Supplier Development Engineer in Peterlee, County Durham

Job Title: Supplier Development Engineer

Location: Peterlee, County Durham (Fully Onsite)
Contract Duration: 24 Months (Likely to extend)
Rate: £32- £42 per hour Inside IR35

Travel: Approximately 30% UK & European travel (fully expensed)

A global heavy equipment manufacturer in Peterlee is seeking an experienced Supplier Development Engineer to take full ownership of key European fabrication and tube suppliers during a major production ramp-up.

In this role, you will act as the technical and quality lead across your assigned supplier base-conducting audits, implementing quality gates, solving root-cause manufacturing issues, and driving continuous improvement to protect assembly line continuity.

• Lead supplier performance, audits, and quality control assessments across UK and European manufacturing partners.
• Drive root-cause analysis (8D / 5-Why) and implement robust corrective action plans to eliminate recurring defects.
• Manage end-to-end APQP and PPAP submissions for new and existing components.
• Partner closely with internal engineering, procurement, and operations teams to safeguard production delivery and PPM targets.
• Travel up to 30% to visit supplier sites across the UK and mainland Europe (trips typically 2-3 nights).

• 5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Supplier Development.
• Hands-on technical expertise in welding, metal fabrication, and machining processes.
• Quality Tooling Mastery: Proven track record running APQP, PPAP approvals, and supplier audits.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability in root-cause analysis and establishing lasting process controls.
• Education & Industry Background: Engineering degree preferred (or equivalent practical shop-floor experience) within Heavy Manufacturing, Automotive, Mining, Shipbuilding, Aerospace, or Wind Energy.
• Full UK/EU driving licence and valid passport for European travel.

This is an urgent role where Hiring Manager is looking for Candidates immediately
If interested then apply with a copy of your CV or send your CV to khushboo .pandey 1 @ randstaddigital .com

Randstad Technologies is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.