Supplier Quality Engineer - 1311

TN United Kingdom; Ely; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading optical technologies company based in Ely seeks a Supplier Quality Engineer to enhance supply chain efficiency and implement quality assurance practices. Candidates should have a degree in engineering and a strong background in supplier quality management. This role offers opportunities for career development and a competitive salary along with benefits including pension and healthcare. Join a team committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Benefits

Opportunities for in-house training

Free onsite parking

Healthcare benefits

25 days holiday plus public holidays

Qualifications

• 3 years’ experience in a Supplier Quality Engineering role.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings.
• ISO 13845 Internal Audit Qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Implement best practices to eliminate waste and improve quality.
• Collaborate with suppliers on quality standards.
• Develop supplier audit program.

Skills

Lean principles

Supplier quality development

Problem-solving

Relationship management

Education

Degree in Manufacturing Engineering

Degree in Process Engineering

Degree in Quality Engineering

Tools

Six Sigma

PFMEA

Job description

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With support from other Thorlabs departments, engage and collaborate with Thorlabs supply chain to implement best practices that eliminate waste, emphasise defect prevention, reduce component variation, ensure on-time delivery, and nurture an environment of continuous improvement.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry-leading optical technologies company. We are experts in designing and manufacturing a range of innovative photonics products used in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide, with 22 facilities across 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful medieval city of Ely. There are train and bus links from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is accessible via Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

Requirements

What is essential to us…

• Degree qualified in Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in an equivalent Supplier Quality Engineering role.
• Understanding of Lean principles and their practical implementation within the supply chain, with the ability to coach suppliers in lean methodologies (including SMED, PFEP, EPEI, and pull).
• Experience in Supplier quality development and working with suppliers to meet quality standards.
• Knowledge of PPAP & FMEA; experience in APQP is a plus.
• Ability to interpret high precision engineering drawings (tolerances down to micron level is a plus).
• Experience in low volume, high mix manufacturing environment.
• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers to pursue zero defects.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to drive improvement projects.
• Ability to multitask, manage time effectively, and work independently.
• Problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude.
• Alignment with core values and a positive mindset.
• Contribution to departmental initiatives and process improvements.
• Receptiveness to new challenges and learning.
• ISO 13845 Internal Audit Qualification (Desirable).
• CNC machining prototype experience (Desirable).
• Experience working with technical drawings and high-spec tolerances (Desirable).

What we would like you to do/see…

• Support selected suppliers through on-site visits, root cause analysis, and corrective actions to reduce NCRs and improve quality.
• Collaborate with departments to improve supply chain efficiency by eliminating waste and preventing defects.
• Utilize continuous improvement tools such as Lean, Six Sigma, Poka-Yoke, Measurement System Analysis, and PFMEA to enhance supplier performance.
• Work with Purchasing, Planning, and Quality teams to analyze supplier data and identify improvement opportunities.
• Rehabilitate underperforming suppliers by addressing quality issues and coaching for sustainable corrective actions.
• Define critical component/process characteristics with engineering teams to ensure supplier process capabilities meet requirements.
• Create and present supplier action plans with KPIs to monitor improvements.
• Develop a supplier audit program to verify corrective actions and adherence to standards.
• Participate in cross-departmental initiatives to develop a comprehensive quality management system.

What will you get?

Opportunities for in-house training and career development, free onsite parking, refreshments, and an entertainment area in the canteen.

And the benefits are?

Competitive salary, pension, healthcare, 25 days holiday plus public holidays, and other benefits.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1311

This is a rolling campaign; we will actively interview applicants and reserve the right to close early if sufficient applications are received. Please apply early.

We welcome applications from persons over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Internal applicants should inform their line managers of their interest.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

Please apply via the 'Apply for this job' button or send your CV, cover letter, and salary expectations to: Human Resources, Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX, or email [emailprotected].

We are Disability Confident Committed.

Applicants must have valid UK work permission, with documented evidence required during recruitment.