At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier quality, resolve customer complaints, and approve technical drawings.
- Company: Join a leading UK subsidiary of a Swedish business in hydraulic fluid power.
- Benefits: Structured mentorship, career progression, and international travel opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a clear path to senior positions and global exposure.
- Why this job: Become a future leader in quality assurance with hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality engineering and strong technical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Focus: Supplier, Customer & Technical Drawing Approval
Department: Quality Assurance & Control
Reports to: Quality Manager (Mentor) / General Manager
Succession Pathway: Structured progression toward Senior Quality Engineer and ultimately Quality Manager
Mentorship Period: 12–18 months structured transition
Location: Staffordshire with regular UK and Netherlands inter-site travel
Travel: UK travel plus annual visits to South Korea, China, India and selected worldwide customer locations
About the Business: We are the UK subsidiary of a Swedish business and ultimately part of a large Danish PLC. Focus within the hydraulic fluid power sector. The business supplies adaptors, manifolds, hose assemblies and precision fittings to leading global OEMs in the off‑road equipment market.
Role Purpose: This position is a strategic succession‑planning appointment designed to develop the next leader of our quality function. Over an 18‑month structured mentorship period, the Quality Engineer will progressively assume responsibility for:
- Supplier quality management
- Customer quality interface and complaint resolution
- Technical drawing review and production approval
- Product validation and risk mitigation
While operating within our ISO 9001 framework, this role focuses primarily on product and process quality rather than quality‑system ownership. Strong technical engagement with machined components, metallurgy, sealing technology (particularly O‑ring applications), and hydraulic performance is central to success in this position. Knowledge of welding processes and their impact on material integrity is advantageous.
Core Responsibilities:
- Supplier Quality Management: We work closely with joint venture manufacturing partners in South Korea, China and India. This requires a collaborative and culturally aware approach that balances technical standards with long‑term supplier relationship development. You will:
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships (UK and international)
- Support and progressively lead supplier onboarding and qualification
- Conduct and lead supplier audits and technical reviews
- Manage non‑conformance investigations and corrective action processes
- Lead cross‑functional teams using 8D methodology to resolve customer or internal non‑conformances
- Develop the technical proficiency of QA technicians in core applications
- Monitor supplier performance metrics and risk indicators
- Support regulatory and customer compliance reporting including REACH, RoHS, Conflict Minerals, CBAM, PFAS and TSCA
A solid understanding of CNC and multi‑spindle machining, material behaviour, tolerances and production capability will be essential when evaluating supplier performance.
- Production Drawing & Technical Specification Approval: This role carries significant responsibility for ensuring that customer requirements are accurately translated into production‑ready documentation. You will:
- Review and progressively approve supplier production drawings
- Validate tolerances, fits, surface finishes and critical characteristics
- Assess material specifications and metallurgical certifications
- Evaluate sealing interfaces and O‑ring groove design considerations
- Collaborate with suppliers to mitigate design‑for‑manufacture risks
- Support new part introduction and qualification processes
Experience interpreting technical drawings is essential. CAD familiarity (e.g. SolidWorks or AutoCAD) is advantageous.
- Customer Quality Interface & Technical Support: Developing the capability to represent the quality function directly with OEM customers is a key objective of this role. You will:
- Liaise directly with customer quality and engineering teams
- Investigate complaints and field failures using structured problem‑solving
- Lead corrective and preventive action coordination through the QA team
- Assist in the preparation and review of 8D reports and supporting technical documentation
- Support and later lead customer audits and performance reviews
- Contribute to product documentation and certification packs
Technical credibility — particularly in machining, hydraulics and sealing performance — will be essential when engaging with customer engineering teams.
