Senior Quality Specialist, Combat Systems

Irving Shipbuilding; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Irving Shipbuilding is seeking a Quality Specialist, Combat Systems, to lead supplier quality activities from manufacturing through delivery on Canada's River Class Destroyer program.

This role focuses on inspections, testing, audits, and documentation reviews to ensure products meet strict quality standards and contractual requirements. The position requires full-time, in-office work and a strong background in shipbuilding/defense quality management.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or related field.
• 8+ years as an engineer/technician in shipbuilding/defense.
• 2+ years in naval weapons or visual inspections is an asset.
• Quality systems knowledge (ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100) preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in contract creation, clarification, negotiation and tailoring.
• Review and approve Quality Vendor Furnished Information and ITPs.
• Attend ProcPack and supplier meetings; support production-quality reviews.
• Own non-conformances and corrective actions for Combat Systems products and suppliers.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and drive improvement opportunities.
• Ensure completion and sign-off of supplier ITPs; coordinate supplier visits.

Skills

Quality management

ISO 9001/AS 9100

MS Office

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication (written & verbal)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS/Business

Job description

Job Description

Join Irving Shipbuilding (ISI) and help deliver next-generation combat systems for Canada's River Class Destroyer program. As the Quality Specialist, Combat Systems, you'll lead supplier quality activities from manufacturing through delivery, ensuring products meet stringent quality standards and contractual requirements.

You'll work closely with suppliers to oversee inspections, testing, audits, and documentation reviews, resolve quality issues, drive corrective actions, and support continuous improvement. As the key quality contact for assigned contracts, you'll represent ISI in supplier meetings, factory acceptance testing, source inspections, and quality audits.

This role is ideal for a detail-oriented problem solver with strong analytical skills, supplier quality experience, and a passion for delivering excellence on complex, mission-critical programs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in contract creation, clarification, negotiation, tailoring and change, ensuring quality is embedded within ProcPack.
• Review and approval of Quality Vendor Furnished Information (VFI), including quality plans, and inspection and test plans (ITPs).
• Attend ProcPack kick-off meeting, pre-production meetings, supplier meetings, and production-quality meetings.
• Ownership of all non-conformances tied to DCS products (Combat Systems).
• Ownership of all corrective actions tied to DCS products (Combat Systems) and their suppliers.
• Monitor supplier quality performance (NCRs, receipt inspections, etc.) and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Accountable for completion and sign off of the supplier’s ITP; including supplier visits, inspections, and documentation reviews.
• Managing product receipt inspections and supporting the receipt inspectors with access to drawings and storage requirements where applicable, and ownership of managing supplier issues identified during install by ISI and its subcontractors.

Qualifications

• Diploma or bachelor's degree in engineering, Information Technology, Business, Computer Science, Quality Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience working as an engineer or technician in the shipbuilding or defense industry.
• 2+ years of related experience in naval weapons and/or visual inspections would be considered an asset.
• Military or Naval Weapons Technology knowledge would be considered an asset.
• Marine Engineering training would be considered an asset.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, AS 9100 or equivalent Quality Management Systems.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with excellent organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide technical leadership in cross‑functional problem solving and effectively influence, coach, and train others.

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.

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.

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.