Lead Hand

Westport Fuel Systems Inc•Cambridge, ON

15h•CA$0 - CA$27•Onsite

About The Position

The Assembly Lead Hand is an experienced assembler who serves as the primary point of reference on the production floor during their assigned shift. This role supports workflow continuity, quality standards, and team communication by acting as a knowledgeable resource for assemblers and a liaison to the Production & Logistics Manager. This is not a supervisory role. The Lead Hand does not hold authority to hire, terminate, discipline, or formally evaluate other employees. Those responsibilities remain with the Production & Logistics Manager.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of hands-on mechanical assembly experience, including at least 1–2 years in a lead, trainer, or informal supervisory capacity.
Demonstrated proficiency with hand and power tools used in precision assembly (torque wrenches, pneumatic drivers, calibrated tooling), with ability to train others on correct use.
Working knowledge of 5S and practical experience applying lean tools such as kanban, standard work, or visual management boards (SQDCP-style) on a production floor.
Proven ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and work instructions without assistance.
Experience working within a quality management system (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar), including familiarity with control plans, process flow diagrams, non-conformance handling, and traceability requirements.
Hands-on experience with an ERP/MRP system (e.g., JDE or equivalent) for tasks such as transaction entry, serial/lot tracking, or work order management.
Demonstrated experience performing or overseeing in-process/final inspection, including use of measurement tools (calipers, gauges) and reading inspection criteria.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel at an intermediate level (formulas, filtering, basic tracking sheets).
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to relay instructions clearly to a shift team and escalate issues to management.
Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks across a shift, and support/train team members, including experience coaching or mentoring junior assemblers.
Ability to work in a controlled clean room environment, including compliance with gowning and contamination-control procedures.

Nice To Haves

Experience with hydrogen, fuel-cell, automotive, aerospace, or other safety-critical products.
Experience with high-pressure gas systems or pressure/leak testing.
Experience with hydrogen vehicle components or systems.

Responsibilities

Ensure products are assembled in accordance with engineering drawings, specifications, work instructions, bills of material, and standardized processes.
Oversee test operations such as mass spectrometer leak testing, over-voltage (HIPOT), high-pressure flow characterization, and other product-specific testing as applicable.
Support troubleshooting of assembly and test failures and coordinate technical support when required.
Ensure all required inspection and test results are accurately recorded and traceable to the product.
Verify that nonconforming products are properly identified, contained, documented, and dispositioned in accordance with company procedures.
Monitor first-pass yield, scrap, rework, test failures, and other quality indicators.
Ensure changes to processes, drawings, specifications, and work instructions are properly communicated and implemented.
Promote a strong product-integrity culture throughout assembly and testing operations.
Ensure personnel understand the critical characteristics and special requirements associated with hydrogen systems and hydrogen vehicle applications.
Ensure proper handling, assembly, testing, and containment practices are followed for hydrogen-related components.
Reinforce compliance with applicable safety procedures for high-pressure hydrogen systems, stored energy, pressure testing, and other manufacturing hazards.
Immediately address conditions that could compromise product safety, reliability, or integrity.
Support investigations of product and process issues and implement corrective actions.
Ensure product traceability is maintained throughout the assembly and testing process.