Quality Engineer

Smartrend Manufacturing Group (SMG) Inc. is one of Manitoba's fastest-growing companies, committed to increasing safety in the school bus industry and reducing emissions in the electric vehicle charging sector through our diverse divisions. We design and develop exciting, patented, and innovative technologies that make a real and lasting impact across multiple industries.

At the heart of our success are the values that guide everything we do:

• People – our team is what makes us special
• Passion – from our hearts and minds, demonstrated through our actions
• Priority – we put the customer first, every day, in everything we do
• Partnership – with each other, our customers, and our suppliers

We provide a supportive environment where hard work, passions, and goals are recognized. Innovation and collaboration are at the heart of what we do. Share your drive and aspirations with us, and we'll ensure that your efforts open doors to new opportunities and growth.

THE POSITION

The Quality Engineer leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality standards and inspection criteria to ensure product and process integrity across the manufacturing lifecycle. The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving quality excellence by conducting root cause analysis, managing corrective actions, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers. This role is essential to maintaining compliance with industry standards such as ISO 9001 and IATF 16949, optimizing inspection processes, and delivering consistent, market-leading product quality that meets both customer and regulatory requirements.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Develop and maintain quality standards and inspection criteria to ensure product and process integrity.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to address defects and improve processes.
• Oversee incoming material inspection, in-process quality checks, and final product audits to maintain consistent quality levels.
• Collaborate with suppliers to manage and enhance supplier quality, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Implement, monitor, and ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other relevant quality management systems.
• Lead failure analysis, process validation, and continuous improvement projects to enhance manufacturing and quality efficiency.
• Drive supplier development initiatives, including on-site and remote audits, to strengthen upstream quality and compliance.
• Develop and manage Critical to Quality criteria to align quality control processes with key customer and regulatory requirements.
• Support the integration of automated quality inspection systems to optimize inspection processes and data management.
• Perform data analysis to identify trends, process inefficiencies, and areas for quality improvement.
• Utilize statistical tools and quality metrics to drive data-driven decision-making and optimize processes.
• Proficiency in CAD software, with the capability to design quality fixtures, familiarity in 3D printing, is considered a strong asset for this role.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to drive quality excellence and operational improvements.
• Train team members on quality control standards and best practices.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE

• Apply and maintain quality standards consistently across all processes.
• Identify issues through root cause analysis and implement corrective actions promptly.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality and drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other standards.
• Guide inspectors to ensure materials and products meet or exceed quality requirements.
• Lead failure analysis and process improvements that boost efficiency and quality.
• Align Critical to Quality criteria with customer and regulatory needs.
• Integrate and optimize automated inspection systems effectively.
• Use data analysis to guide quality improvements and decisions.
• Work cross-functionally to resolve quality issues and enhance processes.
• Train team members on quality standards and best practices.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, quality Management, or a related field.
• Knowledge of quality standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 1649, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies.
• Audit management experience with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, or equivalent standards, including interaction with certification bodies.
• Root Cause Analysis & CAPA – Strong ability to conduct failure investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Familiarity with vision systems and other automated quality inspection technologies is a plus.
• Experience in defining and managing CTQ criteria to align with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Inspection & Auditing Expertise - knowledge of incoming, in-process, and final product inspection methodologies.
• Data Analysis & Statistical Tools - Analyze quality data, identify trends, and optimize processes using statistical methods.
• Proficiency in quality tools such as FMEA, Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Experience with quality management software and tools is a plus.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING PART OF OUR TEAM

We believe that a healthy, supported team is key to our success. That's why we offer a benefits package that prioritizes work-life balance, financial wellness, and overall well-being.

Our team members enjoy:

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive group benefits package
• Employer-paid Health Care Spending Account
• Generous paid time off, including vacation and paid sick days
• Company-paid holiday shutdown from Christmas to New Year's
• Company-matched RRSP plan

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process – we commit to providing a barrier-free experience for all candidates.

We would like to thank all applicants who apply, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.