Quality Engineer

Poltrona Frau | KJ Ryan Ltd; Coventry; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Poltrona Frau | KJ Ryan Ltd. is seeking a Quality Engineer to ensure product and process quality in line with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and VDA standards. The role interfaces with Production, Engineering, Suppliers and OEM Customers to drive continuous improvement and robust problem solving across the lifecycle.

You will lead PFMEA and Control Plans, monitor SPC data, and manage non-conformities with structured problem solving (8D/5Why). Collaboration across functions and with customers is essential.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and VDA standards.
• Solid hands-on experience with automotive core tools: APQP, PFMEA, Control Plan, MSA, SPC, 8D, 5Why, PPAP/PSW.
• IMDS experience is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Ensure effective application and maintenance of the QMS per IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and customer requirements.
• Support definition and continuous improvement of processes, procedures and work instructions.
• Participate in APQP to integrate quality during development.
• Develop, review and maintain PFMEA, Control Plans and related docs.
• Monitor process/product performance via SPC and data analysis.
• Lead containment actions, 8D/5Why/Ishikawa for root-cause and corrective actions.
• Interface with OEM customers on deviations and corrective actions.
• Support internal, customer and supplier audits and close findings.
• Collaborate with Production, IE and Logistics to reduce non-quality costs.
• Support supplier quality activities with SQE and Purchasing.

Skills

IATF 16949

ISO 9001

VDA standards

Quality data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Structured problem-solving

OEM customer interface

Education

Engineering degree

5–7 years quality in automotive Tier 1

Experience with OEM customers

Tools

APQP

PFMEA

Control Plan

MSA

SPC

8D

5Why

PPAP/PSW

IMDS (desirable)

Job description

The Quality Engineer reports to the Quality Manager and is responsible for ensuring product and process quality in compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA requirements and applicable customer-specific standards. The role acts as a key interface between Production, Engineering, Suppliers and OEM Customers, supporting continuous improvement, defect prevention and robust problem solving across the product lifecycle.

Main Activities

• Ensure the effective application and maintenance of the Quality Management System in line with IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and customer-specific requirements.
• Support the definition, implementation and continuous improvement of process flows, procedures and work instructions, ensuring alignment with operational and quality objectives.
• Participate in APQP activities, ensuring quality requirements are integrated during product and process development.
• Develop, review and maintain PFMEA, Control Plans and related quality documentation, ensuring consistency with process changes and lessons learned.
• Monitor process and product performance through SPC, capability studies and data analysis, identifying trends and improvement opportunities.
• Manage non-conformities and customer complaints, leading structured problem-solving activities (8D, 5Why, Ishikawa) and ensuring timely and effective corrective actions.
• Interface directly with OEM customers on quality topics, including deviations, containment actions, root cause analysis and corrective action follow-up.
• Support and participate in internal, customer and supplier audits, ensuring readiness, execution and closure of findings.
• Collaborate with Production, Industrial Engineering and Logistics to reduce non-quality costs, scrap and rework through preventive and corrective actions.
• Support supplier quality activities in cooperation with SQE and Purchasing, including supplier performance monitoring and issue resolution.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.

Education and Work Experience

• Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Automotive or similar).
• 5–7 years of experience in a Quality role within the automotive Tier 1 environment.
• Proven experience in direct interaction with OEM customers.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of IATF 16949, ISO 9001 and VDA standards.
• Solid hands-on experience with automotive core tools:
• APQP
• PFMEA
• Control Plan
• MSA
• SPC / Process & Product Capability
• 8D, 5Why
• PPAP / PSW submission (additional to APQP experience)
• IMDS experience (desirable but not essential)
• Good understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage and interpret quality data.
• Structured problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Customer-oriented approach and sense of ownership.
• Proactive attitude towards continuous improvement and results.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, duties & responsibilities associated with the position.