Graduate Engineer / Quality Engineer in Basildon, Essex

Job Description Quality Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing Location: Basildon, Essex (On-site) Parkside Recruitment is supporting an established international automotive manufacturer as they launch a brand-new UK production facility in Basildon. Specialising in plastic injection moulding, automated painting and assembly operations, this new site represents a significant investment and offers the opportunity to join the business at an exciting stage of growth. We are seeking a hands-on Quality Engineer to support quality assurance, process validation and continuous improvement activities across the manufacturing operation. This role offers genuine progression towards a future Quality Manager position as the UK facility expands. The Opportunity Working closely with the Plant Manager, Production and Group Quality teams, you will play a key role in establishing and maintaining quality standards across injection moulding, painting and assembly processes. This is an ideal opportunity for a Quality Engineer with automotive manufacturing experience who enjoys being visible on the shop floor and wants to help shape quality systems and standards within a growing operation. Key Responsibilities Quality Systems & Product Launch Support APQP activities and new product introductions Prepare and maintain PPAP documentation Develop and update Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans and PFMEAs Support compliance with customer-specific requirements and automotive quality standards Participate in internal, customer and third-party audits Support corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D Manufacturing Quality & Process Validation Support qualification and validation of injection moulding, painting and assembly processes Conduct process capability studies and quality analysis Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure stability and compliance Work closely with production and engineering teams to identify improvement opportunities Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions Painting & Surface Finishing Quality Support qualification and monitoring of paint and coating processes Investigate paint-related defects and quality concerns Assist with cosmetic defect assessment and appearance standards Support initiatives to improve product quality and process consistency Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement Support incoming, in-process and final inspection activities Analyse quality performance data and prepare reports Assist with customer complaint investigations and containment activities Drive quality improvement and scrap reduction initiatives Promote a culture of quality throughout the organisation Candidate Requirements Essential Experience within an automotive manufacturing environment Previous experience in a Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Process Quality Engineer or similar position Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Control Plans and PFMEA Experience supporting audits and quality investigations Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills Hands-on approach with a strong shop floor presence Desirable Experience within plastic injection moulding manufacturing Knowledge of paint, coating or surface finishing processes Understanding of IATF 16949 requirements Experience conducting process capability studies (Cp/Cpk) Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure Why Join? Join a brand-new UK automotive manufacturing facility during launch phase Opportunity to influence quality systems, processes and standards from day one Work within an established international manufacturing group Clear progression pathway towards Quality Manager Long-term career development within a growing operation