Supplier Quality Engineer

Confidential Careers; Guelph; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential Careers in Ontario, Canada seeks a proactive Senior Supplier Quality Specialist to drive component reliability across the global supply base and act as the technical lead for supplier quality assurance, APQP/PPAP validation, and root-cause problem-solving.

You will audit production environments, hold vendors to strict quality targets, and lead cross-functional teams to resolve issues, with occasional U.S. travel as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 2+ years in supplier quality engineering or manufacturing quality assurance in heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial assembly.
• Hands-on APQP, PPAP, PFMEA and Control Plans; able to read complex mechanical blueprints and GD&T.
• Proven track record leading 8D/5-Why investigations and supplier audits.
• Solid understanding of ISO quality management systems and fabrication/assembly manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality assurance for the global supplier base.
• Drive APQP/PPAP validation from prototype through launch.
• Direct containment actions and 8D/5-Why investigations with suppliers.
• Conduct on-site supplier audits to ensure compliance with standards.
• Collaborate across Procurement, Design Engineering and Internal Quality to support engineering changes.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

GD&T

8D

5-Why

Root Cause Analysis

Auditing

Cross-functional Collaboration

Leadership

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical / Electrical / Industrial Engineering

Tools

ASQ-CQE

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Job description

Role: Senior Supplier Quality Specialist

Industry: Heavy Equipment & Industrial Manufacturing

Compensation: $75,000 – $80,000 CAD per year

Travel: Occasional U.S. travel required (must be able to travel on short notice)

Position Overview

A leading OEM of machinery and industrial equipment is seeking a proactive Senior Supplier Quality Specialist to drive component reliability across our global supply base. In this role, you will bridge global vendor capabilities with internal manufacturing engineering, serving as the technical lead for supplier quality assurance, APQP/PPAP validation, and root cause problem-solving.

If you excel at auditing production environments, holding vendors accountable to rigorous quality targets, and steering cross-functional resolution teams, this role offers high-visibility impact across our product lines.

Core Responsibilities

• Supplier Oversight & Performance: Benchmark vendor metrics (PPM, non-conformance rates, on-time delivery), build performance scorecards, and lead targeted continuous improvement initiatives for underperforming suppliers.


• APQP & Launch Execution: Lead Advanced Product Quality Planning activities from initial prototype through launch. Review, validate, and approve supplier PPAP packages, including tooling, fixture designs, and gauge quotes.


• Corrective Action & Root Cause Analysis: Direct containment actions for non-conforming parts. Spearhead cross-functional 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone investigations with suppliers to prevent defect recurrence and mitigate warranty exposure.


• Auditing & On-Site Assessments: Conduct physical, on-site supplier system and process control audits to ensure compliance with company technical standards and ISO guidelines.


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as the primary technical liaison between Procurement, Design Engineering, and Internal Quality to streamline engineering changes and optimize resource allocation.

Key Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.


• Experience: 2+ years in supplier quality engineering or manufacturing quality assurance within an heavy equipment, automotive, or industrial assembly setting.


• Technical Mastery: Hands-on expertise in APQP, PPAP approval, PFMEA, and Control Plans. Strong ability to read complex mechanical blueprints and interpret GD&T.


• Problem-Solving & Auditing: Proven track record leading 8D/5-Why investigations and executing process-level supplier audits.


• System Knowledge: Solid understanding of ISO quality management systems and fabrication/assembly manufacturing techniques.


• Professional Attributes: Self-directed project manager with assertive negotiation skills, clear leadership capabilities, and proficiency in MS Office suite.


• Travel Requirement: Valid passport and flexibility for occasional travel to U.S. supplier facilities, sometimes with minimal lead time.


• Assets: ASQ-CQE, Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt, or equivalent quality certifications.