Quality Engineer

Location: Bearsted

About the Role

Are you passionate about quality and innovation? Do you thrive on solving complex challenges and driving continuous improvement? As a Quality Engineer you’ll be the vital link connecting Sales, Product Management, Development, Production, and Suppliers — ensuring that the products meet the highest industry standards and exceed customer expectations.

In this pivotal role, you will influence every stage of the product lifecycle: from concept and design to production and supplier collaboration. Your expertise will help shape cutting-edge products and optimize processes that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance – Production

Provide daily quality support on the shop floor and participate in stand-up meetings.

Oversee the execution of Process Control Plans (incoming & in-process inspections).

Lead problem-solving for product and process non-conformities (8D methodology).

Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production quality.

Support and coordinate Quality Technicians.

Quality Assurance – Development

Advise development teams during DFMEA and PFMEA activities.

Ensure project deliverables meet quality standards — with authority to reject when needed.

Support supplier selection and lessons-learned processes.

Define and implement control plans for prototypes, pre-launch, and production phases.

Guide capability studies, process validation (e.g., (email address removed)), and stage gate reviews.

Ensure product and process requirements are accurately translated into component specifications.

Supplier Quality & Audits

Manage supplier non-conformities and lead root-cause investigations (8D).

Maintain an effective incoming goods inspection process.

Oversee supplier component release and quality performance reporting.

Conduct on-site supplier visits and lead supplier audits (planning, execution, and follow-up).

Collaborate on Supplier Improvement Programs and support supplier qualification decisions.

Customer Care & Product Maintenance

Analyse product returns, component failures, and market feedback.

Lead 8D investigations for customer complaints and field issues.

Review and approve product changes (PCP) impacting quality.

Continuous Improvement & Reporting

Initiate and manage improvement projects across development and production.

Track and report key quality KPIs and drive actions based on data (Pareto, complaints, etc.).

Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the organization.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.

5+ years of experience in quality engineering, preferably in a production or technical environment.

Strong knowledge of quality systems: ISO 9001, TQM, Lean Six Sigma, DMAIC, APQP/PPAP (e.g., IATF 16949, VDA).

Certified Supplier Auditor with at least 2 years of auditing experience (ISO 19011 or similar).

Experience in risk analysis (DFMEA, PFMEA), process control (MSA, gauge R&R), capability studies, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP).

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Skilled in problem-solving techniques:
Ishikawa, 5 Whys, Fault Tree Analysis.

Fluent in Dutch and English (written and spoken).

Personal Attributes

Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and improvement.

Strong communicator and collaborative team player.

Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and process-driven.

Customer-focused and results-oriented.

Able to work independently with a strong sense of ownership.

Inspires and motivates others to uphold a high-quality mindset.

If this is you, then send your CV