Naval Supplier Quality Engineer in Rugby

To build our future, the best energy is ours! Arabelle Solutions, part of the EDF Group, is a global leader in nuclear turbine island technologies, providing innovative low-carbon power solutions. Its technologies are used in one-third of nuclear power plants worldwide, supported by a team of 3,500 experts across 16 countries. Our cultural pillars define how we work together: Team, Expertise, Ownership.

Reporting into the UK Defence Quality Leader, the Supplier Quality Engineer will work within a diverse project team supporting the successful delivery of UK Defence projects. The role combines supplier-facing activities with office-based quality planning and execution, supporting both New Build and Spares & Services programmes. This role requires both hands-on and office-based engagement, with duties varying according to project status, customer requirements, supplier performance, and issue resolution activities. The role is based at our Rugby (Warwickshire) facility, with regular travel expected to suppliers, customer locations, and other company sites as required.

The Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for driving product qualification activities, supporting part and documentation quality activities at suppliers, organising witness and surveillance inspections, and managing non-conformities and quality improvement projects across the supply chain for the assigned product scope. The successful candidate's primary internal stakeholders will be the UK Defence Project Quality and Sourcing teams, together with wider Project Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.

Key Accountabilities:

• Onboarding and qualification of suppliers.
• Development and improvement of suppliers' quality performance.
• Management of supplier audits and surveillance activities.
• Resolution of supplier non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Verification of product compliance against contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Achievement of project quality milestones and customer requirements.
• Supporting procurement and project OTD through effective Supplier Quality management.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work with Sourcing teams to define, agree, and communicate a roadmap for supplier development activities.
• Execute activities to drive quality, delivery, and compliance excellence within the supply chain for the assigned product scope.
• Supplier Onboarding and Qualification – Assess suppliers’ Quality Management Systems through audits.
• Supplier Assessment and Development – Attend pre-award meetings with suppliers and Sourcing/Engineering teams to agree quality requirements and expectations.
• Supplier Surveillance and Inspection – Ensure readiness for supplier kick-off meetings using approved checklists.
• Product Release and Shipment – Ensure all deviations, concessions, and punch-list items are satisfactorily closed.
• Management of Technical Deviations and Non-Conformities – Continuously manage supplier non-conformities and punch-list items through to effective closure.
• Management of Supplier Audits – Plan and initiate supplier audits where required.

Required Qualifications:

• HNC/HND, Degree, Apprenticeship, formal Quality qualification, or equivalent practical experience in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Quality disciplines.
• Extensive experience within a combination of Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Supply Chain, or Supplier Quality environments.
• Experience within Steam Turbine, Generator, Power Generation, Defence, Nuclear, Aerospace, or other highly regulated manufacturing industries.
• Working knowledge of Root Cause Analysis methodologies, including 8D.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Understanding of supplier quality assurance principles and manufacturing processes.

Desired Characteristics:

• Customer focused, with the ability to establish priorities aligned to business and customer requirements.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to deliver effective presentations and influence stakeholders at all organisational levels.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
• Understanding of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive quality improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Effective negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required.

Security Clearance Requirements:

This role supports UK Defence programmes and is therefore subject to UK Security Clearance requirements. The successful candidate must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of UK Security Clearance.