and interpreting engineering drawings/specs.
- Familiarity with API/custom threads and mechanical testing (e.g., hardness, pull tests).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP/QMS systems (e.g., E2 or similar).
Core Skills & Competencies:
- Organizational Excellence: Strong administrative and coordination skills in managing ISO systems, production quality control, and team communication.
- Clear Communication: Effectively conveys quality requirements, inspection outcomes, and process changes to stakeholders at all levels.
- Project & Operations Management: Capable of managing multiple priorities such as inspections, audits, and quality initiatives in a time-sensitive environment.
- Attention to Detail: Maintains high accuracy in records, inspection data, and compliance documentation.
- Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in maintaining records and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Problem Solving: Identifies, analyzes, and resolves complex quality issues across manufacturing operations.
- Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of machining, CNC operations, threading standards, and shop-floor practices.
- Safety Expertise: Knowledgeable in establishing and enforcing safety protocols aligned with machining and lifting operations.
- Team Collaboration: Works cooperatively with leadership and shop staff to ensure quality goals are met across departments.
- High-Pressure Performance: Maintains focus and output in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
- Consistency in Repetitive Tasks: Delivers accurate and thorough work during routine inspections and record-keeping activities.
- Documentation & Record Keeping: Skilled in managing QA/QC documentation, including inspection reports, NCRs, logs, and version-controlled records.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures documentation meets industry and internal standards for traceability and certification.
- Decision-Making & Judgment: Makes informed, timely go/no-go decisions under pressure using risk-based analysis and quality data.
- Adaptability & Innovation: Embraces change, introduces quality innovations, and adapts processes to evolving business and customer needs.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- This position is based in Calgary and requires full-time, on-site presence. The interview process will be conducted in person. Do you currently reside in Calgary or the surrounding area and have the ability to reliably commute to our shop?
Work Location: In person
