Supplier Quality Engineer
Southampton, Hampshire — Permanent – Circa £45‑50k
Are you passionate about driving supplier quality improvements and ensuring smooth, reliable supply chains? We’re seeking a highly skilled Supplier Quality Engineer to take ownership of supplier non‑conformance, product change management, and quality assurance processes that directly impact production success.
In this role, you’ll be the link between suppliers, R&D, and production – leading investigations, supporting New Product Introduction, and ensuring that every supplied component meets the highest standards.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead supplier non‑conformance investigations, including quarantine, incoming inspection, returns, root cause analysis, and CAPA.
- Support production lines and customer complaints regarding suspect supplied materials.
- Take the lead for supplier quality within the NPI process (APQP, PPAP, FAIR).
- Coordinate qualification of new and changed supplied products into production.
- Audit suppliers for onboarding and ISO 9001 maintenance.
- Develop and monitor supplier improvement plans and performance metrics.
- Collate and share monthly SQA and non‑conforming materials KPIs.
What you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in supplier development, improvement, and quality planning.
- Strong knowledge of FAIR/PPAP and supplier auditing.
- Skilled in problem‑solving tools such as 8D, A3, CAR, and CAPA.
- Understanding of key performance indicators and critical‑to‑quality factors.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a quality‑related role (preferably in machined components, optical, or electronics sectors).
- Level 5 qualification (or higher) in Engineering, Quality, or related STEM subject.
- Internal Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 Lead Auditor preferred).
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Communicate and influence at all levels.
- Are a self‑starter with strong organisational skills.
- Take a hands‑on, practical approach to problem‑solving.
- Can work methodically across multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a direct impact on supplier performance, product quality, and operational success – while working with innovative products in a collaborative environment.
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