Junior 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 Junior Quality Engineer supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of quality standards and inspection criteria to help ensure product and process integrity across the manufacturing lifecycle. The successful candidate will work closely with quality team members and cross-functional teams to support root cause analysis, corrective actions, inspections, supplier quality activities, and continuous improvement. This role is intended for an early-career quality professional developing practical experience with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, quality tools, data analysis, and manufacturing quality processes.

HOW YOU WILL BE MAKING AN IMPACT

• Develop and maintain quality standards and inspection criteria that support product and process integrity.
• Conduct incoming material inspections, in-process quality checks, and final product audits to maintain consistent quality performance.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective/preventive action activities to address defects and improve manufacturing outcomes.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to strengthen supplier quality performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to implementation, monitoring, and compliance activities related to ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other applicable quality management systems.
• Participate in failure analysis, process validation, and manufacturing improvement projects that enhance efficiency and product quality.
• Assist with supplier development activities, including audit preparation, follow-up actions, and documentation management.
• Develop and maintain Critical to Quality (CTQ) criteria that align manufacturing controls with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the integration and improvement of automated inspection systems and quality data management processes.
• Analyze quality data to identify trends, recurring issues, process inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Apply basic statistical tools and quality metrics to support data-driven decision-making and operational improvements.
• Work cross-functionally with engineering, production, and supply chain teams to improve product quality and manufacturing performance.
• Provide guidance and support to team members on quality standards, inspection practices, and continuous improvement principles.
• Bring exposure to CAD software, quality fixture design, or 3D printing as an added asset within the role.

WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE

• Maintain consistent quality standards across products, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Identify, document, and escalate quality concerns promptly while contributing to effective corrective actions.
• Build strong working relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders to improve quality performance.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and other applicable industry standards.
• Help ensure incoming materials and finished products consistently meet quality expectations and customer requirements.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance manufacturing efficiency, product reliability, and operational performance.
• Align CTQ criteria with customer expectations, regulatory requirements, and internal quality objectives.
• Support implementation and optimization of automated inspection technologies and quality systems.
• Use quality metrics and data analysis to support informed problem-solving and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate effectively across departments to resolve issues and strengthen manufacturing processes.
• Promote accountability, consistency, and adherence to quality best practices across the team.

WHAT SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU REQUIRE

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in engineering, quality management, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Working knowledge of ISO 9001, IATF 16949, Six Sigma, and Lean methodologies.
• 1–2 years of experience in quality, manufacturing, engineering, or a related environment; relevant internship or co-op experience will also be considered.
• Understanding of Root Cause Analysis and CAPA methodologies, with the ability to contribute to investigations and corrective actions.
• Familiarity with vision systems or automated inspection technologies is considered an asset.
• Exposure to CTQ development and customer or regulatory quality requirements is preferred.
• Foundational knowledge of incoming, in-process, and final inspection methodologies.
• Ability to review quality data, identify trends, and apply basic statistical methods to support improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with quality tools such as FMEA, CAPA, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, along with a strong willingness to learn and develop.
• Experience using quality management software and reporting tools is considered an asset.
  

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

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