Process Quality Engineer

De La Rue; Westhoughton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

De La Rue is seeking a Process Quality Engineer to support the site Quality function and act as the link between Quality Control and Continuous Improvement on the factory floor. The role involves hands-on QA across manufacturing, data-driven process improvements, and collaboration with senior leadership.

Candidates should bring proven problem-solving skills and experience with quality tools (SPC, FMEA, APQP, 8D, Lean, Six Sigma).

Qualifications

• Analytical thinking to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Clear written and verbal communication to explain complex technical concepts.

Responsibilities

• Support governance and operational disciplines across the division.
• Develop and enforce quality standards and specifications for products and manufacturing processes, including test plans, inspection methods, and control plans.
• Analyse production data and KPIs to identify improvement opportunities using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Assist root cause analysis for non-conformances, production issues, or customer complaints using 8D, Fishbone diagrams, and 5 Whys.
• Support internal audits to ensure ISO 9001 compliance.
• Create and maintain quality documentation (process maps, FMEA, SOPs) and present reports to management.
• Collaborate with production and engineering to embed sustainable process improvements and coach staff on CAPA.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Hands-on manufacturing experience

Tools

SPC

FMEA

APQP

8D Problem-Solving

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

The Vacancy

As a Process Quality Engineer at De La Rue you will support the site Quality function by being the person responsible for Quality Assurance across the manufacturing operation. This is a ‘Hands On’ position requiring an individual who is as comfortable working directly with operatives on the factory floor as they are presenting to the Site Leadership Team. This role is seen as the link between Quality Control and Continuous Improvement and will suit an individual with a proven track record in successfully controlling process adherence.

You will -

• Support and follow the governance and operational disciplines applicable across the division
• Develop and enforce quality standards and specifications for products and manufacturing processes. This includes creating and executing test plans, inspection methods, and control plans.
• Analyse production data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement. Use methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma to increase efficiency, reduce defects and waste, and optimise processes
• Work alongside Quality Engineers to support root cause analysis for product non-conformances, production issues, or customer complaints. Use tools such as 8D methodology, Fishbone diagrams, and 5 Whys to determine corrective and preventative actions
• Support internal audits to ensure compliance with quality management systems and regulatory standards, such as ISO 9001
• Create and maintain quality documentation, including process maps, FMEAs (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Prepare and present reports on quality metrics and process performance to management and cross-functional teams.
• Work with production and engineering teams to resolve quality issues by embedding sustainable process improvements. Provide training to staff on quality control procedures and processes. Must be comfortable working with Production Operations to coach and mentor in applying CAPA

CAPABILITY (qualifications, Experience And Skills)

• Problem-solving: Excellent analytical and critical-thinking abilities to identify root causes and implement effective solutions.
• Quality tools: Proficiency with quality and process improvement tools and methodologies, including:
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC)
  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
  • Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
  • 8D Problem-Solving
  • Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain complex technical concepts and present data to stakeholders at all levels
• Attention to detail: A meticulous and detail-oriented approach to monitoring processes and spotting potential flaws
• Experience: Previous ‘Hands On’ experience in a Process Quality Engineering role in Manufacturing with the ability to evidence successes and achievements

Join the Team

We want to work with people like you from all backgrounds and experiences, to help us gain a diverse workforce with a broad outlook and sharp expertise. We are looking for people unafraid to go that extra mile, bringing with them unique characteristics and abilities.

Show us you have what it takes and we'll reward you with a great place to work alongside other great people. Global business, global people. We think De La Rue is an amazing place to work. But don't just take our word for it.

Join The Team and Create Your Own Story