Job Description:

JOB TITLE:                                 Supplier Quality Engineer

REPORTING TO:                           Senior Quality Manager

Date:                                          November 2026

PURPOSE OF JOB

Ensure purchased products, processes and services meet contractual, technical, quality and regulatory requirements. Work with suppliers, Purchasing, Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality to maintain a capable, compliant and reliable supply chain through supplier approval, monitoring, audits, corrective action and continuous improvement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support supplier selection, assessment, approval and re-evaluation, and maintain the Approved Supplier List and quality records.

Assess supplier capability, identify risks and agree controls and improvement plans. Support the qualification of new suppliers and processes.

Ensure suppliers understand purchase orders, drawings, specifications, contractual and quality requirements.

Review certificates of conformity, material certificates, inspection records and special-process certification. Support First Article Inspection to AS9102 where applicable.

Check controls for special and outsourced processes, material traceability, configuration control and counterfeit or suspect parts where applicable.

Investigate supplier non-conformances and manage Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCARs). Liaise with suppliers on concessions, deviations and non-conforming products.

Lead or support root-cause investigations using 8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone, PFMEA and Pareto analysis. Check corrective actions address the cause, are effective and prevent recurrence.

Set and monitor supplier quality KPIs, prepare reports and scorecards, and take part in supplier reviews. Coordinate improvements for poor-performing or high-risk suppliers.

Analyse defects, rejections, non-conformance trends, corrective-action response and closure, right-first-time results and delivery performance where applicable.

Conduct supplier audits against QMS, contractual and technical requirements. Support ISO 9001, AS9100 / BS EN 9100 and customer-specific compliance.

Support internal and external audits of supplier controls and purchasing processes. Keep evidence of compliance and help close audit findings.

Work with Purchasing to communicate supplier quality requirements, and with Engineering on drawings, specifications, technical queries and manufacturing issues.

Support Production and Inspection with supplier problems. Contribute to contract and technical reviews, purchased-product and outsourced-process risk management, and new products, projects and customer requirements.

HEALTH & SAFETY

It is your responsibility to work in a safe manner to promote personal safety and the safety of others to prevent accidents occurring and report all near misses.

Move materials safely and carefully using the correct mechanical lifting method.

Use the appropriate PPE and ensure it is in good condition, replace when required.

Follow the company’s Health & Safety Policy at all times.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

Experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, quality engineering or a similar engineering environment.

Good understanding of manufacturing and inspection, engineering drawings and technical specifications.

Experience resolving supplier quality issues, investigating non-conformances and implementing corrective action using structured root-cause methods.

Knowledge of ISO 9001 or an equivalent Quality Management System.

Competent with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, and willing to travel to suppliers when needed.

An engineering or quality qualification, such as HNC/HND or a degree, or equivalent practical experience is desirable.

Experience in aerospace, defence, nuclear or another highly regulated engineering sector.

Knowledge of AS9100 / BS EN 9100 and AS9102 First Article Inspection.

Supplier or QMS auditing experience, and an Internal or Lead Auditor qualification.

Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, special-process controls and supplier accreditation requirements.

Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) membership or qualification is also desirable

Strong problem-solving, analytical skills, engineering judgement and attention to detail.

Clear communication, accurate documentation and the ability to interpret technical and contractual requirements.

Ability to challenge suppliers professionally, manage supplier relationships and conduct audits and investigations confidently.

Good planning and prioritisation, with the ability to work independently and across teams.

A proactive approach to reducing risk and improving quality.