At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure quality of life-changing medical devices through data-driven metrics and process improvements.
- Company: Join Smith+Nephew, a leader in innovative medical technology.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible time off, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and mentorship opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science; experience in quality engineering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Life Unlimited. At Smith+Naphew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. Smith+Naphew is hiring Quality Engineers. Join our team as a Quality Engineer and help bring our “Life Unlimited” purpose to life by ensuring the quality of life‑changing medical devices. You’ll take ownership of monitoring and improving quality performance through the effective application of statistical process control (SPC) and data‑driven quality metrics, using insights to proactively identify risks, drive process stability, and enable continuous improvement. Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, and NPI teams, you will help embed a culture of quality excellence and informed decision‑making.
What will you be doing?
- Act as Quality Lead for a specific Manufacturing Value Stream.
- Provide day‑to‑day quality engineering support to manufacturing, ensuring timely resolution of nonconformances.
- Lead structured root cause analysis using Six Sigma and Lean problem‑solving tools (5 Why, Fishbone, DMAIC, 8D).
- Assist manufacturing in establishing and maintaining process controls, inspection plans, and quality checkpoints.
- Conduct Measurement System Analysis (MSA) including Gage R&R studies to ensure measurement reliability.
- Use statistical analysis to identify trends and recommend preventive actions.
- Independently support change control including risk assessments, verification/validation, and documentation review.
- Evaluate the quality impact of product and process changes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Support readiness activities for the introduction of new or updated products/processes into manufacturing.
- Support maintenance of risk management files (PFMEA, DFMEA, hazard analysis) across the product lifecycle.
- Develop and execute validation plans and protocols for manufacturing processes, equipment, and inspection methods.
- Perform process capability analysis (Cp, Cpk) and contribute to statistical experiment design (DOE).
- Act as subject matter expert during audits and support preparation activities.
- Lead or contribute to CAPA initiatives with strong root cause analysis and verification of effectiveness.
- Ensure excellent documentation aligned with GDP and regulatory expectations.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data related to quality performance (scrap, defects, yields, complaints).
- Prepare and present quality metrics to cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Lead and support Six Sigma–based continuous improvement projects focused on yield improvement, defect reduction, and process capability enhancement.
- Conduct structured investigations into returned products and customer complaints.
- Collaborate with suppliers, test labs, and engineering functions to resolve issues.
- Partner with Manufacturing, R&D, NPI, DQA, process engineering and QC to apply quality principles across the product lifecycle.
What will you need to be successful?
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline required (eg, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science).
- Experience in a regulated industry (medical devices preferred).
- Demonstrated experience applying Six Sigma tools (e.g., DMAIC, MSA, SPC, DOE, capability analysis).
- Experience conducting Measurement System Analysis and Gage R&R studies.
- Experience with root cause analysis, validation, and risk management.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret technical data.
- Effective communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
Preferred
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
- 2–5 years of quality engineering experience in a regulated environment.
- Experience with CAPA ownership and statistical data analysis.
- Familiarity with design transfer and sustaining engineering processes.
Benefits
- Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
- Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours, so we can give back to our communities.
- Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and much more.
- Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
- Hands‑on, team‑customised, mentorship.
- Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and car schemes and many other employee discounts.
- Hybrid role.
Quality Engineer employer: Smith+Nephew
At Smith+Nephew, we are committed to fostering a culture of quality excellence and continuous improvement, making us an exceptional employer for Quality Engineers. Our collaborative work environment encourages professional growth through mentorship and hands-on experience, while our generous benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and health plans, ensures that our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in our mission to enhance lives through innovative medical devices in a supportive and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Smith+Nephew on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your Six Sigma and Lean tools. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used these methods to solve problems and improve processes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Bring data-driven examples of your past successes to the interview. Whether it’s improving yield or reducing defects, numbers speak volumes and show you mean business.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Smith+Nephew.
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 with Six Sigma tools and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of quality excellence!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality engineering and how you can contribute to our 'Life Unlimited' purpose. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving mindset.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to showcase your analytical skills in your application. Mention any experience you have with statistical analysis or process improvements, as these are key to driving quality performance at Smith+Nephew.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith+Nephew
✨Know Your Quality Principles
Brush up on your understanding of quality principles, especially those relevant to the medical device industry. Be ready to discuss how you've applied Six Sigma tools like DMAIC or SPC in past roles, as this will show your technical capability and problem-solving mindset.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your experience with root cause analysis and Measurement System Analysis. Prepare specific examples where you successfully identified risks or improved processes, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and analytical skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where you led initiatives or contributed to team projects, as this will showcase your ability to embed a culture of quality excellence.
✨Bring Data to Life
Be ready to talk about how you've collected, analysed, and interpreted data related to quality performance. Use specific metrics or examples from your previous roles to illustrate your ability to drive process stability and continuous improvement, which is key for this position.
