At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch quality in ink manufacturing and manage supplier quality.
- Company: Leading company in ink production with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Great chance to develop skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on product quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality engineering and high-volume manufacturing environments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Purpose of the role
The Quality Engineer – (Ink Manufacturing & Supply Quality) is responsible for ensuring robust quality assurance and quality control across the full material lifecycle at industrial scale, with primary accountability for incoming raw material quality assurance, including supplier quality, Certificate of Analysis (CoA) verification, and batch release, as well as finished product quality control and assurance for manufactured inks and pastes. The role also owns the quality performance of materials supplied to both internal production and external license partners, ensuring all materials consistently meet defined specifications at high volume, are reliably released to production, and perform effectively in downstream processes.
Operating within a high-volume manufacturing environment, the position plays a critical role in driving the transition from inspection-based QC to a proactive QA approach, establishing strong process capability, supplier robustness, and statistical control across both inbound and outbound material flows. This includes full ownership of incoming raw material quality systems, supplier qualification, CoA validation, and batch release, alongside end-to-end responsibility for finished ink quality, including batch testing and release, specification control, and meeting customer and license partner acceptance criteria. The role is also accountable for the external quality performance of supplied materials, while actively driving supplier quality improvements through audits, PPAP, and corrective actions. In addition, the position ensures process capability and statistical control across high-volume production and leads the resolution of non-conformances, deviations, and customer complaints.
Knowledge and skills required for the role
- Experience in high-volume chemical or materials manufacturing environments (e.g. slurry, coating, or similar systems)
- Proven track record in quality engineering within industrial-scale production, with clear responsibility for product quality at volume (not pilot or R&D scale)
- Strong experience in incoming material quality assurance and supplier quality management, including qualification, auditing, performance management, and non-conformance resolution
- Experience ensuring batch-to-batch consistency at scale, including management of raw material variability
- Deep understanding of structure–process–performance relationships in chemical systems, with the ability to apply this to identify and control material and process variability in industrial manufacturing environments
- Experience managing quality risks during process scale-up and industrialisation, ensuring robust transfer from development into stable, repeatable high-volume production
- Proven experience in quality engineering tools and methodologies, including 8D problem solving, root cause analysis, PPAP, APQP, FMEA, and MSA
- Hands-on experience analytical and characterisation techniques for chemical/material quality verification, and their application within validation and release process
- Proficient in data analysis and reporting tools, with the ability to support KPI reporting and data-driven decision making
Quality Engineer - Ink Manufacturing & Supply Quality employer: Ceres
As a Quality Engineer in our dynamic ink manufacturing facility, you will thrive in a culture that prioritises innovation and quality excellence. We offer competitive benefits, a collaborative work environment, and ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to high-volume production processes. Join us in a location that fosters creativity and teamwork, where your expertise will directly impact product quality and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer - Ink Manufacturing & Supply Quality
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Ceres, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer - Ink Manufacturing & Supply Quality
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Ceres specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ceres
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ceres, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Ceres value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
