Supplier Quality Development Engineer

Overview

As an SQD Engineer you will support production at a flagship Sunderland Gigafactory project, ensuring supplier quality and process capability. You will work with cross-functional teams to drive quality improvements, risk mitigation, and robust CAPA programs in a large-scale EV manufacturing setting. The role focuses on supplier audits, incoming material checks, and QMS development to meet stringent automotive standards. You will shape quality practices across the supply chain and contribute to the factory’s mission of enabling cleaner, high-volume electric vehicle production. This is a hands-on, impact-oriented position in a high-profile, on-site environment.

Responsibilities

• Source and assess suppliers for quality and compliance
• Visit supplier sites to review processes
• Conduct regular quality audits and ensure regulatory adherence
• Inspect/test incoming materials, components, and finished products
• Maintain supplier performance reports with improvement plans
• Provide technical guidance to suppliers on quality improvements
• Develop and implement quality plans, policies and procedures
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and prevent recurrence
• Analyze data for trends and quality improvements
• Engage in product/process design reviews for quality compliance
• Conduct risk assessments and FMEA to identify and mitigate risks
• Lead root cause analysis investigations and implement CAPAs

Key requirements

• Degree or HND in a relevant technical field
• Experience in a quality engineering role within manufacturing or engineering
• Strong knowledge of SPC, Six Sigma, Lean
• Root cause analysis and corrective action skills
• Supplier audit experience (IATF16949/VDA6.3) and supplier onboarding
• Familiarity with NPI and Core Tools (PPAP, APQP, MSA, FMEA, SPC)
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Willingness to travel, including overseas on short notice

• Problem-solving
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Proactive communication
• SPC
• Six Sigma
• Lean

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