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- Tasks: Ensure quality standards in supplier processes and materials for military engineering.
- Company: Join KNDS UK, a leader in military bridging systems with over 100 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, attractive pension, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that values excellence and supports military personnel.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in Quality/Supply Chain management required.
- Other info: Mid-senior level contract role with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer.
A Little About Us
With over a century of engineering expertise and innovation, KNDS UK is a renowned world leader in rapidly deployable military bridging systems and a key partner in the UK MoD’s Boxer armoured vehicle programme. We are proud of our heritage and our reputation of providing the highest quality engineering solutions for over 100 years. As a trusted partner to military customers around the world, our employees are the very heart of our company. We have a skilled and experienced workforce dedicated to achieving excellence in all areas of the business from Engineering to Project Management, Business Support to Operations.
About The Role
The core purpose of this job function is to be responsible for the planning and implementation of activities concerned with development, application and maintenance of quality standards for industrial processes, materials, and products, within the KNDS supply chain.
Key Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To:
- Coordinating with purchasing department to monitor supplier performance, generating regular reports and administering corrective actions as necessary.
- Completing supplier and performance audits to enhance process standardisation and waste elimination.
- Resolving non-conformance issues with supplied materials and following up with suppliers for completion of corrective actions.
- Developing standards and requirements for purchased components.
- Evaluating supplier data to initiate process improvement opportunities.
- Reviewing engineering and manufacturing specifications to identify materials needed for product assembly for all manufactured goods.
- Contacting vendors and liaising between product engineers, manufacturing personnel and suppliers to negotiate contracts and secure required materials for production.
- Conducting supplier quality control audits on a regular basis to ensure vendors and their supplies remain in compliance with KNDS requirements.
- Communicating with vendors regularly to address any concerns and fostering an environment that facilitates continual improvement.
- Understanding and interpreting all manufacturing audits, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AQAP 2110, and other applicable industry standards.
- Updating and improving supplier database, including performance evaluations and quality control audits for in-house access by relevant KNDS personnel.
- Assisting with logistics, including communications with vendors, when there are packaging and receiving issues when materials arrive at receiving dock.
- Assisting with all aspects of Inspection during the paint coatings process.
What We’re Looking For:
- Quality and/or Supply Chain management qualification (or 5 years equivalent experience).
- Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline.
- Full UK driving licence and a valid passport.
- Level 2 Paint inspection.
- Driving Continuous Improvement/Lean manufacturing.
- Sourcing, Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing and program management.
- Developing and implementing vendor qualification.
- Knowledge of quality and business systems.
- Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA).
- Proven experience in the review and validation of internal or supplier submitted PPAPs.
- Must be able to coach organisations on how to develop, implement, and manage APQP.
- Cross functional management.
- Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings.
- Knowledge or experience with regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrable knowledge of manufacturing process and production equipment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to write technical documents.
- Knowledge of quality system methodologies, such as Pareto Analysis and Six Sigma.
- Knowledge of Military paint coatings application/Inspection.
What You Can Expect From Us:
We signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2018, achieved their Silver Award in 2020, and the Gold Award in 2024 which means that we actively support and encourage service leavers, reservists and cadets to join our team, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process. When you become part of the KNDS UK team, you will enjoy employee benefits such as:
- Competitive salary
- Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution)
- Flexible working
- Half day Friday
- Life assurance scheme
- Company sick pay scheme which increases with service
- Free unreserved car parking
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply by clicking the link at the top of the page or email your CV with a cover letter to careers@knds.co.uk. We look forward to receiving your application!
Please note that we have a Preferred Supplier List in place and we will contact agencies directly should the need arise, however any unsolicited CVs received via an agency will be accepted with thanks but without fee.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Contract
Job function: Quality Assurance
Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer employer: KNDS UK
Contact Detail:
KNDS UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific quality standards and methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as ISO 9001 and Six Sigma. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the defence and manufacturing sectors, especially those who have experience in supplier quality assurance. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented these processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research KNDS UK and their projects, particularly their work with the UK MoD. Understanding their mission and values will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your skills align with their goals during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and qualifications that align with the Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer role. Emphasise your knowledge of quality systems, engineering disciplines, and any specific methodologies like APQP or FMEA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are a great fit for KNDS UK. Mention your passion for quality assurance and how your background in supply chain management can contribute to their mission.
Showcase Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to quality control audits, supplier performance monitoring, and continuous improvement processes. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate these skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in quality assurance.
How to prepare for a job interview at KNDS UK
✨Understand Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with key quality standards relevant to the role, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Be prepared to discuss how you have applied these standards in previous roles or projects.
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Demonstrate your understanding of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP). Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented these processes in past experiences.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly around non-conformance issues and supplier audits. Think of specific situations where you resolved issues effectively and be ready to share those stories.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical documents or engineering specifications. This will help you convey your ideas effectively during the interview.
