Project Quality Engineer

Howden Compressors (HCO) is seeking a proactive and technically skilled Project Quality Engineer to join our Renfrew-based team. Reporting to the Quality and Continuous Improvement Manager, this role is pivotal in ensuring our package projects meet the highest standards of quality, documentation, and delivery performance. You’ll be the central point for quality engineering, driving excellence across inspection and test plans, paint specifications, and contract-specific quality documentation.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders—including clients, suppliers, and certifying bodies—to manage quality throughout the full project lifecycle, from quotation to final delivery. You’ll lead supplier risk assessments, review and approve technical documentation, and support inspection activities to ensure compliance with client and regulatory requirements. Your expertise will help reduce the cost of poor quality (COPQ) and improve customer satisfaction through structured continuous improvement.

This role demands strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills, along with a solid technical background in areas such as welding, fabrication, or machining. Experience with ISO 9001, root cause analysis, and manufacturing processes is essential, while qualifications in auditing, Lean, or Six Sigma are highly desirable. You’ll also play a key role in driving cross-functional collaboration and embedding quality into standard work practices.

With occasional travel (5–15%) to suppliers and other Howden locations, this role offers the opportunity to influence global supply chain performance and contribute to strategic quality initiatives. If you’re passionate about driving quality, innovation, and continuous improvement in a dynamic engineering environment, we’d love to hear from you.


Howden has a range of compressors, blowers, fans, steam turbines, and rotary heat exchangers, and has been at the forefront of developing engineered solutions for the needs of industrial processes since 1854. In 2023, Howden joined forces with Chart Industries, a global leader in engineered equipment for clean energy and industrial gas markets.

Together, we operate over 64 manufacturing sites and 50+ service centres worldwide, with 11,700+ employees driving innovation in hydrogen, carbon capture, energy recovery, nuclear, water treatment, mining, and LNG. As part of the Nexus of Clean™, we are advancing a sustainable future—helping customers improve efficiency and reduce emissions across clean power, water, food, and industrial sectors.

Join us and be part of a purpose-driven team shaping the future and tackling some of the planet’s most urgent challenges, all while growing your career in a dynamic global environment.


Assume responsibility for all aspects of quality management throughout the value stream of packages from Quote to Cash (original quotation, through each stage of plan, build & test, through to receipt of cash).
Focus on proactive risk reduction and mitigation to ensure delivery of improved customer satisfaction.
Development and maintenance of inspection & test records (ITP); Preparation & maintenance of contract quality plans to meet contract requirements.
Including, supporting Daily Management, contract reviews and any other workshops or kaizen events as required.
Provide input to HCO risk management, proposal, and early engagement processes with regards to project and technical requirements.
Work closely with Supplier Quality team in the development and improvement of HCO supply chain performance; Liaise with clients & witnessing authorities to meet contract requirements. Support inspection/process review activities at Sub-Contractors Works.
Work alongside colleagues to understand the project and product needs, as well as providing witness inspection and test support at suppliers.
Take ownership in the reporting, analysis to help reduce COPQ across all aspects of product and documentation delivery.
Perform audits and process reviews, including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), to improve overall process control and effectiveness.
Use Chart Business Improvement tools (CBE) approach to promote Built in Quality concepts into Standard work. Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Commercial and Procurement teams to drive improved manufacturing and supply chain performance and early defect detection.
Understanding and experience working with ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
Experience in Sourcing, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Program Management.
Understanding of witness inspection and test activities.
Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings.
Effective problem solving and root-cause analysis skills to lead & influence others to drive change.
Excellent data analysis skills & ability to present data effectively.
Report and Procedure writing with excellent presentation skills.
Strong technical background in one of the following areas: casting, machining, metallurgy, welding, fabrication; or relevant manufacturing / packaging experience.


This is a permanent position based at our HQ in Renfrew, including an early finish on Friday. A flexible, hybrid working environment
Generous holiday entitlement package totalling 33 days annual leave
Howden Pension Plan with a maximum employer contribution of 7%
Company electric vehicle scheme through salary sacrifice
Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, shared parental and adoption leave pay
Free onsite parking
Healthcare cash plan
Group Life Assurance plan at 3x salary
Access to My Howden Benefits & Wellbeing Portal – Cycle2Work programme, range of discounts across various retailers, employee assistance programme, wealth of information to support health & wellbeing
Dedicated Spark Service – free counselling, physiotherapy, financial support, medical second opinion, remote GP, personal training, nutrition consultations etc
Financial planning & mortgage support
The Company intention in respect of recruitment, selection and promotion is to appoint the most suitable candidate for each job regardless of that person’s race, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability.