Quality Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing
Parkside Recruitment is supporting an established international automotive manufacturer as they launch a brand-new UK production facility in Basildon.
Specialising in plastic injection moulding, automated painting and assembly operations, this new site represents a significant investment and offers the opportunity to join the business at an exciting stage of growth.
We are seeking a hands‑on Quality Engineer to support quality assurance, process validation and continuous improvement activities across the manufacturing operation. This role offers genuine progression towards a future Quality Manager position as the UK facility expands.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Plant Manager, Production and Group Quality teams, you will play a key role in establishing and maintaining quality standards across injection moulding, painting and assembly processes.
This is an ideal opportunity for a Quality Engineer with automotive manufacturing experience who enjoys being visible on the shop floor and wants to help shape quality systems and standards within a growing operation.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Product Launch
- Support APQP activities and new product introductions
- Prepare and maintain PPAP documentation
- Develop and update Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans and PFMEAs
- Support compliance with customer‑specific requirements and automotive quality standards
- Participate in internal, customer and third‑party audits
- Support corrective actions using structured problem‑solving methodologies such as 8D
Manufacturing Quality & Process Validation
- Support qualification and validation of injection moulding, painting and assembly processes
- Conduct process capability studies and quality analysisMonitor manufacturing processes to ensure stability and compliance
- Work closely with production and engineering teams to identify improvement opportunities
- Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions
Painting & Surface Finishing Quality
- Support qualification and monitoring of paint and coating processes
- Investigate paint‑related defects and quality concerns
- Assist with cosmetic defect assessment and appearance standards
- Support initiatives to improve product quality and process consistency
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Support incoming, in‑process and final inspection activities
- Analyse quality performance data and prepare reports
- Assist with customer complaint investigations and containment activities
- Drive quality improvement and scrap reduction initiatives
- Promote a culture of quality throughout the organisation
Candidate Requirements
- Experience within an automotive manufacturing environment
- Previous experience in a Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Process Quality Engineer or similar position
- Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Control Plans and PFMEA
- Experience supporting audits and quality investigations
- Strong problem‑solving and root cause analysis skills
- Hands‑on approach with a strong shop floor presence
- Experience within plastic injection moulding manufacturing
- Knowledge of paint, coating or surface finishing processes
- Understanding of IATF 16949 requirements
- Experience conducting process capability studies (Cp/Cpk)
- Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure
Why Join?
- Join a brand‑new UK automotive manufacturing facility during launch phase
- Opportunity to influence quality systems, processes and standards from day one
- Work within an established international manufacturing group
- Clear progression pathway towards Quality Manager
- Long‑term career development within a growing operation
If you are a quality‑focused manufacturing professional looking to play a key role in the growth of a new automotive facility, we would love to hear from you.
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