Senior Mechanical Quality Specialist

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding, Inc. is seeking an experienced quality specialist to oversee all quality activities for shafting and propulsion equipment on Canada’s River Class Destroyer program.

You will ensure compliance, review vendor information, and manage non-conformances from initiation to resolution while liaising with suppliers and internal teams. The role requires in-depth knowledge of quality systems, ship construction, and travel within North America and Europe to supplier sites.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of related experience with mechanical systems.
• Experience with ship construction, maintenance, and repair is an asset.
• Experience with Ship Classification Societies is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Participate in contract clarification, negotiation, tailoring and change, ensuring quality is embedded within contracting and purchasing.
• Review and approval of Quality Vendor Furnished Information, including supplier quality plans and ITPs.
• Attend contract Kick-off and progress meetings.
• Ownership of non-conformances and corrective actions for assigned equipment packages from initiation to disposition.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and conduct supplier visits and inspections.
• Liaison for managing equipment issues identified during install and commissioning by ISI.

Skills

Quality assurance

Supplier quality

Non-conformances

Contract negotiation

Quality Improvement

Communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/marine engineering or related discipline

Job description

Job Description

Join our team and play a critical role in delivering excellence on one of Canada’s most advanced naval programs—the River Class Destroyer (RCD).

Join our team and play a critical role in delivering excellence on one of Canada’s most advanced naval programs—the River Class Destroyer (RCD).
In this position, you will oversee all quality-related activities tied to the supply and manufacture of shafting and propulsion equipment, ensuring Irving Shipbuilding’s stringent quality requirements are met throughout the entire process. From monitoring supplier manufacturing to verifying compliance and guaranteeing that only conforming equipment is received and installed, you will act as a key liaison between suppliers and our team to safeguard performance and reliability for mission-critical components.
If you’re passionate about precision, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to contribute to building the future of naval capability, this is your opportunity to make an impact!

Responsibilities

• Participate in contract clarification, negotiation, tailoring and change, ensuring quality is embedded within contracting and purchasing process.
• Review and approval of Quality Vendor Furnished Information, including supplier quality plans, and inspection and test plans (ITPs).
• Attend contract Kick-off meeting, pre-production meeting, Supplier progress meetings, production-quality meetings.
• Ownership of non-conformances and corrective actions for assigned equipment packages from initiation to disposition and concurrence.
• Monitor supplier quality performance (NCRs, defect rates.) and identify opportunities for improvement. Accountable for supplier visits, ITP inspections, documentation reviews, and warehouse delivery inspections.
• Liaison for managing equipment issues identified during install and commissioning by ISI.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Mechanical or marine degree, or diploma in engineering technology, or equivalent industry or naval experience.
• 8+ years of related experience working with mechanical systems.
• Experience with mechanical system inspections would be considered an asset.
• Experience in ship construction, maintenance, and repair would be considered an asset.
• Experience with Ship Classification Societies would be considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100 or equivalent Quality Management Systems would be considered an asset
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) are required. Microsoft Office knowledge and experience are required.
• Frequent travel will be required within North America and Europe.

Due to the nature of work Irving Shipbuilding does, all successful applicants must meet requirements for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP), Canadian Government Security clearance, and U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Please note this position requires a full-time, in-office presence with frequent travel to supplier sites.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Irving Shipbuilding is proud to be Canada's National Shipbuilder. Our team is constructing more than 20 modern patrol ships and destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard as part of the largest defence procurement project in Canadian history.
By joining our team of more than 2,400 shipbuilders, you can enjoy a dynamic and exciting career with a company dedicated to your success, development, and safety.
At Irving Shipbuilding, we're making history - why not make it with us? Learn more about careers at Irving Shipbuilding: shipsforcanada.ca/opportunities.
We invite applications from all qualified candidates, including racially visible persons, women in underrepresented roles, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and encourage applicants to self-identify.