Project Quality Engineer

The Role

Howden Compressors (HCO) is seeking a proactive and technically skilled Project Quality Engineer to join our Renfrew-based team. Reporting to the Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager this role is pivotal in ensuring our package projects meet the highest standards of quality documentation and delivery performance. Youll be the central point for quality engineering driving excellence across inspection and test plans paint specifications and contract-specific quality documentation.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholdersincluding clients suppliers and certifying bodiesto manage quality throughout the full project lifecycle from quotation to final delivery. Youll lead supplier risk assessments review and approve technical documentation and support inspection activities to ensure compliance with client and regulatory requirements. Your expertise will help reduce the cost of poor quality (COPQ) and improve customer satisfaction through structured continuous improvement.

This role demands strong leadership problem-solving and communication skills along with a solid technical background in areas such as welding fabrication or machining. Experience with ISO 9001 root cause analysis and manufacturing processes is essential while qualifications in auditing Lean or Six Sigma are highly desirable. Youll also play a key role in driving cross-functional collaboration and embedding quality into standard work practices.

With occasional travel (515%) to suppliers and other Howden locations this role offers the opportunity to influence global supply chain performance and contribute to strategic quality initiatives. If youre passionate about driving quality innovation and continuous improvement in a dynamic engineering environment wed love to hear from you.

Who are we

Howden has a range of compressors blowers fans steam turbines and rotary heat exchangers and has been at the forefront of developing engineered solutions for the needs of industrial processes since 1854. In 2023 Howden joined forces with Chart Industries a global leader in engineered equipment for clean energy and industrial gas markets.

Together we operate over 64 manufacturing sites and 50 service centres worldwide with 11700 employees driving innovation in hydrogen carbon capture energy recovery nuclear water treatment mining and LNG. As part of the Nexus of Clean we are advancing a sustainable futurehelping customers improve efficiency and reduce emissions across clean power water food and industrial sectors.

Join us and be part of a purpose-driven team shaping the future and tackling some of the planets most urgent challenges all while growing your career in a dynamic global environment.

What you will do

• Assume responsibility for all aspects of quality management throughout the value stream of packages from Quote to Cash (original quotation through each stage of plan build & test through to receipt of cash).
• Focus on proactive risk reduction and mitigation to ensure delivery of improved customer satisfaction.
• Development and maintenance of inspection & test records (ITP); paint specifications.
• Preparation & maintenance of contract quality plans to meet contract requirements.
• Take active role in achieving overall Value Stream objectives and KPIs. Including supporting Daily Management contract reviews and any other workshops or kaizen events as required.
• Provide input to HCO risk management proposal and early engagement processes with regards to project and technical requirements.
• Input to supplier selection and identify and support approval of new suppliers.
• Work closely with Supplier Quality team in the development and improvement of HCO supply chain performance; adopting a partnership approach with key suppliers.
• Liaise with clients & witnessing authorities to meet contract requirements. Support inspection/process review activities at Sub-Contractors Works.
• Work alongside colleagues to understand the project and product needs as well as providing witness inspection and test support at suppliers.
• Review & approve relevant supplier documentation such as weld procedures NDE procedures Hydrotest procedures and material certification etc in accordance with code & client requirements.
• Take ownership in the reporting analysis to help reduce COPQ across all aspects of product and documentation delivery.
• Facilitate and lead root cause investigation and management of non-conformances.
• Plan manage and drive improvements in the management and control product/process and contract specific documentation.
• Perform audits and process reviews including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to improve overall process control and effectiveness.
• Use Chart Business Improvement tools (CBE) approach to promote Built in Quality concepts into Standard work. Collaborate with Operations Engineering Commercial and Procurement teams to drive improved manufacturing and supply chain performance and early defect detection.
• Support the business in the management of the health safety and environmental management systems to maintain certification in accordance with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.

What do you bring

An ideal candidate would likely have the following profile:

• Understanding and experience working with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience in Sourcing Engineering Quality Manufacturing and Program Management.
• Understanding of witness inspection and test activities.
• Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings.
• Effective problem solving and root-cause analysis skills to lead & influence others to drive change.
• Excellent communication skills at all levels written and verbal.
• Excellent data analysis skills & ability to present data effectively.
• Experience with cross functional management.
• Report and Procedure writing with excellent presentation skills.
• Strong technical background in one of the following areas: casting machining metallurgy welding fabrication; or relevant manufacturing / packaging experience.

Weve put together some criteria that we think is important for this role but dont worry if your experience and expertise isnt an exact match. If you feel that you can add value to our role and to Howden more broadly we would welcome your application and be eager to learn more about you.

Our Benefits

This is a permanent position based at our HQ in Renfrew including an early finish on Friday. Our range of fantastic benefits includes:

• A flexible hybrid working environment
• Generous holiday entitlement package totalling 33 days annual leave
• Howden Pension Plan with a maximum employer contribution of 7%
• Company electric vehicle scheme through salary sacrifice
• Enhanced Maternity Paternity shared parental and adoption leave pay
• Free onsite parking
• Healthcare cash plan
• Group Life Assurance plan at 3x salary
• Group Income Protection plan
• Access to My Howden Benefits & Wellbeing Portal Cycle2Work programme range of discounts across various retailers employee assistance programme wealth of information to support health & wellbeing
• Dedicated Spark Service free counselling physiotherapy financial support medical second opinion remote GP personal training nutrition consultations etc
• Financial planning & mortgage support
• Opportunity to be involved in our ESG Bright Future initiatives STEM ambassador & volunteering

Chart is an equal opportunity employer

The Company intention in respect of recruitment selection and promotion is to appoint the most suitable candidate for each job regardless of that persons race religious beliefs sex sexual orientation marital status age or disability.