QA Technician - Scientific Instruments (6-month contract)

Location: Ottawa, ON

Reports to: Manufacturing Engineering & Quality Manager

Role status: Existing vacancy

About RBR: Making waves since 1973

At RBR, we’ve been designing cutting-edge instruments to measure our blue planet for over 50 years. Built to withstand the harshest environments on Earth, our instruments are deployed from the ocean’s deepest trenches to the polar ice caps, capturing essential data on water temperature, salinity, pH, and more. This data empowers researchers in the global fight against climate change, and our technology supports groundbreaking science with partners like Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Woods Hole, the Scripps Institution, and the British Antarctic Survey.

At RBR, we care deeply about our work, each other, the environment, and the global communities we serve. We value teamwork, continuous improvement, and having fun along the way. From weekly lunches to social events, we’re a crew that thrives on complex, exciting challenges that have a meaningful impact on the blue planet! Ready to make waves with us? Apply below!

About the role

As a Quality Assurance Technician at RBR, you will work to initiate, investigate, monitor, track and report on quality issues, and follow up and document issue resolution. You are a dedicated, collaborative Quality Assurance team member who is looking for an opportunity to make an impact on a team that thrives on change, process and product improvement, and moves quickly. We are growing really fast, and we need a strategic cross-team collaborator to inform, enable, and contribute to team efforts. You love detail-oriented work, working with others to solve problems, and thrive in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. You are a collaborative team player, a proactive contributor, and are committed to developing your subject matter expertise.

This is a full-time, on-site position, with core hours from 9 am to 5 pm.

What you'll do:

• Perform all incoming inspections of mechanical, electromechanical, and electronic parts

  • Using measurement and test equipment to perform manual inspections; equipment might include: calipers, micrometers, dial gauge, cable testers, etc.

  • Verifying dimensions of parts using hand precision measuring instruments

• Investigate non-conformances and ensure the quality tickets are closed promptly and effectively

• Ensure correct disposition of the defective parts is performed

• Work with internal teams to identify and implement remedial corrective and preventative measures

• Contribute to the maintenance of and compliance with company procedures

• Review quality data and work with internal teams to identify product and process improvements

What you bring:

• Relevant experience in quality inspection roles related to mechanical or electro-mechanical assemblies, or a relevant combination of education and experience

• Strong mechanical aptitude

• Technical Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) preferred

• Competence interpreting engineering and other technical data (e.g. drawings, schematics, assembly process documents, product specifications)

• Proficient with computers as well as the capability to learn new software applications, is a must

• Experience and competency working in machining/manufacturing facilities is an asset

• Excellent communication and documentation skills, and ability to triage, evaluate and solve problems

• Well-honed organizational skills and strong attention to detail

Nice to haves:

• Working familiarity with machine shop equipment: CNC Lathe, Mill, Routers, etc.

• Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerance in mechanical design

• Experience working with CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, Fusion, etc.)

• Eager to learn new skills in a fast-moving technology company

Salary range: $45,000–$60,000

The final salary and job level will depend on your experience and qualifications. We know great talent shows up at different points in a career - whether you’re earlier in your journey or bring senior-level experience, we encourage you to apply. Depending on fit, the role level may shift accordingly.

Why you'll love working at RBR

🩺 Benefits from day 1

🏋🏽 Annual fitness reimbursement program

🚴 Greener commuting incentive program (bike-to-work, carpool, or transit passes)

🚗 EV on-site charging stations

💝 Charitable donation matching

🌮 Weekly lunches (on us!)

🎉 Team events and social activities

🤝 Collaborative, supportive work environment

🧠 Work alongside passionate experts spanning multiple disciplines

🌊 Direct impact on climate science and ocean research

At RBR, we celebrate and support diversity in our workplace. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome people from all backgrounds and aim to find the most talented person for each role. Accommodations are available upon request at every stage of the selection process.

AI statement: At RBR, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during parts of our hiring process. These tools may be used to support note-taking, scheduling, and/or organizing candidate information. Final hiring decisions are made by our people.

Why join us

• 🎯 Purpose-driven customers – Partner with organizations making a meaningful difference in science, sustainability, and the world

• 🌐 Make a real impact – Contribute to a business that’s growing internationally and whose products are used in groundbreaking climate science, resource management, and exploration

• 🌟 Innovative and supportive culture – Work in a collaborative environment where sales, engineering, production and the rest of our teams work together to drive success

The RBR mindset

• Passion for environmental impact and climate science

• Thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven environments

• Loves solving unique technical challenges

• Collaborative spirit with interrupt-driven adaptability

• Creative and resourceful approach to problem-solving

• Enjoys unique design challenges and innovative solutions

• Interest in precision instrumentation and scientific accuracy

• Embraces new technologies and modern development approaches