SUPPLIER QUALITY ENGINEER

We currently have an opportunity for a Supplier Quality Engineer

About KNDS UK:

With over a century of engineering expertise and innovation, KNDS UK is a renowned world leader in rapidly deployable military bridging systems and a key partner in the UK MoD’s Boxer armoured vehicle programme.
We are proud of our heritage and our reputation of providing the highest quality engineering solutions for over 100 years. As a trusted partner to military customers around the world, our employees are the very heart of our company. We have a skilled and experienced workforce dedicated to achieving excellence in all areas of the business such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management and Business Support functions.
As our business evolves, we are looking to strengthen our workforce with talented and motivated individuals across a range of disciplines and currently have this opportunity available.

About the role:

The primary purpose of this role is to be responsible for the quality and compliance of supplied components to drive rigorous root-cause analysis, execute rapid containment strategies, and enforce strict, structured problem-solving methodologies. You will support the supplier lifecycle from initial onboarding and First Article Inspection (FAI) through to performance monitoring and Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCAR).

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Managing Supplier Corrective Action Reports (SCAR) from issuance to successful closure

• Perform First Article Inspections (FAI) and auditing/reviewing supplier measurement data.

• Rapidly coordinate, deploy, and manage quality containment activities when defects arise.

• Conducting root cause analysis for lineside non-conformance issues with supplied materials and following up with suppliers on corrective actions.

• Reviewing engineering and manufacturing specifications to identify materials needed for product assembly for all manufactured goods

• Communicating with vendors regularly to address any concerns and fostering an environment that facilitates continual improvement

• Conducting supplier quality control audits on a regular basis to ensure vendors and their supplies remain in compliance with KNDS requirements

• Assisting with logistics, including communications with vendors, when there are packaging and receiving issues when materials arrive at receiving dock.

What we’re looking for:

Candidates must have the following essential qualifications and experience:

• Further Education (A-Levels/Apprenticeship)

• Minimum of a Grade 4 in Maths and English at GCSE Level or Equivalent

• Previous experience within SQ within Automotive/Aerospace/Off Highway assembly centric

• Strong background in assembly-specific engineering, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and component fitment.

• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes for key assembly supplier components, including powertrain, electronics, fasteners, and C-type parts.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong capability for technical reporting and stakeholder management.

• Understanding and interpreting all manufacturing audits, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, AQAP 2110, and other applicable industry standards

• Strong knowledge of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA).

• Proven experience in the review and validation of internal or supplier submitted PPAPs.

• Understanding and interpretation of engineering drawings.

• Knowledge of quality system methodologies and problem-solving methodologies

The following are desirable:

• Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline.

• Six Sigma Green Belt

• Experience driving supplier onboarding processes and managing supplier performance metrics and expectations.

• Ability to coach organisations on how to development, implement, and manage APQP.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the following skills and aptitudes:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

• Problem solving, team building, planning and decision making.

• Analytical skills using data to drive decisions.

• Ability to positively motivate others.

• Focused and target driven with a positive, can-do attitude.

• Ability to work on their own initiative and as part of team.

Why you should join us:

When you become part of the KNDS UK team, you will enjoy employee benefits such as:

• Competitive salary

• Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution)

• Half-day Friday

• Life assurance scheme

• Company sick pay scheme which increases with service

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Additional Holidays & Long Service rewards

• Wellbeing initiatives, such as Free Fruit on Tuesday’s

• Cycle-to-work Scheme

• Free on-site car parking

• On-site electric vehicle charging points

We’re also very proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2018, achieving their Silver Award in 2020 and Gold Award in 2024. We actively support and encourage service leavers, reservists and cadets to join our team, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.

If you are passionate about Quality and eager to contribute to a thriving workplace environment, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Recruiters please note that we have a list of approved recruitment agency partners in place and we will contact agencies directly should we require support. Any unsolicited CV’s received via an agency will be accepted with thanks but without fee.