Quality Engineer

Our client, operating in the automotive sector, is currently seeking a proactive Quality Engineers to join their team in Banbury on a contract basis. This role encompasses both Plant Quality and Supplier Quality responsibilities, ensuring product quality is maintained across manufacturing processes and the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance & Problem Resolution

• Manage non-conforming product escalation, containment, incident investigation, and root cause analysis (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa, PDCA, DMAIC).
• Ensure robust corrective and preventive actions for both plant and supplier-related issues.
• Lead quality performance reviews and lessons-learned activities.

Manufacturing Quality

• Support implementation of production controls, testing plans, and quality processes in collaboration with Manufacturing Engineering.
• Develop and maintain Control Plans, Inspection Plans, checklists, and quality documentation.
• Contribute to DFMEA, PFMEA, DFx, and virtual build activities.
• Implement and manage in-line inspection equipment, capability studies, and Gauge R&R.
• Support plant audits, kaizen activity, stock sweeps, and containment activities.

Supplier Quality

• Lead supplier assessments, audits, on-site visits, and development activities across multiple commodities.
• Drive supplier improvement initiatives and monitor ongoing performance.
• Act as the primary contact for supplier-related quality concerns.
• Support engineering change requests, component release, and APQP/PPAP submissions.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers to support technical issues, development of parts, and new processes.

Quality Systems & Reporting

• Support compliance with ISO9001, IATF16949, and other relevant standards.
• Develop and report Quality KPIs for leadership visibility.
• Maintain quality systems and documentation to drive continuous improvement.
• Work with inspectors to maintain systems used to track RFT (Right First Time) and key process issues.

Job Requirements:

• HNC/Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience in plant quality, supplier quality, or a combined manufacturing quality environment.
• Strong experience with problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, DMAIC, Lean, Kaizen, 5S).
• Knowledge of quality systems: ISO9001, IATF16949, VDA, AS9100 or similar.
• Experience with APQP and reviewing/leading PPAP processes.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and develop measurement plans.
• Familiarity with inspection equipment, reporting, capability studies, and Gauge R&R.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to travel to suppliers domestically and internationally when required.
• Proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to prioritise based on risk.

If you are a dedicated Quality Engineer with a passion for ensuring high standards in the automotive industry, our client would love to hear from you. Apply now to join our client's team in Banbury.