Quality Assurance in Civil Engineering Infrastructure in Vancouver, BC
Posted by Steve Thomas , Construction Recruitment Director, UK & Canada on Monday, September 22, 2025
Quality Assurance in Civil Engineering Infrastructure in Vancouver, BC |
Why It’s Different from Quality Control and How to Build Your Specialist Career Within Quality Assurance
In the world of civil engineering and infrastructure, Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are terms that are often used together but mean very different things. For construction professionals in Western Canada, particularly in Vancouver, understanding this distinction is crucial for career growth — especially if you are looking to step up into a Quality Assurance Manager, QA/QC Manager, or Quality Systems Engineer role.
At Maxim Recruitment, we are currently hiring for an exciting Quality Assurance Manager job in Vancouver, British Columbia. If you are an experienced civil engineer with a background in highways, bridges, or infrastructure projects, this could be the perfect next step in your career.
What is Quality Assurance (QA)?
Quality Assurance in civil engineering consultancies is about the systems and processes that ensure projects are delivered to the highest standards. QA is proactive and management focused. In practice, this means:
- Developing and maintaining Quality Management Plans (QMPs).
- Auditing contractor and consultant teams to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Working to ISO 9001 quality standards and other client requirements.
- Acting as the “owner’s eyes,” providing oversight rather than direct testing.
- Training and mentoring staff in quality systems and procedures.
In British Columbia, organisations such as the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) often require consultancies to provide QA services. Civil engineering firms regularly employ Quality Assurance Engineers and Quality Managers to deliver these responsibilities.
But What is Quality Control (QC)?
Quality Control, on the other hand, is task-based and site-focused. QC is reactive, ensuring that specific materials and workmanship meet the required standards. QC responsibilities typically include:
- Performing site inspections and materials testing.
- Reviewing shop drawings and ensuring construction compliance.
- Maintaining records, test results, and non-conformance reports.
- Working directly with contractors to correct issues in real time.
In Western Canada, QC is often delivered by contractor teams. Job titles such as Quality Control Manager, QA/QC Coordinator, and Field Quality Inspector are common in contractor organisations, while consultancy roles lean more towards QA oversight.
Why the Difference Matters for Your Career
For professionals looking to progress, the move from QC into QA represents a step up into management and leadership. While QC is essential for day-to-day project delivery, QA professionals are valued for their ability to implement systems, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance across large-scale infrastructure projects.
Civil engineers with QA experience are in high demand in Vancouver and across Western Canada, where ongoing investment in highways, bridges, and transit projects means that strong quality oversight is a top priority. Whether you see yourself as a Quality Assurance Manager, Quality Systems Specialist, or QA/QC Engineer, these roles open the door to senior career opportunities.
Apply for a Quality Assurance Role in Vancouver
If you are a civil engineer with experience in quality systems, infrastructure projects, and leadership, now is the perfect time to advance your career in QA.
Maxim Recruitment is currently hiring for a Quality Assurance Manager position in Vancouver, BC. This role offers the opportunity to join a leading consultancy, oversee major transportation and infrastructure projects, and play a key part in delivering some of the most exciting civil engineering work in Canada.
Take the next step in your career — apply today for this exciting Quality Assurance role in Vancouver with this leading civil engineering consultancy and make your mark in Canada’s thriving infrastructure sector!
Steve is responsible for Maxim Recruitment in the UK and Canada. He is based in the Maxim head office in Leicester, UK and the Toronto office in Canada. He regularly travels to meet employers and job seekers and attend construction industry networking events in the UK, Canada and worldwide. Steve has over 25 years of experience in construction and property recruitment and enjoys working with many repeat clients. He manages dedicated search and headhunting assignments for a range of premium UK, Canadian and international clients.