Quality Engineer - Fabrication & Assembly

Catalyst; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst is seeking a Quality Engineer to ensure products and services meet quality standards, customer expectations and regulatory requirements. You will drive continuous improvement across processes, interfacing with Production, Engineering and Supply Chain to safeguard product integrity from development through delivery.

You will own NCRs, CAPA, and audit activities, and lead PPAP/FAI and pre-production quality requirements while reporting progress to internal stakeholders and customers.

Qualifications

• Experience as Quality Engineer in fabrication/complex assembly.
• Minimum of an HND in an appropriate discipline.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, GD&T and specifications.
• Experience using quality tools (e.g., 7-step, Ishikawa, 8D, 5 Whys, FMEA, SPC, DMAIC).
• Familiar with Continuous Improvement tools and techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage NCRs with root cause analysis and CAPA.
• Act as Quality Lead on project contracts and oversee quality requirements.
• Lead PPAP/FAI and other pre-production quality activities.
• Provide quality updates to stakeholders and customers.
• Collaborate with Production, Engineering and Supply Chain to drive improvements.
• Support documentation control and ensure packs meet customer requirements.

Skills

GD&T

Root cause analysis

CAPA

Audit

Quality tools

ISO 9001

FMEA

PPAP/FAI

Data analysis

MS Office / ERP

Education

HND in relevant discipline

Tools

ERP software

MS Office

Quality reporting systems

Job description

About the Role

The Quality Engineer will be responsible for ensuring products and services are consistently delivered in accordance with defined quality standards, customer expectations, and regulatory requirements, while actively driving continuous improvement across all processes. This role operates at the intersection of engineering, production, and compliance, serving as a key safeguard for product integrity throughout the entire lifecycle, from initial development through to final delivery.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), ensuring thorough root cause analysis, implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and timely closure.
• Act as Quality Lead on project-specific contracts, overseeing upfront quality requirements, supporting manufacturing processes, and ensuring completion of in-process and final documentation.
• Lead and support Advanced Product Quality Planning activities, including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), First Article Inspection (FAI), and other pre-production quality requirements.
• Provide regular and accurate project quality updates to internal stakeholders and customers, ensuring transparency and alignment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain, to drive improvements in product quality and operational performance.
• Support documentation control processes by providing accurate and timely information to ensure documentation packs meet customer requirements.
• Work closely with Production and Engineering teams to minimise rework and eliminate unnecessary in-house inspection activities.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to quality performance, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
• Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements, translating them into clear and actionable manufacturing instructions.
• Ensure compliance with integrated Management Systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 3834, and EN 1090 standards.
• Plan and conduct internal and supplier audits, and support external and customer audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Support customer engagement activities, including participation in customer service meetings and direct communication where required.
• Promote and contribute to a strong safety-first and quality-first culture across the organisation.
• Contribute to quality-led improvement initiatives and support overall quality performance objectives.

About You

To be considered for the role, it is essential that you possess demonstrable experience gained working as Quality Engineer in a fabrication and/or complex assembly setting. You will possess a minimum of an HND in an appropriate discipline.

Key Selection Criteria

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, GD&T, and engineering specifications.
• Positive, Proactive and solution-driven mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently when required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience using quality tools (e.g., 7 step, ISHIKAWA, 8D, 5 Whys, FMEA, SPC, DMAIC).
• Familiar and experience in Continuous Improvement tools and techniques,
• An in-depth Knowledge of these processes – Fabrication/Welding, Machining & a strong understanding of machining and fabrication tolerances & Weld Symbols.
• Experience managing NCRs and implementing corrective actions.
• Skilled in internal auditing and quality reporting.
• Excellent communication skills through verbal and reporting with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, ERP and quality reporting systems.
• Ability to investigate and interpret data, issues, and situations, to make sound decisions in high-stress situations.
• Self-motivating, proactive and results driven approach.
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal awareness and understands and considers the thoughts, feelings, and emotions of others
• Ability to work to deadlines whilst maintaining high quality