At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate quality issues and implement solutions in a fast-paced automotive environment.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Derby with a focus on quality engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 28 days holiday, early finish on Fridays, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Hands-on role with opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality improvements and support innovative product launches.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical, Automotive, or Quality Engineering.
Location: Derby
Salary: £38,000 – £48,000 pa DOE
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with an early finish on Fridays
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Working arrangement: Site-based
The HR Guru is recruiting an experienced, hands-on Quality Engineer on behalf of a manufacturing business based in Derby. This is an excellent opportunity for an Engineer who enjoys being close to production, solving complex quality issues and using automotive quality tools as part of their everyday role. You will play a key part in improving right-first-time performance, supporting new product launches and ensuring that customer, supplier and production quality requirements are consistently achieved.
The Role
- Investigating internal quality issues, customer complaints and warranty concerns, taking them through to root-cause resolution and closure.
- Leading structured problem-solving and corrective action activity using tools such as 8D, 5 Why, Fishbone and Pareto analysis.
- Supporting customer quality requirements and responding to customer concerns in a professional and timely manner.
- Conducting internal process and quality-system audits against IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 requirements.
- Supporting and conducting supplier audits and supplier improvement activity.
- Analysing production, scrap, defect and warranty data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Developing, reviewing and maintaining quality documentation, including Control Plans, Process FMEAs, inspection standards and work instructions.
- Supporting new product and component launches through the effective application of APQP and PPAP.
- Ensuring compliance with customer-specific requirements and automotive quality standards.
- Working closely with production teams to improve right-first-time performance and reduce defects, waste and rework.
- Supporting continuous improvement projects across production and supplier quality.
- Representing the quality function during customer, supplier and internal meetings.
What We Are Looking For
You will need practical automotive manufacturing experience and must be comfortable applying core quality tools within a fast-paced production environment.
Essential Experience:
- A Degree, HNC / HND or equivalent practical experience in Mechanical, Automotive, Manufacturing, Industrial or Quality Engineering.
- Hands-on experience using APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans and 8D problem-solving.
- Experience within automotive manufacturing, gained in supplier quality, production quality, customer quality or a related engineering role.
- Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 quality-management systems.
- Experience investigating defects and driving corrective actions through to effective closure.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and GD&T.
- A confident communication style, with the ability to represent quality when dealing with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- A practical, proactive approach and a willingness to spend time within the production environment.
Desirable Experience:
- Previous experience within a vehicle OEM or Tier 1 automotive supplier.
- A Masters Degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer accreditation.
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
- IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 internal or lead-auditor qualification.
- Experience using Minitab, SAP or another ERP system.
- Experience producing reports or dashboards through Power BI.
- Previous involvement in new product introduction or launch-readiness activity.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is currently under review and will be confirmed before appointment. £38,000 – £48,000 per annum, depending on experience. A 37-hour working week, Monday to Friday, with a Friday lunchtime finish. 28 days’ holiday, including bank holidays, with three days reserved for the Christmas shutdown. The opportunity to influence projects, innovate solutions and take real ownership of quality improvements. Company pension. Opportunities for continued professional development and career progression. The chance to work in a hands-on role within an established automotive manufacturing environment.
How to Apply
Apply today with an up-to-date CV outlining your automotive quality experience and your practical use of APQP, PPAP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, Control Plans and 8D problem-solving. A member of The HR Guru recruitment team will contact to arrange interviews. All applications will be treated confidentially and managed by The HR Guru on behalf of our client.
Locations
Quality Engineer in Derby, Normanton employer: The HR Guru
Join a leading automotive manufacturing business in Derby, where you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and quality. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to make a tangible impact on production quality. Enjoy a competitive salary, a 37-hour work week with early finishes on Fridays, and generous holiday allowances, all while working closely with a passionate team dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer in Derby, Normanton
✨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 The HR Guru, 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 Quality Engineer in Derby, Normanton
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 The HR Guru 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 The HR Guru
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with The HR Guru, 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 The HR Guru 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.
