Supplier Quality Engineer

Supplier Quality Engineer Southampton, Hampshire Permanent – Circa £45-50k 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