Supplier Quality Development Engineer

Join an exciting opportunity as an SQD Engineer at one of the North East’s most high-profile manufacturing plants. Based on-site in Sunderland, you’ll play a key role in supporting production and contributing to the development of our groundbreaking Gigafactory. This role is ideal for an experienced quality professional looking to shape the future of electric vehicle technology in a truly innovative large-scale facility.

Location and Working Pattern Sunderland – On-site only

Client Overview

Our client is expanding operations to develop and run a world-class Gigafactory, adopting advanced technologies to support the rapidly growing electric vehicle marketplace. This is one of the UK’s most significant industrial projects in recent years.

Responsibilities

• Source and assess suppliers to ensure material quality and compliance.
• Visit supplier facilities to review and evaluate their processes.
• Conduct regular quality audits to maintain standards and regulatory adherence.
• Inspect and test incoming materials, components, and finished products.
• Maintain detailed reports on supplier performance with improvement plans.
• Provide technical guidance to suppliers to improve quality performance.
• Develop and implement quality control plans, policies, and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and prevent recurrence.
• Analyse data for trend identification and quality improvement.
• Engage in product and process design reviews to ensure quality compliance.
• Conduct risk assessments and FMEA to identify and mitigate potential quality risks.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations and implement CAPAs.

Must-have Requirements

• Degree or HND in a relevant technical field.
• Demonstrated experience in a quality engineering role within manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong knowledge of quality methodologies and tools (SPC, Six Sigma, Lean).
• Problem-solving skills with ability to perform root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Supplier audit experience (IATF16949/VDA6.3) and supplier onboarding skills.
• Familiarity with New Product Introduction and Core Tools (PPAP, APQP, MSA, FMEA, SPC).
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel, including overseas, at short notice.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Exposure to large-scale automotive or battery manufacturing environments.

About NRL
The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.
 
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