Supplier Quality Engineer
TLDR
Lead supplier quality qualification, approval activities, development, audits, and cross-functional coordination to ensure supplier performance and quality.
Supplier Qualification & Development
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Lead supplier quality qualification and approval activities, including capability assessments and risk evaluations (technical, manufacturing, and HSE) through initial and surveillance audits
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Evaluate supplier processes to ensure alignment with internal and customer quality requirements
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Drive continuous improvement initiatives at suppliers to reduce defects, variation, and waste
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Establish and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to enable proactive quality management
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Ensure supplied products meet defined quality standards and specifications to minimize cost of poor quality and production disruptions
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Monitor supplier performance using data-driven metrics and identify improvement opportunities
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Ensure supplier adherence to defined processes, procedures, and quality requirements
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Lead and/or facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action activities for supplier-related non-conformances
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Review supplier root cause analyses and ensure effectiveness of corrective actions
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Drive timely containment and resolution of supplier quality issues to prevent production impact
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Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and special process) to verify compliance and capability
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Perform on-site supplier visits to investigate quality issues and validate corrective actions
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Support supplier readiness for new product introduction and production scaling
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Perform and/or support FAI inspections
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Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier alignment with product and program requirements
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Provide supplier quality input during supplier selection
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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
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Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Supplier Audits & On-Site Support
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Supplier Non-Conformance & Corrective Action Management
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Supplier Quality Management
- Bachelor's 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 and problem-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
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: $85,831 - 130,781 CAD
Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s 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
Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement
Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at accommodation@kepler.space, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Benefits
Equity Compensation
Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.
Free Meals & Snacks
Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances
Health Insurance
Health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents
Learning Budget
$1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth
Great Place to Work certification
Great Place to Work certification, five years in a row
Paid Time Off
Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown
Remote-Friendly
Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged
Visa Sponsorship
Relocation packages available for approved roles
Kepler Communications operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, delivering real-time Internet access for space-based assets. Our service is tailored for industries involved in space exploration and satellite communications, empowering them with continuous connectivity to enhance their data-driven initiatives.
- Founded
- Founded 2015
- Employees
- 11-50 employees
- Industry
- Diversified Telecommunication Services
- Total raised
- $5.1M raised