Supplier Quality Engineer

Automotive; Peterlee; On-site; GBP 74,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Automotive in Peterlee is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to support NPI projects and manage supplier quality using APQP and PPAP. The role is site-based in Peterlee with occasional UK/Europe supplier visits.

You will drive PPAP/APQP conformity, collaborate with suppliers and internal teams, and contribute to cost improvements while advancing Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience with PPAP and APQP in manufacturing (Castings, Machining, Fabrication, Fasteners).
• Supplier development and NPI support with cross-functional teams.
• Cost improvement and make-vs-buy analysis within Lean contexts.

Responsibilities

• Support NPI projects and supplier quality using APQP and PPAP.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams on new part introduction.
• Obtain quotations and implement engineering changes on existing part numbers.
• Lead cross-functional teams to meet cost opportunity objectives.
• Drive Lean and APQP processes across supplier network.
• Balance performance, quality, velocity and cost in design decisions.

Skills

APQP

PPAP

NPI

Supplier quality

Root cause analysis

PFMEA

5 Whys

Fishbone/6M

Lean

Tools

PPAP tools

Job description

Peterlee, Co. Durham (site-based role in Peterlee - no Hybrid)

£37.50ph FCSA Umbrella (this role is deemed inside IR35)

Will also involve visits to suppliers based in UK & Mainland Europe (likely once or twice a month max)

Duration : initially 12 months, likely to extend & become long term, ongoing role

Supplier Quality Engineer will be working with a global automotive manufacturing company based in Peterlee

The SQE will be responsible for supporting NPI Projects and working closely with suppliers to ensure Procurement & Supplier quality using APQP & PPAP.

Proactive work with suppliers up to APQP & PPAP submission point. Using quality product planning tools, checking suppliers at each gateway.

Work with suppliers confirming live data of quality of products and that they have the correct number of parts, Correct Quailty for NPI Projects.

PPAP: Confirming the systems are in the PPAP and cross referencing the PPAP. Confirming the output of the process and checking over the measurement criteria.

Collaborating with suppliers and internally on new part introduction including APQP conformance

Ensures the development, analysis, and documentation of cost information supporting new product development, design and cost improvement, maintenance, make versus buy, and other special projects

Obtaining quotations and implementing engineering changes on existing part numbers

Working closely with the Purchasing and other Engineers in terms of managing supplier activity

Mediates trade off discussions early in the design process to balance performance, quality, velocity, and cost with focus on optimizing value

Leads cross functional teams to meet multiple cost opportunity objectives

Assessing suppliers for QCLDM and driving implementation of Lean & APQP processes.

The SQE will need experience of dealing with suppliers, PPAP and APQP processes with a manufacturing background in Castings, Precision Machining, Fabrication, Fasteners & Fixings.

Plus experience in the development of Supplier metrics and problem resolution between supplier and plants, suppliers and engineering personnel, and between facilities.

And experience in using Supplier Issue Investigation tools such as Root Cause Analysis, PFMEA, 5 WHYS, FISHBONE/6M, ECA/ICA/PCA (STOP/FIX)