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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure supplier performance and compliance in a high-stakes defence environment.
- Company: Leading European defence engineering organisation with a focus on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on critical defence projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering or related field; experience in supplier quality or manufacturing.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong emphasis on continuous improvement and career development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 52000 £ per year.
A leading European defence engineering organisation is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to play a key role in ensuring the performance, capability, and compliance of its global supply base. Operating within a highly regulated, safety‑critical environment, this role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high‑reliability products while collaborating with cross‑functional teams across procurement, operations, and quality.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Supply Chain Quality Manager, you will be responsible for monitoring and improving supplier performance, supporting supplier development activities, and ensuring all externally sourced products meet rigorous quality and regulatory requirements. You will be at the centre of supplier engagement – driving corrective actions, leading audits, supporting first article inspections, and working closely with internal stakeholders to resolve technical and quality issues.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive supplier corrective actions (8D) through to effective closure
- Support First Article Inspection (FAI) in line with EN9102 requirements
- Conduct supplier audits (process, product and system) and manage follow‑up actions
- Lead supplier performance monitoring and reporting, including PPM reduction initiatives
- Support Material Review Boards and manage supplier‑related non‑conformances
- Develop and maintain product control plans and supplier documentation
- Collaborate across engineering, procurement, and operations to resolve supplier technical issues
- Lead cross‑functional improvement projects to reduce defects and strengthen supplier capability
About You
You will be a proactive, technically capable quality professional with experience in manufacturing or engineering environments and a passion for continuous improvement.
Essential:
- Degree (or equivalent) in engineering or a related technical discipline
- Experience in supplier quality, manufacturing quality, or aerospace/defence environments
- Strong knowledge of root cause analysis tools (8D, 5 Whys, etc.)
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
- Experience with inspection methods and measurement equipment
- Internal and external audit experience
Desirable:
- AS/EN9100 quality system experience
- Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, or Six Sigma methodologies
- Lead Auditor qualification or equivalent
- Familiarity with defence or aerospace regulatory frameworks
Why Apply?
This is a chance to join a well-established international engineering organisation delivering advanced products for critical defence applications. You will work in a technically challenging environment with strong investment in quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Supplier Quality Engineer - Defence & Advanced Manufacturing employer: CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler
Contact Detail:
CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Engineer - Defence & Advanced Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and advanced manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and soft skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier quality and how you've tackled challenges in the past. Practice common interview questions, especially those related to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for continuous improvement! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven quality enhancements or reduced defects in previous roles. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and fit for the Supplier Quality Engineer position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission in the defence sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality Engineer - Defence & Advanced Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supplier Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience in supplier quality and any relevant engineering qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven corrective actions or improved supplier performance. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point, especially in a technical field like ours.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CBSbutler Holdings Limited trading as CBSbutler
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supplier quality processes, especially in defence and advanced manufacturing. Familiarise yourself with tools like 8D and 5 Whys, as well as the EN9102 requirements for First Article Inspections. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully driven corrective actions or led audits. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help the interviewers see how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the company's approach to supplier engagement and quality assurance. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture and values align with yours.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect some technical questions or scenarios during the interview. Brush up on interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T, and be ready to discuss how you would handle specific quality issues. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical capability.