Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Salary: £44,000 - £48,000 per annum
Location: Newton Aycliffe
 

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to join our manufacturing operation in Newton Aycliffe. This role will support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, customer quality requirements and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring products and processes meet the highest quality standards.

The successful candidate will have a strong background in high-volume automotive manufacturing, with practical experience of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP and OEM customer requirements. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Customers and Suppliers, you will play a key role in driving quality performance, defect prevention and operational excellence across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead quality planning activities for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, ensuring customer and business requirements are achieved.
• Develop and maintain Product Assurance Systems in line with IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and OEM customer-specific requirements.
• Support the creation and implementation of APQP deliverables, including PFMEAs, Control Plans, Gauge Planning and PPAP submissions.
• Drive a culture of defect prevention, continuous improvement and waste reduction throughout manufacturing operations.
• Investigate customer and internal quality concerns using recognised problem-solving methodologies such as 8D, Poka Yoke and Root Cause Analysis.
• Analyse quality and process performance data, providing recommendations and reports to support business improvement initiatives.
• Conduct CMM measurement activities, capability studies and support the development and maintenance of CMM programs.
• Support manufacturing teams in resolving quality issues and improving process capability and product performance.
• Lead and participate in internal audits, ensuring compliance with quality standards, systems and procedures.
• Work closely with customers and suppliers to resolve quality concerns, maintain strong relationships and support continuous improvement activities.
• Support the Plant Quality Manager with day-to-day quality activities and provide guidance to cross-functional teams where required.

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Experience as a Quality Engineer within a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, PSW documentation and OEM customer-specific requirements.
• Experience developing quality documentation including PFMEAs, Control Plans and PPAP packages.
• Knowledge and application of quality tools and techniques including SPC, Pareto Analysis, Ishikawa and 8D problem solving.
• Experience with CMM measurement and programming.
• Good understanding of metal forming and fabrication processes.
• Degree, HNC or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Production Engineering.

Desirable

• Quality qualification such as CQI, IQA or equivalent.
• Internal or Lead Auditor experience.
• Previous involvement in NPI or launch activities within the automotive sector.

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Able to influence and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve quality objectives.
• Organised and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Adaptable, resilient and committed to continuous improvement.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to delivering high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

What We Offer

• Salary of £44,000 - £48,000 per annum.
• Overtime opportunities.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Opportunity to join a successful and growing automotive manufacturing business.