Supplier Quality Engineer
Job Summary
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied products and processes meet company and customer quality requirements. This role drives supplier performance through qualification monitoring and continuous improvement with a strong emphasis on defect prevention risk management and operational excellence across the supply chain.
The Supplier Quality Engineer works cross-functionally with Supply Chain Manufacturing and Engineering to resolve supplier quality issues minimize disruptions and ensure compliance with applicable standards.
You will be responsible for ensuring that the products supplied to Kepler meet our quality standards and requirements tominimize quality costs and maximize efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Supplier Qualification & Development
Lead supplier quality qualification and approval activities including capability assessments and risk evaluations (technical manufacturing and HSE) through initial and surveillance audits
Evaluate supplier processes to ensure alignment with internal and customer quality requirements
Drive continuous improvement initiatives at suppliers to reduce defects variation and waste
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to enable proactive quality management
Supplier Quality Management
Ensure supplied products meet defined quality standards and specifications to minimize cost of poor quality and production disruptions
Monitor supplier performance using data-driven metrics and identify improvement opportunities
Ensure supplier adherence to defined processes procedures and quality requirements
Supplier Non-Conformance & Corrective Action Management
Lead and/or facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action activities for supplier-related non-conformances
Review supplier root cause analyses and ensure effectiveness of corrective actions
Drive timely containment and resolution of supplier quality issues to prevent production impact
Supplier Audits & On-Site Support
Conduct supplier audits (process system and special process) to verify compliance and capability
Perform on-site supplier visits to investigate quality issues and validate corrective actions
Support supplier readiness for new product introduction and production scaling
Perform and/or support FAI inspections
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Engineering Manufacturing and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier alignment with product and program requirements
Provide supplier quality input during supplier selection
Communicate supplier risks and performance clearly to internal stakeholders
- You will be responsible for ensuring that the products supplied to Kepler meet our quality standards and requirements to minimize quality costs and maximize efficiency
Required Skills & Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in engineering or related technical field
- 3 years of experience in Supplier Quality Manufacturing Quality or Product Assurance in regulated industries (e.g. aerospace automotive medical devices)
- Experience working directly with external suppliers and managing quality performance
- Strong knowledge of:
- Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
- Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings (mechanical and electrical) and manufacturing processes
- Willing to travel 50-60% with at least 10% to China to various supplier visits
- Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D 5 Whys Fishbone)
- Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001 AS9100 or equivalent
- Strong data analysis and reporting skills andproblem-solving and analytical thinking
- Effective communication and stakeholder management
- Comfortable working in fast-paced high-growth environments
- Ability to influence suppliers and internal teams without direct authority
Bonus Points:
Experience with EEE components or electronics supply chains
Familiarity with First Article Inspection (FAI / AS9102)
Experience in New Space or high-mix low-volume manufacturing environments
Relevant certifications in quality assurance or supplier quality assurance
Salary Range: $85831 - 106831 CAD
Actual total compensation will be determined at the Companys discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors which may include but are not limited to relevant knowledge skills experience performance and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations as it does not reflect our total compensation package.
Job Type: This is for a current vacancy
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
The Kepler Network Our SDA-compliant network will improve access to space-generated data by bringing modern Internet connectivity to space in a flexible, hybrid network designed to advance mission communications. Learn More Delivering Data at lightspeed Your PARTNER IN MISSION COMMUN ... View more