Associate Manager, Supplier Quality Engineering

Associate Manager, Supplier Quality Engineering (L4)

Reference #31671

Waterdown, ON

Essential Responsibilities 

The Assoc Manager of Supplier Quality Engineering is responsible to lead a team of talented supplier quality engineers. This role ensures that all sourced materials, components, assemblies and production/ repair services meet quality, regulatory and performance requirements. This role focuses on supplier qualification, development, compliance with AS9100 standards, and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain to support production and new product introduction.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the supplier quality engineers to strengthen their technical capability, assertiveness, and facilitation skills.
• Attend shop floor Gemba meetings and represent the SQE team in daily production meetings for better cross-functional collaboration to ensure urgent issues are prioritized by the SQEs.
• Perform supplier audits, capability assessments, risk assessments and onboarding activities.
• Represent the Supplier Quality function in New Product Design reviews and readiness reviews.
• Track supplier performance metrics to identify trends, opportunities, support accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for supplier quality issues and SCARs (Supplier Corrective Action Reports). Oversee supplier quality trend and facilitate escape 8D root cause and corrective action (RCCA) to ensure permanent solutions are effective to prevent recurrences.
• Guide and/or perform First Article Inspection reviews.
• Guide SQEs on Quality Alerts and containments activities.
• Analyze trends for Early field failures, Supplier Initiated non-conformances and identify root cause and facilitate corrective and preventative actions.
• Accountable for SQE inputs into the into new product and process, ensuring alignment with customer and industry requirements.
• Utilize data-driven analysis for zero-defect initiatives/ ZDP at the supplier; identifying trends, risks, and opportunities for supplier defect reduction and supplier caused cost of poor quality.
• Accountable for SQE inputs into engineering change for impact on quality control processes, inspection standards, and risk mitigation plans.
• Lead/ Support SQE execution of Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis (PFMEA) as a proactive risk management tool at the supplier.
• Drive the improvement to WESCAM quality systems through supporting the implementation of the L3Harris Operational Excellence framework.
• Align the necessary resources as the quarterback for emerging quality issues, coordinating rapid cross-functional collaboration and executive communication at the Wescam level.
• Champion a culture of prevention, accountability, and continuous improvement for quality across the organization.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed by the Manager to support organizational priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality, or related technical discipline; equivalent experience in aerospace quality will be considered
• 3-5 years of experience managing a team of engineers in an aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing environment
• ASQ Certification (ex. CQE, CMQ/OE, or equivalent) is preferred
• Certification or demonstrated expertise in AS9100D Quality Management System standards
• Lean Six Sigma Certification is considered an asset
• Proven record of implementing robust RCCA, FMEA, and advanced quality planning tools
• Demonstrated success in achieving measurable reductions in defects, escapes, and cost of poor quality.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances and controlled goods program

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience reporting to leadership and representing quality performance in management reviews
• Project management experience including leading cross-functional initiatives and managing deliverables to schedule and per quality standards
• Strong communication and influencing skills, capable of driving discussions with diverse technical teams and achieving a consensus
• Familiarity with quality tools (SPC, Power Bi, Minitab, etc.)
• Lead 8D root cause and working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, P/DFMEA processes in aerospace or defense sectors.
• Knowledge of regulatory and customer-specific standards, such as NADCAP, ITAR, FAA/EASA
• Dynamic, resourceful and known for sense of initiative (leadership, innovative, problem solver).