Supplier Quality Engineer

At Kepler Communications, we’re not just imagining the future of on‑demand space connectivity – we’re leading it! Our mission is to provide real‑time Internet access for space‑based assets, enabling a new era of data‑driven exploration and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real‑time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on‑orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.

Industry‑leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem‑solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.

If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy – this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler!

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® for five years in a row!

Supplier Quality Engineer
The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied products and processes meet company and customer quality requirements. The role drives supplier performance through qualification, monitoring, and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on defect prevention, risk management, and operational excellence across the supply chain. The SQE works cross‑functionally with Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Engineering to resolve supplier quality issues, minimize disruptions, and ensure compliance with applicable standards.

Note:

This position requires the ability to travel 50‑60% with at least 10% to China for supplier visits.

Key Responsibilities
Supplier Qualification & Development

Lead supplier quality qualification and approval activities, including capability assessments and risk evaluations (technical, manufacturing, and HSE) through initial and surveillance audits.

Evaluate supplier processes to ensure alignment with internal and customer quality requirements.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives at suppliers to reduce defects, variation, and waste.

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers to enable proactive quality management.

Supplier Quality Management

Ensure supplied products meet defined quality standards and specifications to minimize cost of poor quality and production disruptions.

Monitor supplier performance using data‑driven metrics and identify improvement opportunities.

Ensure supplier adherence to defined processes, procedures, and quality requirements.

Supplier Non‑Conformance & Corrective Action Management

Lead and/or facilitate root cause analysis and corrective action activities for supplier‑related non‑conformances.

Review supplier root cause analyses and ensure effectiveness of corrective actions.

Drive timely containment and resolution of supplier quality issues to prevent production impact.

Supplier Audits & On‑Site Support

Conduct supplier audits (process, system, and special process) to verify compliance and capability.

Perform on‑site supplier visits to investigate quality issues and validate corrective actions.

Support supplier readiness for new product introduction and production scaling.

Perform and/or support FAI inspections.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier alignment with product and program requirements.

Provide supplier quality…