In this employer spotlight, we speak with QCA Systems, a Delta-based company that delivers turnkey engineering solutions for mining, ports, and infrastructure. They provide insights on their company culture, advice for applying for co-op positions, and share a co-op success story.
What does your company do?
QCA is a locally owned engineering firm that specializes in bulk material handling, providing a wide range of services including control systems, electrical engineering, instrumentation, controls, and analytics. Our team works on numerous large-scale projects that focus on control systems for bulk material handling machines such as ship loaders, dumpers, stacker reclaimers, and light rail transportation infrastructure projects. To support this work, QCA is organized into several departments, such as Control Systems, EIC, Data Analytics, Drives, PMO, Sales, and Accounting, which enable us to deliver comprehensive engineering solutions.
What is the culture like at your organization, and how do you support the professional growth of your employees and co-op students?
At QCA, we take pride in cultivating a culture that reflects our core values of extreme ownership and grit, emphasizing accountability, perseverance, and a commitment to going above and beyond for our clients. The Control Systems Department prioritizes building team culture through seasonal socials and weekly meetings, which include knowledge sharing and project updates. QCA also supports professional growth in alignment with the EGBC "Continuing Education Program" by sponsoring employees to attend industry conferences, subsidizing technical courses, and hosting lunch-and-learn sessions focused on new software and skills. For co-op students, we provide a one-week structured training program that equips them to take on direct project work. This training includes a local terminal visit to see how bulk material machines and control systems are utilized in real life operations. Afterward, they are paired with a team lead and assigned to active projects, gaining meaningful hands-on industry experience.
What qualities or skills do you look for when hiring a co-op student?
While technical skills such as proficiency with PLCs, HMIs, and coding are valued, QCA places strong emphasis on personal qualities such as drive, passion, and dedication. We look for individuals who demonstrate a strong work ethic, accountability, and the ability to take ownership, showing that they are willing to go above and beyond in their contributions.
What are the typical hiring periods for co-ops?
We typically hire once a year, usually between January and March. Students are encouraged to regularly check our website and submit their applications as soon as the job posting becomes available.
What role, if any, does AI play in the recruitment process?
For students, AI can help assist their applications however it can be apparent if someone has purely relied on AI vs utilized AI as a correction/checking tool when the applicant is being interviewed. It is suggested that students formulate their own applications and then use AI to correct minor things such as grammar and punctuation.
In terms of the recruitment process, we do not use AI for scanning through applications. All applications go through our Internal and HR department.
How do UBC co-op students contribute to your organization?
UBC co-op students contribute meaningfully to their teams by supporting project work in areas such as programming PLCs, testing electrical panels, validating code, preparing documentation, and developing UI mock-ups and screens.
One notable success story is that of Cleon Liu, our first UBC Engineering co-op student, who made significant contributions to one of our projects by programming PLCs, testing and verifying code and SFAT procedures, and developing PLC optimization features. He also participated in the project’s commissioning trip, where he had the opportunity to see his programs come to life in a real-world environment. In addition to his project and commissioning work, Cleon designed, programmed, and built the department’s test bench, enabling the Control Systems Department to test PLC programs in-office and improve overall development efficiency.
What advice do you have for students interested in working at your organization?
When considering applicants, QCA values the personal connection that the candidate brings. We see engineering as a people business, and as such we highly value team fit and culture. Candidates should put their best foot forward and consider ways to show a bit of their personality and lifestyle. Things like hobbies, extra curriculars, volunteering, or past work experience should be emphasized in their application.
