At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance for automotive components and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a top UK specialist in precision automotive components.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £38,000 and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the automotive industry with innovative quality solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality engineering and knowledge of IATF 16949 required.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 38000 £ per year.
0800 - 1600 Mon to Fri
Up to £38,000 Per Annum
Permanent role
Our client is one of the UKs leading specialists in precision automotive components and performance systems. As an independent company, they move fast, think flexibly, and deliver with uncompromising quality.
About the role:
Reports to: Quality Manager
Responsibilities:
As a Senior Quality Engineer, you will act as the technical and quality interface between the company and its customers and suppliers. You will own the quality delivery of assigned programmes end to end from APQP and PPAP submission through to production launch and ongoing supplier performance. Working with OEM customer contacts and the supply base, you will lead/participate in technical negotiations, resolve non-conformances, and represent Red Arch's quality position with confidence and commercial awareness.
Duties and responsibilities
- Customer Management
- Act as the quality contact for assigned OEM customers, managing day-to-day technical and quality communication
- Lead resolution of customer-raised concerns, non-conformances, and concessions
- Lead structured root cause analysis (8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone) on customer and supplier-raised issues
- Manage PSW submission (including preparing internal quality documents), tracking, and approval status across live programmes
- Supplier Management
- Manage day-to-day quality performance of assigned suppliers, leading technical discussions and non-conformance resolution
- Conduct or support supplier audits, and track corrective actions through to closure
- Work with suppliers to prepare PPAP and approve supplier PPAP submissions prior to onward customer submission
- Identify and escalate supplier risk delivery, quality, or capability
- Supplier Development for New Projects
- Assess and onboard new suppliers for new programmes, including capability and process capacity review
- Lead supplier readiness activities ahead of production launch, including trial runs, first-off inspection, and process validation
- Support supplier tooling and process sign-off, ensuring alignment with customer and company quality requirements
- Quality Systems & Documentation
- Ensure all quality activities and processes are conducted in accordance with IATF 16949 requirements.
- Report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to adhere to process and prevent occurrence of any non-conformity relating to product, process, or system
- Proficient use of FactoryMaster MRP to carry out fundamental tasks such as releasing and rejecting parts.
- Measurement Support
- When required, measure mass production first-off and last-off parts using FARO CMM equipment
- When required, develop measurement programmes for parts based on GD&T
- People & Communication
- Work effectively across production, engineering, and quality functions
- Maintain a hands-on presence on the production floor or at the suppliers to support day-to-day quality activities.
Person Specification
Soft Skills:
- Assertive and proactive mindset
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision
- Willing to be flexible, including travel to customer and supplier sites when required - Full UK driving licence
- Strong organisational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
- Ability to work well in a team environment across production, engineering, and quality functions
Hard Skills:
- Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements
- Experience of the automotive core tools (APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, PPAP)
- Knowledge of measurement including FARO CMM, making new measurement programmes and datum strategy
- Understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and production environments
- Familiarity with root cause analysis tools 5 Whys, Fishbone, 8D
Senior Quality Engineer in Northampton employer: CRC Recruitment Ltd
Join our award-winning manufacturing team as a Production Team Leader, where you will thrive in a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and safety. With 33 days of holiday, a comprehensive pension plan, and opportunities for continuous improvement, we are committed to fostering a motivated and engaged workforce. Located in the heart of the Midlands, our company not only values your contributions but also encourages a hands-on approach to leadership, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact every day.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quality Engineer in Northampton
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quality Engineer in Northampton
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 CRC Recruitment Ltd 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 CRC Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with CRC Recruitment Ltd, 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 CRC Recruitment Ltd 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.
