Supplier Quality Engineer in Sunderland

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE/SQD) is responsible for ensuring that all battery-related components, raw materials, and services sourced from suppliers meet stringent quality

requirements for safety, performance, and reliability. This includes managing the quality of high-voltage components, battery cells/modules, thermal management systems, electrical connectors, and structural parts. The SQE works closely with suppliers, Purchasing,

Engineering, and Manufacturing to drive Zero Defect Culture and secure a robust, compliant, and sustainable supply chain.

Outline and Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and qualify new suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and
• technical reviews, focusing on materials and processes critical to battery safety and performance.
• Lead APQP and PPAP activities for new battery-related components (cells, modules, BMS, cooling plates, enclosures, etc.).
• Verify supplier manufacturing process controls, for high-voltage safety, traceability, and cleanliness requirements (VDA 19.1 / VDA 19.2).

Quality Assurance Compliance:

• Ensure supplier compliance with automotive and battery industry standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, VDA 6.3, UN 38.3, IEC 62660).
• Conduct process and system audits, including special process verification (e.g., welding, coating, adhesive application).
• Manage supplier documentation to ensure compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.

Problem Solving Issue Resolution:

• Lead investigations into supplier-related non-conformances, including safety- critical failures, functional performance issues, and contamination problems.
• Apply structured problem-solving (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) to address root causes and prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate with suppliers to implement corrective and preventive actions, ensuring timely closure and verification of effectiveness.

Continuous Improvement Risk Reduction:

• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs (PPM, audit scores, OTD, incident recurrence rate) and conduct regular supplier performance reviews.
• Support supplier process optimization projects to improve consistency, reduce variability, and eliminate sources of contamination.
• Promote Zero Defect Culture and proactive quality management across the supplier base.

Experience & Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering.
• 3–5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, preferably in automotive battery manufacturing or high-voltage systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for battery components, including cell production, module assembly, welding, sealing, and electronics manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of quality tools and standards: PPAP, APQP, MSA, SPC, FMEA.
• Knowledge of contamination control requirements (VDA 19.1, VDA 19.2).
• Experience with high-voltage safety and regulatory compliance (UN 38.3, IEC standards).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and supplier management skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to X%).