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®, five years in a row! The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE) is responsible for ensuring that externally supplied products and processes meet company and customer quality requirements. This 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 Supplier Quality Engineer works cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Engineering, to resolve supplier quality issues, minimize disruptions, and ensure compliance with applicable standards. You will be responsible for ensuring that the products supplied to Kepler meet our quality standards and requirements to minimize quality costs and maximize efficiency. Note: This position requires the ability to travel of 50-60% with at least 10% to China to various 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 input during supplier selection

      • Communicate supplier risks and performance clearly to internal stakeholders

      • You will be responsible for ensuring that the products supplied to Kepler meet our quality standards and requirements to minimize quality costs and maximize efficiency
        

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or 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)
  • Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings (mechanical and electrical) and manufacturing processes
  • Willing to travel 50-60% with at least 10% to China to various supplier visits
  • Experience with root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone)
  • Familiarity with quality standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent
  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills and problem-solving and analytical thinking
  • Effective communication and stakeholder management
  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-growth environments
  • Ability to influence suppliers and internal teams without direct authority

Bonus Points:

Experience with EEE components or electronics supply chains

Familiarity with First Article Inspection (FAI / AS9102)

Experience in New Space or high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environments

Relevant certifications in quality assurance or supplier quality assurance