Supplier Quality Engineer

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Supplier Quality Engineer to join the Quality team at a critical stage in the company’s growth. This role is responsible for supporting the approval, development, and ongoing management of the supplier base, providing assurance of supplier management systems, processes, and product quality. This position is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, compliant products to our customers and in shaping a robust, scalable supply chain for Cambridge Aerospace. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced environment and bring hands‑on experience onboarding new suppliers and improving supplier performance in regulated manufacturing environments. You will work closely with Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to ensure quality requirements are clearly defined, understood, and met by suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Procurement, Engineering, and Manufacturing to define and support a supply chain structure that meets product and business requirements.
• Support Procurement in implementing robust supplier management processes and ensuring the quality of delivered products.
• Develop suppliers to optimise quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers to enhance overall performance.
• Conduct supplier audits for approval and ongoing maintenance, ensuring timely and effective close‑out of findings.
• Lead supplier quality issue resolution, including containment, root‑cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Implement supplier performance review processes, including escalation routes, recovery plans, and management reporting.
• Support Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) activities with suppliers to ensure manufacturability and efficient assembly.
• Support sourcing and supplier selection for product development and New Product Introduction (NPI), including benchmarking, capability assessments, compliance reviews, and supply risk assessments.
• Coordinate First Article Inspection (FAI) requirements and manage supplier quality projects with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Supplier Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality Assurance, or Supplier Development role within aerospace, automotive, or similar engineering/manufacturing sectors.
• Experience operating in organisations managed under regulatory standards including ISO 9001, AS/EN 9100, and EASA Part 21.
• Strong engineering fundamentals, with the ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and standards.
• Proven experience in supplier quality assurance and continuous improvement within an OEM or Tier 1 supplier environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of quality auditing processes and applicable regulatory standards.
• Experience using core quality tools and methods, including APQP, PPAP, SPC, and FMEA.
• Proven experience leading root‑cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventive actions with suppliers.
• Experience working with manufacturing and ERP systems, including routings, BOMs, concessions, and change requests.
• Ability to produce clear, high‑quality documentation and communicate effectively at all levels.
• Strong planning, organisation, and prioritisation skills.

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

• Experience across multiple supplier commodity groups, such as composite structures, metallic and machined parts, or power systems.
• Project or risk management experience.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles.
• Experience working across multi‑site or global manufacturing organisations.
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt.
• Membership of a recognised professional body (e.g. CQI).

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in a relevant engineering or quality discipline.
• Ability to travel within the UK and internationally.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and stock options.
• Private Medical.