Quality Engineer

RMS excited to be recruiting for a Supplier Quality Engineer to join our long-standing client based in Peterlee.

You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement within the supplier base through the development of quality systems and process optimisation.

This is a permanent position and will be working Monday to Thursday (8:30AM - 4:30PM) and Friday (8:30AM - 3:30PM).

Main Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Responsible for the overall quality performance of all direct suppliers as specified by SQA Section Leader.


• Responsible for managing supplier quality concerns including initial containment, 8D reporting, root cause investigation and close-out of corrective actions.


• Responsible for developing annual improvement programmes with nominated suppliers and driving activity through APS principles to deliver the desired performance.


• Responsible for conducting audits within the supplier base to satisfy IATF16949, VDA 6.3 & customer specific requirements.


• Responsible for leading immediate containment & improvement activity at the supplier's site in the event of major a quality concern.


• Responsible for the assurance of supplier new product introduction, supplier APQP process, safe launch and verifying the cascade of internal and customer-specific requirements into the supplier quality system.


• Work flexibly with the Quality Engineering, Parts Quality, Supply Development, and other plant teams to deliver effective solutions demonstrating a high level of competence & integrity. Also support any meetings, activities or initiatives with the client's regional teams.


• Regular domestic and international travel.


• Manage supplier quality concerns from the confirmation of NG parts through containment to investigation, formal reporting and resolution ensuring robust countermeasures are implemented.


• Effective and timely closeout of supplier concerns including verification of countermeasure actions at the supplier's site.


• Liaise with suppliers to generate quality improvement plans using concern reports, monthly performance data, audit results and supplier ranking information as inputs to identify areas of concern.


• Conduct supplier audits to satisfy IATF16949, VDA 6.3 and customer specific requirements. Support customer audits when required.


• Plan, implement and oversee assurance activities to support supplier APQP activities and new product introduction including the management of the supplier PPAP approval process.


• Managing supplier concern reports and vendor rating system through electronic workflow and document management system.


• Liaise with Supply Development and other internal teams to achieve optimum 'design for manufacture'.


• Utilise 'best practice' approach and APS principles to continually improve current systems, standards and procedures.
  
  Educated to HND level in an Engineering discipline (will consider HNC level if combined with relevant experience).


• Certified Auditor - IATF16949 / Certified Auditor - VDA 6.3.


• Quality Assurance qualification (i.e. IQA, City & Guilds, TQM, CQI).


• APQP Core Tools trained.


• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.


• Understanding of manufacturing processes & tolerances (knowledge of forging / machining processes is preferred).


• IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc).


• People management skills (organising teams, team leadership, chairing meetings).


• Good interpersonal / communication / presentation skills - both written & verbal.


• Quality improvement tools & techniques (Six Sigma, APS etc).


• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Quality engineering role (preferably within Supplier Quality Assurance).


• Previous experience in an Automotive manufacturing environment.