Supplier Quality Engineer - #2196589

Your new company
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer to join a leading engineering and manufacturing organisation operating within the defence and advanced engineering sectors.With an established reputation for engineering excellence and over 100 years of industry experience, the business designs and manufactures complex engineering solutions for customers across the UK and internationally. As part of its continued growth and commitment to quality, the organisation is looking to appoint a Supplier Quality Engineer to strengthen its supply chain quality function.This is an excellent opportunity for a quality professional with a strong background in assembly-focused manufacturing environments, who is passionate about supplier development, continuous improvement and driving quality standards across the supply chain.

Your new role
Reporting into the Quality function, you will take responsibility for ensuring the quality and compliance of supplied components, working closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve quality issues and improve supplier performance.You will play a key role throughout the supplier lifecycle, from initial supplier approval and First Article Inspection (FAI) through to ongoing performance management and corrective action.Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCARs), ensuring robust root cause analysis, corrective actions and timely closure.
• Conducting First Article Inspections (FAI) and reviewing supplier measurement and inspection data.
• Coordinating immediate containment activities in response to supplier quality issues and production non-conformances.
• Investigating assembly and lineside quality issues, working directly with suppliers to establish root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Reviewing engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications and GD&T requirements to ensure component conformity and fitment.
• Conducting supplier quality audits to assess compliance with quality management systems and customer requirements.
• Supporting supplier onboarding, approval and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Reviewing and validating supplier PPAP submissions, ensuring compliance with APQP requirements.
• Working collaboratively with Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Production and Logistics to resolve supplier-related issues.
• Supporting the resolution of packaging, delivery and goods-in inspection issues.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives and promoting a proactive quality culture throughout the supply chain.

What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you will have previous experience in a Supplier Quality Engineering or Supplier Quality Assurance position within an automotive, aerospace, off-highway or similar assembly-led manufacturing environment.You will ideally demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes, including component fitment and GD&T.
• Experience working with suppliers of mechanical, electrical, powertrain, fastener and C-class components.
• A thorough understanding of APQP, PPAP, FMEA and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Proven experience managing SCARs and driving effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
• Experience reviewing supplier PPAP documentation and conducting First Article Inspections.
• Knowledge of quality management standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and AQAP 2110.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to use quality data to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence suppliers.
• A relevant engineering qualification, Six Sigma Green Belt and experience in supplier development or APQP implementation would be advantageous.

What you'll get in return

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
• Attractive pension scheme (7% employer contribution).
• Half-day Fridays.
• Life assurance.
• Company sick pay scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Additional annual leave and long-service rewards.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Free on-site parking and EV charging facilities.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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