Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Title:
Supplier Quality EngineerLocation:
On-site Cambridge, ON (headquarters)Reports to:
Director, Quality
Company DescriptionJamesway Chick Master Incubator Company Inc. is a global provider of commercial Poultry Incubation Products and Services. Jamesway is a privately held company, headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada and operates subsidiaries in the United States, United Kingdom and China.
Jamesway is a leader in the poultry industry, committed to innovation and excellence. We specialize in developing state-of-the-art incubation products that meet the evolving needs of the poultry sector. Our team is driven by a passion for delivering high-quality, reliable, and innovative solutions that empower our customers.
Today, Jamesway is one of the top three brands worldwide in Poultry Incubation and has a customer base reaching every corner of the world.
Position SummaryReporting to the Quality Director, the Supplier Quality Engineer is responsible for leading supplier quality development and performance improvement, and advanced quality planning across our global supply base. The role works closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations, Production, Customer Care, and suppliers to ensure purchased products and materials consistently meet Jamesway quality, delivery, reliability, and performance requirements.
This position is a key link between supplier quality, new product introduction, project launches, engineering changes, warranty reduction, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will combine strong mechanical engineering knowledge with practical manufacturing experience and the ability to drive accountability with suppliers.
Responsibilities
Develop, implement, and maintain supplier quality standards, procedures, and performance expectations.
Manage supplier performance through scorecards, KPIs, audits, business reviews, and improvement plans.
Lead supplier corrective action requests (SCARs) and ensure effective, timely closure.
Partner with Supply Chain and Engineering in supplier selection, qualification, and ongoing monitoring.
Build professional supplier relationships while maintaining clear quality and delivery accountability.
Lead and support APQP activities for new products, sourced components, and engineering changes.
Coordinate, review, and approve PPAP submissions based on part and project risks.
Review PFMEAs, Control Plans, capability studies, and First Article Inspection reports.
Confirm process capability, inspection controls, packaging, traceability, and launch readiness.
Maintain clear records of supplier approvals, deviations, and outstanding launch risks.
Lead investigations of supplier nonconformances, line disruptions, warranty claims, and customer complaints.
Apply structured problem-solving tools including 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone, PDCA, and 5W1H.
Contain quality issues quickly and coordinate sorting, rework, replacement material, and support as required.
Verify corrective action effectiveness with supplier and prevent recurrence across similar parts and processes.
Use data and evidence to distinguish root causes from symptoms and drive sustainable corrective action.
Act as the supplier quality lead for new product introductions and project launches.
Participate in design reviews, drawing reviews, project reviews, risk assessments, and launch meetings.
Work with Engineering to confirm drawings, specifications, tolerances, and critical characteristics.
Develop supplier quality deliverables, timing plans, open‑issue lists, and escalation plans for each launch.
Provide identification and escalation of supplier risks that could affect project timing, cost, quality, or delivery.
Conduct supplier process audits, quality‑system assessments, and manufacturing capability reviews.
Lead supplier development projects involving process control, operator training, mistake‑proofing, inspection methods, traceability, and preventive maintenance.
Assess manufacturing processes such as sheet metal fabrication, welding, machining, forming, coatings, galvanizing, plastics, assemblies, and purchased components.
Monitor supplier PPM, defect rates, warranty trends, repeat failures, and corrective‑action status.
Prepare concise supplier quality reports and recommendations for management and cross‑functional teams.
Promote standardized work, lessons learned, and quality planning across suppliers and internal teams.
Ensure suppliers comply with Jamesway drawings, specifications, purchase requirements, quality standards, and applicable regulatory or certification requirements.
Maintain accurate supplier quality records and support document control and change control.
Support UL and CSA product requirements where applicable.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized institution.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification (preferred).
5+ years’ experience in supplier quality, mechanical engineering, or a related industrial role.
Experience directly managing suppliers and leading supplier improvement/corrective action.
Experience with fabricated and welded assemblies, sheet metal, machining, coatings, galvanizing, plastics, electrical‑mechanical assemblies, or industrial equipment.
Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, First Article Inspection, and process capability.
Experience leading cross‑functional projects, new product launches, product transfers, or engineering changes.
Strong knowledge of mechanical drawings, tolerances, manufacturing processes, inspection methods, and mechanical assemblies.
Strong organization, prioritization, and project execution skills.
Data‑driven decision‑making and sound engineering judgment.
Practical, hands‑on approach to manufacturing and quality problems.
Ability to travel to supplier locations in Canada and internationally as required.
Why Join Us?
A collaborative and supportive team dedicated to innovation and excellence in the poultry industry.
Learning & Development: Opportunities for professional growth and Education Reimbursement.
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
RRSP Employer Match program.
Comprehensive health, dental & extended benefits to support wellbeing & success.
3-weeks PTO, Statutory holidays + 2 Floater Days.
Company social events: BBQ, golf tournament, etc.
Jamesway is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At Jamesway, we’re more than a workplace – we’re a community. We empower our people with opportunities to grow, celebrate our collaborative culture and strive to make a meaningful impact.
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