Supplier Quality Engineer

Orion Electrotech; Harwell; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Orion Electrotech is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to drive quality excellence across a global supplier base. You will lead technical quality for a portfolio of suppliers, collaborating with procurement, engineering and production teams to ensure robust processes from development through production.

Ideal candidates have strong APQP/PPAP/ PFMEA knowledge, external supplier experience and a track record in continuous improvement within manufacturing settings.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing or related discipline.
• Experience in Supplier Quality, Supplier Development or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA and SPC.
• Experience with external suppliers.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; strong communication.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and industrialisation.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical quality lead for a portfolio of suppliers.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing and Programme teams.
• Develop supplier capability and drive continuous improvement.
• Support NPI through prototyping, validation and production launch.
• Lead supplier readiness activities: APQP, Manufacturing readiness reviews, process validation, run-at-rate, capacity assessments, production readiness reviews.
• Review PPAP submissions and validate supplier processes.
• Lead supplier audits and corrective actions; promote Lean manufacturing.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

MSA

SPC

Supplier Quality

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder management

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

Degree in Engineering/Manufacturing

Job description

Supplier Quality Engineer Oxford Circa £50,000 DOE benefits including private healthcare, annual bonus

Drive quality excellence across a global supply chain. Shape supplier performance. Influence product success.

We're looking for an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer to join a high-performing automotive organisation at an exciting stage of growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for a quality-focused professional who enjoys working closely with suppliers, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring robust manufacturing processes from development through to full-scale production.

You'll play a critical role in developing supplier capability, supporting new product introduction, and ensuring suppliers consistently meet quality, delivery, and operational standards.

What You'll Be Doing

As Supplier Quality Engineer, you'll act as the technical quality lead for a portfolio of suppliers, working collaboratively with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing and Programme teams to deliver excellence throughout the product lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include:

Supplier Quality & Development

• Develop and improve supplier manufacturing capability and process robustness.
• Drive supplier performance improvements across quality, delivery, capacity and process capability.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with key suppliers.
• Lead supplier continuous improvement activities using structured problem-solving methodologies.

New Product Introduction & Industrialisation

• Support suppliers through prototype, validation and production launch phases.
• Lead supplier readiness activities including:
• APQP
• Manufacturing readiness reviews
• Process validation
• Run-at-rate activities
• Capacity assessments
• Production readiness reviews
• Identify and mitigate supplier-related risks before they impact programme delivery.

PPAP & Process Validation

• Review and approve PPAP submissions.
• Verify supplier manufacturing processes and quality controls.
• Support annual requalification and validation activities where required.

Supplier Auditing & Continuous Improvement

• Conduct supplier process audits and quality assessments.
• Support VDA 6.3 and process audit activities.
• Drive closure of audit findings and corrective actions.
• Promote Lean Manufacturing principles and best practice across the supplier base.

Quality Problem Solving

• Lead supplier investigations and containment activities.
• Review and challenge 8D reports.
• Verify corrective and preventive actions.
• Capture and implement lessons learned to prevent repeat issues.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline.
• Experience within Supplier Quality, Supplier Development or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA and SPC.
• Experience working directly with external suppliers.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and industrialisation.

Why Apply?

• Work on technically challenging products and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Influence supplier strategy and quality performance across the supply chain.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, procurement and operational teams.
• Play a key role in product launches and supplier industrialisation projects.
• Join a business committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

If you're passionate about supplier quality, manufacturing excellence, and building high-performing supply chains, we'd love to hear from you.

INDENG