Supplier Quality Engineer

Job title: Supplier Quality Engineer

Job Type: Contract

IR35 Status: Inside

Start date: Subject to onboarding

Duration: 6 months

Pay rate: DOE

Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire

Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week

Role information:

Working as part of the Quality function and closely aligned with Engineering, Procurement, and Manufacturing, the role is responsible for developing and managing supplier quality strategies, supporting new product introduction (NPI), and driving continuous improvement across a global and technically complex supply base.

• Lead supplier qualification, approval, and onboarding activities, including audits and capability assessments.
• Ensure robust deployment of Six Sigma methodologies to support new product introduction and supplier readiness.
• Monitor and manage supplier performance using key metrics (e.g. OTD, NCRs), driving improvement actions where required.
• Lead investigations into supplier-related non-conformances, ensuring effective root cause analysis (RCA) and timely corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Conduct supplier audits (quality systems, process, and compliance) in line with internal and external standards.
• Develop and implement supplier quality plans aligned to project, programme, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support supplier selection, risk assessment, and technical capability evaluation.
• Drive supplier development initiatives, particularly across high-complexity, low-volume, and bespoke engineered components.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, standards, and traceability requirements across the supply chain.
• Support business objectives through cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement without compromising quality or safety.

Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties

This job includes the following hazards or safety-critical activities which will require successful pre-employment health screening through our occupational health service before the successful candidate will be allowed to start work:

• Driving on Company business
• Regular manual handling
• Working with or in the vicinity of equipment that produces high magnetic fields
• Working with materials that are managed under the control of substances hazardous to health regulations (COSHH)

Travel outside of Europe on company business

Qualifications/Experience Required

• Strong experience in supplier quality, quality engineering, or manufacturing quality within a regulated or safety-critical environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in supplier management, including audits, performance management, and supplier development.
• Proven capability in structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Solid understanding of quality systems and standards such as ISO 9001 & Six Sigma tools.
• Experience with core quality tools such as FMEA, Control Plans, and SPC.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders across Engineering, Procurement, and Operations.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and decision-making skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communicator, with the ability to engage and influence both internal teams and external suppliers.

Desirable / Industry-Specific Experience (Fusion & Regulated Industries)

• Experience in fusion, nuclear (fission), or advanced energy programmes, particularly within first-of-a-kind (FOAK) or prototype environments.
• Background in aligned regulated industries.
• Familiarity with stringent regulatory and compliance environments, including standards such as ISO.
• Experience managing suppliers delivering:
  • Precision engineering and machining
  • Advanced materials and complex assemblies
  • High-reliability, safety-critical components
• Understanding of:
  • Full traceability requirements, material certification, and document control
  • Low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing supply chains
  • CQI practitioner, higher or equivalent accreditation.

UK National Security Vetting Status - Ability to gain SC Clearance

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Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.