Quality Engineer in Tonbridge

Quality Engineer

Location:

Marden, Kent

Contract:

Full-time contract position

Working pattern:

Predominantly on-site, supporting manufacturing operations

TPA Recruit is supporting an established engineering manufacturer in the appointment of an experienced Quality Engineer on a contract basis. The position is focused on production and supplier quality, structured problem solving, corrective action, auditing and practical continuous improvement.

The role would suit a hands-on Quality Engineer who is comfortable working directly with production and engineering teams, can investigate defects to root cause and has strong knowledge of recognised quality core tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality standards and quality control systems across manufacturing operations.
• Monitor and analyse quality performance, KPIs and defect trends to identify improvement priorities.
• Inspect and test materials, equipment, processes and products against defined quality requirements.
• Investigate product and production issues and drive effective corrective actions and sustainable improvements.
• Work closely with Production, Engineering, Sales and Purchasing to build quality into processes and products.
• Create and maintain work instructions, control plans and other quality/process documentation.
• Chair quality improvement meetings and ensure improvement actions are documented and progressed using PDCA.
• Create internal and external audit plans, conduct audits and support supplier audit activity.
• Work with suppliers to improve quality performance and close identified gaps.
• Promote a strong quality culture and lead by example across the manufacturing environment.

Skills and Experience

• Previous Quality Engineering experience within manufacturing or engineering.
• Practical experience of root-cause investigation, corrective action and structured problem solving.
• Good knowledge of Control Plans, SPC, FMEA, MSA, PPAP, APQP and 8D.
• Experience creating quality/process documentation and supporting production teams.
• Internal, external or supplier auditing experience would be strongly advantageous.
• Ability to analyse defects and quality data, identify trends and convert findings into practical actions.
• SAP experience in a manufacturing environment is required for this contract assignment.
• Confident communicator able to work effectively with Production, Engineering, Purchasing, suppliers and customers.

Why Join This Business?

• Immediate contract opportunity within an established UK engineering manufacturer.
• Hands-on role with direct impact on product, process and supplier quality.
• Broad exposure across production, engineering, purchasing and supplier quality activity.
• Opportunity to use the full quality core-tool set in a practical manufacturing environment.
• Competitive estimated rate of £35.00-£40.00 per hour depending on experience.