Director, Safety & Mission Assurance

Kepler Communications; Toronto; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Toronto seeks a Director of Safety & Mission Assurance. The role involves developing and executing mission assurance plans while leading a quality team. Candidates must have over 10 years of experience in product assurance within the aerospace or satellite industry, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to foster relationships with customers. This position offers competitive compensation, comprehensive health coverage, and ample opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Unlimited vacation and parental leave

Annual professional development fund

Semi-annual company parties

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in product assurance or quality management in aerospace or satellite industry.
• Strong knowledge of industry best practices and certifications in product assurance.
• Demonstrated expertise in decision-making and communicating effectively.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for quality-related matters with customers.
• Develop and implement product assurance strategies aligned with project requirements.
• Lead and manage a Quality team, setting priorities and coaching.

Skills

Product assurance or quality management

Quality management tools and methodologies (e.g. Six Sigma, FMEA)

Exceptional negotiation skills

Strong communication abilities

Problem-solving skills

Job description

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.
• Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance — including dependents.
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy and company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.
• Relocation packages available for approved roles.
• $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.
• Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top‑notch kitchen appliances.
• Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company‑wide events to stay connected and engaged.
• We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row!

As part of Kepler's continued growth and commitment to quality, reliability and safety, we are looking to appoint a Director, Safety & Mission Assurance in our Toronto HQ. In this role, you will develop and execute comprehensive mission and product assurance plans, working closely with customers, suppliers and a multidisciplinary IPT to identify, address and resolve risks and mission/flight assurance concerns.

As we shift our focus from R&D to production, the Director, Safety & Mission Assurance will also play a key role for the wider company, working closely with leaders across engineering and operations to ensure that we are positioned to deliver reliable, fault‑free products. We need a hands‑on leader who combines deep technical expertise with proven team management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the leader and primary point of contact for all quality‑related matters with the customer.
• Develop and implement product assurance strategies, plan and procedures aligned with the project requirements and industry standards (ECSS, ISO 9001, AS9100, IPC).
• Ensure quality compliance throughout all the phases of the product lifecycle including design, manufacturing, assembly, integration and test.
• Monitor, report and assist in the resolution of non‑conformances using structured processes.
• Lead and manage a Quality team, including setting priorities, coaching, and fostering professional development.
• Lead and participate in internal and external quality audits, FMEA and PFMEA processes.
• Organize and chair key PA milestone reviews, including EQSRs (Equipment Qualification Status Reviews), MRRs (Manufacturing Readiness Reviews), IRRs (Integration Readiness Reviews), TRRs (Test Readiness Reviews), and QRs (Qualification Reviews).
• Develop plans and strategies for Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety activities interfacing with Kepler systems engineering team.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in product assurance or quality management preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.
• Strong knowledge of industry best practices and certifications in product assurance, as well as knowledge of industry standards.
• Familiarity with lifecycle management of key institutions such as European Space Agency or NASA.
• Familiarity with configuration management techniques.
• Proficiency in quality management tools and methodologies (e.g. Six Sigma, FMEA, FRACAS).
• Demonstrated expertise in decision‑making and effectively conveying those decisions to both suppliers and customers.
• Strong confidence in engaging with customers, fostering robust relationships.
• Exceptional negotiation skills paired with superior communication abilities.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• A high level of flexibility, responsibility, and a proactive work ethic, capable of working both independently and in an organized manner.

Use of AI in Recruitment

At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI‑based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job‑relevant criteria. These tools support, but do not replace, human judgment.

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 [e-mail], and we will work with you to meet your needs.