Supplier Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer
Southampton, Hampshire
Permanent – Circa £40 - 45k

Are you passionate about driving supplier quality improvements and ensuring smooth, reliable supply chains? We’re seeking a highly skilled Supplier Quality Engineer to take ownership of supplier non-conformance, product change management, and quality assurance processes that directly impact production success.

In this role, you’ll be the link between suppliers, R&D, and production – leading investigations, supporting New Product Introduction, and ensuring that every supplied component meets the highest standards.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead supplier non-conformance investigations, including quarantine, incoming inspection, returns, root cause analysis, and CAPA.
• Support production lines and customer complaints regarding suspect supplied materials.
• Take the lead for supplier quality within the NPI process (APQP, PPAP, FAIR).
• Coordinate qualification of new and changed supplied products into production.
• Audit suppliers for onboarding and ISO 9001 maintenance.
• Develop and monitor supplier improvement plans and performance metrics.
• Collate and share monthly SQA and non-conforming materials KPIs.

What you’ll bring:

• Proven experience in supplier development, improvement, and quality planning.
• Strong knowledge of FAIR/PPAP and supplier auditing.
• Skilled in problem-solving tools such as 8D, A3, CAR, and CAPA.
• Understanding of key performance indicators and critical-to-quality factors.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a quality-related role (preferably in machined components, optical, or electronics sectors).
• Level 5 qualification (or higher) in Engineering, Quality, or related STEM subject.
• Internal Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 Lead Auditor preferred).

You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Communicate and influence at all levels.
• Are a self-starter with strong organisational skills.
• Take a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving.
• Can work methodically across multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a direct impact on supplier performance, product quality, and operational success – while working with innovative products in a collaborative environment.