Supplier Quality Engineer

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.