OPEN: Lead Hand, Assembly & Test (Millwright)

Job Overview

The Lead Hand, Assembly & Test is a hands‑on millwright lead role responsible for assembling, fitting, installing, and testing custom tooling and machinery. This role bridges the gap between leadership and execution by providing direction, technical support, and coordination to the assembly team.

Working closely with the Supervisor, Assembly & Test, the Lead Hand ensures the effective daily execution of work plans, maintaining alignment with project schedules, specifications, and safety, health, and quality standards. In addition to performing mechanical assembly and testing-including functional and factory acceptance testing (FAT)-the Lead Hand leads daily tasks, facilitates pre-job meetings, and enforces compliance with company policies and customer requirements.

Responsibilities also include material requisitioning, enforcing WHMIS and safety practices, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. The Lead Hand is accountable for upholding QA standards throughout the build process by ensuring proper documentation, resolving assembly-related issues, and supporting Engineering in test planning. This position is key to driving continuous improvement across the Assembly & Test department.

Duties & Responsibilities

Assembly Operations & Leadership:

• Perform hands-on mechanical assembly of tools and equipment based on technical drawings, procedures, and specifications.
• Lead and support the Assembly Technicians by assigning daily tasks, setting priorities, and communicating project requirements.
• Host pre-job meetings to ensure scopes are understood, risks are considered, and appropriate equipment is in place.
• Review drawing packages in advance and highlight issues prior to starting the build.
• Confirm kitting is completed and verify that all required materials, parts, and tools are available and ready before assembly begins.
• Maintain QA-imposed hold and verification points throughout the assembly process.
• Assist technicians during daily activities, encouraging a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Manager.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure adherence to all MITP requirements, including hold, witness, and inspection points during assembly and testing.
• Initiate and support Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) or Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for assembly-related issues (execution by Production Coordinator).
• Ensure full compliance with QA and QC documentation and maintain accurate build records.
• Enforce proper quarantine and release protocols for non-conforming materials.
• Collaborate with the Supervisor in reviewing and releasing drawing packages.

Material Coordination & Purchasing

• Coordinate with the Supervisor to requisition consumables and special tooling in a timely and accurate manner.
• Confirm kitting are complete and ready prior to job start, and escalate missing or delayed items as needed.

Health, Safety & Housekeeping

• Adhere to all health and safety policies, WHMIS regulations, and safe work practices.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, allocating at least 15 minutes daily to housekeeping tasks.
• Monitor expiration dates for consumables and ensure timely and safe disposal of expired materials.
• Promote a strong safety culture by leading by example.

Other Duties

• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management.
• Uphold client’s Personal Charter, Code of Conduct, Vision, Mission, and Core Values.

Working Conditions

• Indoors – manufacturing/production environment- frequent interaction with tools, equipment, and mechanical systems.
• Occasional overtime hours required to meet project deadlines, including potential weekends and statutory holidays.
• Travel to customer sites (within Canada and worldwide) is required approximately 25% of the year, including overnight stays. Travel may occasionally occur over weekends or holidays based on project schedules.
• Physical demands include lifting, bending, standing for extended period, walking, pushing, pulling, reaching overhead.
• Requirement to safely lift and move objects weighing between 10 and 25 pounds on a regular basis, and occasionally heavier loads with assistance or lifting equipment.
• Regular use of hand tools, pneumatic tools, lifting devices, and measuring instruments is required.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times on the shop floor, including CSA-approved safety footwear, safety glasses, and any additional PPE as required by specific tasks or customer sites.
• The environment may include frequent exposure to loud noise, vibration, and other sensory distractions associated with industrial machinery.
• Tasks may occasionally be performed in confined spaces or elevated work areas, following appropriate safety protocols.
• Must be able to read and interpret technical drawings and documents while performing work with accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced, team-oriented setting.
• Potential requirement to be on call as required (this includes weekend days).

Qualifications Requirements

Education:

• Certified Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) – 433A Red Seal preferred
• Equivalent trade certification or extensive relevant millwright experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 7+ years of hands-on mechanical assembly experience (custom/non-repetitive work).
• 5+ years of experience reading blueprints.
• Ability to plan, organize, and lead mechanical assemblers.
• Experience in regulated environments (nuclear, aerospace, heavy industry) is preferred.

Skills, Attributes, and Competencies:

• Mechanical Expertise: Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience in mechanical assembly, precision fitting, and basic machining practices.
• Quality Assurance: Familiarity with QA/QC processes, including the use of hold points, inspection criteria, and compliance documentation.
• Problem Solving: Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve production, process, and quality-related issues independently and effectively.
• Leadership Ability: Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to delegate tasks, organize workflow, and guide team members to meet objectives efficiently and safely.
• Blueprint and Instrument Proficiency: Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and use precision measuring instruments such as dial gauges, micrometers, and calipers.
• Mechanical Awareness: Capable of identifying and interpreting variations in machine performance, including abnormal noises or behavior.
• Team Collaboration: Effective team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary project teams and cross-functional environments.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical information clearly and collaborate across departments.
• Nuclear Tooling Knowledge: Working understanding of nuclear tooling systems and reactor outage equipment is preferred.

CPUS Engineering employs artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of its recruitment process to enhance efficiency and consistency. These tools may assist with activities such as application screening, candidate evaluation, and summarization of interview feedback.

AI-generated outputs are intended to supplement, not replace, human judgment. All final hiring decisions are made by qualified human decision-makers who exercise professional discretion in reviewing and assessing candidate information alongside any AI-generated insights.

CPUS Engineering ensures that the use of AI in recruitment complies with all applicable employment laws, human rights legislation, and privacy regulations. The organization is committed to maintaining fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination throughout the hiring process.