Naval Supplier Quality Engineer

**About us**

We are a European scale-up dedicated to developing cutting-edge, automated wind-assisted propulsion systems. Our goal is to provide a turnkey solution for shipowners and shipping companies who seek to reduce fuel costs and emissions. Our vision is simple yet ambitious - we aim to harness the world's wind power.

Imagine a world where the vast oceans are effortlessly traversed using the clean and boundless power of the wind. At Bound4blue, we are turning this dream into reality. We're not just creating wind propulsion systems but revolutionizing the maritime industry, one sustainable voyage at a time. While the idea of bringing sails back to ships may seem challenging, we are more than prepared for it. We are innovators who understand the perfect harmony between nature and technology.

**About the role**.

As a Naval Supplier Quality Engineer, you will ensure that our suppliers within the naval and heavy industry sectors deliver components for our eSAIL systems that meet the highest quality and safety standards. You will play a critical role in supplier qualification, auditing, inspection, and continuous improvement of processes, with a strong focus on naval manufacturing methods such as welding, coatings, large-scale metallic structures, and shipyard processes.

You will work closely with suppliers across Europe and Asia, conducting inspections and audits on-site, supporting procurement in supplier selection, and ensuring compliance with international naval quality standards. Your expertise will be key to bridging the gap between naval industry practices and bound4blue’s innovative wind-assisted propulsion technology

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Conduct supplier and product qualifications specifically for naval-related components and large-scale metallic structures of eSAILs.
- Perform quality inspections and audits at supplier shipyards and manufacturing plants.
- Ensure supplier processes comply with naval industry standards, welding specifications, and coatings requirements.
- Investigate and resolve supplier quality discrepancies, leading Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and implementing preventive measures.
- Establish and execute the annual Supplier Control Plan, including audits, follow-ups, and supplier evaluations.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Procurement teams to align component specifications with supplier capabilities.
- Provide technical support and training to internal stakeholders and supplier teams regarding naval fabrication processes.
- Track, analyse, and report supplier quality performance, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Act as the main point of contact for suppliers on quality-related topics in the naval manufacturing scope.
- Follow-up IACS certifications for Product Approval
- Support IACS certification for Design Approval to ensure potential manufacturability.
- Provide support on the Quality Documentation preparation and execution.

**Required competencies**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Welding, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum 8 years of experience in quality assurance within shipbuilding, ship repair, offshore, or heavy naval manufacturing.
- Strong knowledge of naval fabrication processes (metal structures, welding, coatings, machinery integration).
- Proven experience conducting supplier audits and inspections in shipyards or similar heavy industries.
- Familiarity with relevant international standards (IMO, IACS, ISO, EN, NORSOK, FROSIO, etc.).
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical requirements clearly to suppliers and internal teams.
- Proactive, results-driven, and able to work independently in an international environment.
- Welding (ISO3834-2, EN1090 or Naval) and Painting (FROSIO) experience is a must
- NDT knowledge is desired
- Availability for international travel (approx. 70-100 days/year).
- Fluency in Spanish and English; additional languages are a plus.

**What Awaits You at Bound4blue**:

- **Impact**: Contribute directly to the quality, safety, and reliability of pioneering eSAIL technology in the maritime industry.
- **Global Collaboration**: Engage with suppliers across Europe and Asia, building strong international relationships.
- **Growth Opportunity**: Become a key member of a scale-up environment where you can shape quality processes and standards in naval manufacturing.

Join us and contribute to changing the future of ship propulsion