Supplier Quality Engineer

About Kepler Communications
At Kepler Communications, we are not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity – we are 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.

What We Offer

Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan.

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.

Certified Great Place to Work for five years in a row.

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 First Article Inspection (FAI).

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

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

Provide supplier quality input during supplier selection.

Communicate supplier risks and performance clearly to internal stakeholders.

Required

Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.

3+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Product Assurance in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, automotive, medical devices).

Experience working directly with external suppliers and managing quality performance.

Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP).

Ability to interpret engineering drawings (mechanical and electrical) and manufacturing processes.

Willingness to travel 50‑60% with at least 10% to China for supplier visits.

Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone).

Familiarity with quality standards such…