At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive supplier quality and ensure product integrity through hands-on inspections and audits.
- Company: Join Plexus, a leader in innovative technology solutions for a better world.
- Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, enhanced pension contributions, and 33 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Empowering environment with bespoke development plans and a focus on inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by solving quality challenges in diverse industries.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier quality engineering and a collaborative mindset are key.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
About us At Plexus, our vision is to help create the products that build a better world. By embracing an innovative culture of excellence, we pride ourselves on designing, manufacturing and servicing some of the world’s most transformative products. From life-saving medical technology and mission-critical defense solutions to sophisticated industrial automation, we’re proud to partner with our customers to bring their complex ideas to market.
Living Our Values With a vision rooted in the wellbeing and inclusive engagement of our team members, our customers, their end users and our communities, people are the heart of what we do and who we are. Our values unite and guide us in everything that we do. Our values include: Growing our People, Building Belonging, Innovating Responsibly, Delivering Excellence and Creating Customer Success. As part of our team, you’ll do impactful work within an inclusive environment where everyone works together to achieve extraordinary outcomes. You’ll be empowered to reach your full potential through managing your own personalised development plan and access to our learning and development programs.
As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you will act as a key technical specialist at our Livingston facility. You will own your projects from start to finish—working directly with physical hardware at receiving inspection, leading supplier audits and collaborating closely with suppliers to drive our Zero Defect Strategy. If you thrive in a practical, problem-solving role where your focus is entirely on product integrity, technical supplier interaction, and root-cause resolution, this role offers an ideal balance of autonomy and technical growth.
Responsibilities:
- Supplier & Part Qualification: Partner with procurement to support and drive supplier onboarding. Review product specifications to determine Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) parameters, evaluate PPAP elements, and establish clear inspection criteria and sampling plans for Receiving Inspection.
- Autonomous Supplier Management: Serve as the technical point of contact for supplier quality issues. Lead supplier corrective action processes (SCAR / CAPA / 8D), evaluate failure data trends and follow investigations/ continuous improvement through to permanent resolution.
- Supplier Auditing: Conduct audits against Quality Management System (QMS) and relevant industry standards to assess supplier capability and drive continuous improvements.
- Hands-On Floor Engagement: Partner directly with the receiving inspection and manufacturing teams on-site, examining physical parts firsthand to verify defects and assess conformance.
- Process & Standard Work Input: Contribute your practical insights to improve internal standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and inspection templates.
What We Are Looking For
- Supplier Quality Expertise: Practical experience in supplier quality engineering, receiving inspection, supplier auditing, or supplier non-conformance management.
- Auditing Credentials: Lead Auditor certified (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485) or currently working towards a recognized certification.
- Core Quality Tools: Working familiarity with PPAP elements and 8D problem-solving/root-cause analysis.
- Independent & Collaborative Mindset: A strong "can-do" attitude, self-motivation as an individual contributor, and a genuine curiosity to learn diverse product lines.
- On-Site Availability: Comfort working on-site Monday to Friday in Livingston, where direct, hands-on interaction with physical assemblies and local teams is essential.
Why Join Us?
- Focused Technical Scope: An individual contributor role where your time is spent solving quality challenges.
- Diverse Product Exposure: Work with a wide variety of advanced technologies and cross-industry quality standards under one roof.
- Collaborative Support: Work alongside an experienced team ready to share domain knowledge and support your professional progression.
Your Rewards and Wellbeing
We believe in rewarding your contribution with a comprehensive package designed to support your life both inside and outside of work.
- Growth: Bespoke development plans and volunteer time off
- Health: Private medical insurance, Employee Assistance Program and vision care
- Wealth: Enhanced pension contributions, life assurance, and group income protection
- Lifestyle: Electric Vehicle and Cycle to Work schemes, plus 33 days of annual leave
Application Process
At Plexus, we don't look for culture fit, we look for culture add. We value the unique perspectives you bring and review every candidate holistically, balancing professional experience, education and individual journey.
Accessibility and Accommodations
As a Disability Confident employer, we recruit purely on the basis of skills and merit, ensuring an equitable process for everyone. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or special requirements. If you require support during the application process, please contact us at GHQ.TA@plexus.com with your contact information and a description of your needs.
Note: This inbox is dedicated to accommodation requests; please note that application status updates cannot be provided via this address.
Supplier Quality Engineer employer: Plexus
At Plexus, we are dedicated to fostering an innovative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Business Development Manager in the Aftermarket Services sector, you will benefit from tailored coaching aimed at accelerating your career growth, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. With the flexibility of remote work across Europe, you will be part of a team that values your unique contributions while working towards impactful solutions that build a better world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Engineer
✨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 Plexus, 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 Supplier Quality Engineer
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 Plexus 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 Plexus
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Plexus, 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 Plexus 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.
