Software Quality Engineer

Job Title: Defect Prevention SpecialistJob DescriptionWe are seeking a Defect Prevention Specialist to join our growing automotive software quality organization. This role focuses on systematic root cause analysis and defect prevention across the software development lifecycle. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional engineering and test teams to understand why defects occur, why they were not detected earlier, and how to prevent recurrence across other systems and ECUs.

The role is not a testing position and does not involve coding. Success in this position depends on strong automotive domain knowledge, structured problem-solving skills, and excellent interpersonal communication. This is a long-term role with strong expectations of renewal as part of an expanding team.Responsibilities

• Perform deep root cause analysis on software defects originating from various sources, including warranty issues, OTA failures, dealer-reported issues, field issues, and launch-related problems.
• Collaborate closely with software development teams, functional teams, component teams, and test teams operating at multiple levels, including component, HIL, and vehicle testing.
• Investigate how defects occurred, why they were not detected earlier in the development lifecycle, and identify gaps in the development or detection processes.
• Use structured methodologies such as the 3-Legged 5 Why approach, focusing on identifying true process failures rather than assigning individual blame.
• Drive systemic prevention by applying learnings from individual defects broadly to prevent similar issues in other ECUs, programs, or processes.
• Facilitate cross-functional discussions in a constructive, non-confrontational manner, maintaining trust while challenging assumptions to reach meaningful conclusions.
• Work towards reducing the overall defect backlog and preventing recurrence of high-impact issues.

Essential Skills

• Automotive software experience is critical.
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle, including requirements, design, implementation, coding, and various levels of testing such as unit, component, HIL, and vehicle-level testing.
• Expertise in Root Cause Analysis.
• Hands-on experience leading root cause analysis discussions.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across teams.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with Automotive SPICE or similar quality frameworks is a plus.
• General exposure to software quality concepts and process improvement initiatives is beneficial.

Work EnvironmentThe role requires four days per week onsite. Candidates may be based out of any Canadian office, with Waterloo and Ottawa preferred. Toronto is also an option. Join a high-impact team in a great company culture.This is for an existing opening. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Waterloo, ON.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $62.00/hr.

Workplace

TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Waterloo,ON.Diversity, Equity & InclusionAt Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

Hiring diverse talent

• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering.

Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at .

Actalent