Lead Quality Engineer in Essex

PCB manufacturing experience is a must. Salary – DOE. Great benefits including 25 days holiday, pension, death in service and employee assistance wellbeing programme.

I am delighted to be exclusively retained by this long-standing client of mine, a highly reputable European brand who are rapidly growing within the UK. A solid, ethical brand who put people and quality into the heart of the business. As a result of growth and positive changes, they now need an experienced Quality Engineer to join a state of the art facility in Essex.

The Lead Quality Engineer is the quality professional onsite responsible for maintaining, developing and continuously improving Quality. Working closely with engaging leadership, the role will lead all quality-related activities including customer quality, supplier quality, auditing, compliance, non-conformance management, corrective actions, new product introduction and continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires a hands-on approach, balancing strategic quality improvement with day-to-day support of manufacturing operations. You will act as the site's quality subject matter expert and play a key role in building a culture of quality throughout the business.

Main responsibilities of a Lead Quality Engineer:

• Act as the lead quality specialist providing guidance and support across manufacturing, engineering and supply chain activities.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with ISO9001:2015 and customer requirements.
• Lead investigations into customer complaints, non-conformances and warranty issues, ensuring robust corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Support production teams in resolving quality issues through effective root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies.
• Act as the primary quality contact for customers, supporting audits, quality reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct internal audits and support external certification and customer audits, ensuring timely closure of actions.
• Support supplier quality activities, including investigation of supplier-related non-conformances and implementation of corrective actions.
• Support new product introductions through effective quality planning, including PFMEA, control plans, process validation and PPAP activities where required.
• Drive continuous improvement projects focused on reducing defects, improving process capability and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Monitor and report quality performance metrics, providing analysis and recommendations to support business objectives.

Skills, knowledge experience:

• Essential Degree in an Engineering discipline or equivalent quality/manufacturing experience.
• Proven experience in a Quality Engineering role within a manufacturing environment.
• Good understanding of Contract Electronics Manufacturing, including PCBA, box build and electromechanical assembly.
• Experience of customer quality management, non-conformance investigation and complaint resolution.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving skills, with experience implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Working knowledge of quality tools and methodologies including PFMEA, control plans and PPAP.
• Good understanding of ISO9001:2015 requirements and quality management systems.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and continuous improvement skills.

Desirable:

• Internal Auditor qualification or auditing experience.
• Chartered Quality Professional (CQI) membership or working towards.
• Experience of ISO13485, ISO14001 or ISO45001 management systems.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training.
• Experience mentoring, coaching or providing technical guidance to others.

If you feel you have the right experience, operationally and technically then apply now for a quick decision. Anyone who does not have depth of PCBA knowledge and experience cannot be considered.