Structured Development Pathway:
Phase 1 – Foundation (Months 0–6):
- On‑the‑floor training at each warehouse to gain a full understanding of goods‑in, storage, picking and despatch processes
- Exposure to cross‑departmental activities to learn the entire quotation‑to‑delivery process
- Work closely with the Supplier Quality Team (SQT) to understand defined interactions between customer and supplier
- Training in the use and navigation of the IFS ERP system to support quality and traceability processes
- Develop a basic understanding of compliance reporting while working with the Compliance Officer
- Assist with incoming inspection and current quality record controls
- Gain detailed knowledge of hydraulic products: adaptors, hoses, manifolds and fittings
- Undertake structured training in hydraulic principles and machining processes
- Support drawing reviews and sample validations
- Participate in supplier audits and ISO audit observations
Phase 2 – Engagement (Months 7–12):
- Apply machining and hydraulic knowledge to real‑time quality issues
- Take ownership of selected supplier relationships
- Lead follow‑up corrective actions on defined issues
- Contribute to monthly quality reporting for leadership review
- Participate actively in part qualification and technical review meetings
Phase 3 – Transition (Months 13–18):
- Independently lead supplier technical reviews and drawing approvals
- Present supplier performance and risk assessments to the Executive Management Team (EMT)
- Manage and mentor a team of three quality personnel
- Support strategic supplier transitions and new product introduction
- Work alongside systems management to maintain ISO compliance
Required Skills & Experience:
Essential:
- Experience in supplier quality, production engineering or drawing validation
- Strong understanding of machining processes (CNC and multi‑spindle preferred)
- Ability to interpret and validate technical drawings
- Working knowledge of metallurgy and material behaviour
- Experience working within ISO 9001 environments
- Full knowledge and interpretation of PPAP 4th Edition (Production Part Approval Process)
- Structured problem‑solving capability (8D, RCA, FMEA)
- Strong communication skills with suppliers and customers
Desirable:
- Knowledge of hydraulic systems and sealing technology (O‑rings)
- Knowledge of electrolytic coatings and corrosion protection
- Exposure to international supplier audits
- Understanding of welding techniques and material implications
- Familiarity with ISO 14001 / ISO 45001
- Lean or Six Sigma training
- 5S training
Personal Attributes:
- Analytical and technically rigorous
- Commercially aware and relationship‑focused
- Calm, confident communicator
- Strong technical aptitude and a commitment to mastering the complex engineering and operational processes that drive our business
- Self‑driven with clear leadership ambition
- Willing to travel internationally
Succession Commitment: This role forms part of a defined succession strategy. The successful candidate will follow a staged progression route: Quality Engineer → Senior Quality Engineer → Quality Manager. The current Quality Manager will provide structured mentorship and a phased transfer of responsibility over 18 months. Progression milestones will be formally reviewed to ensure alignment with both business needs and individual capability development.
Quality Engineer employer: HydraSpecma
At HydraSpecma UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our structured mentorship programme not only equips you with the skills needed for your role as a Quality Engineer but also paves the way for your career progression within our multinational organisation. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to quality, you'll find meaningful and rewarding opportunities while working alongside dedicated professionals in the hydraulic fittings industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Quality Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience with supplier quality management and technical drawing approval. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your expertise and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on common questions related to quality assurance and problem-solving techniques. This will help you feel more confident when it’s time for the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to grow with us. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to the specific role and highlighting your relevant experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience in supplier quality, production engineering, and any relevant technical skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality assurance and how your skills can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves interpreting technical drawings and understanding machining processes, make sure to mention any specific tools or software you’re familiar with, like CAD programs. We love seeing that technical know-how!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at HydraSpecma
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of machining processes, metallurgy, and sealing technology. Be ready to discuss how these elements play a role in quality assurance, especially in hydraulic systems. The more you can demonstrate your technical understanding, the better you'll connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about specific instances where you've used structured problem-solving methods like 8D or FMEA. Think of examples that highlight your ability to resolve non-conformances or improve supplier relationships. This will show that you can handle the challenges of the role effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with ISO Standards
Since this role operates within an ISO 9001 framework, it’s crucial to understand its principles. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied ISO standards in previous roles, particularly in relation to supplier quality management and compliance reporting.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Quality Engineer, you'll need to liaise with suppliers and customers regularly. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare for questions about how you've handled customer complaints or collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past.
