Quality Engineer in Basildon
Job Description
Quality Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing
Location: Basildon, Essex (On-site)
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Parkside Recruitment is supporting an established international automotive manufacturer as they launch a brand-new UK production facility in Basildon.
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Specialising in plastic injection moulding, automated painting and assembly operations, this new site represents a significant investment and offers the opportunity to join the business at an exciting stage of growth.
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We are seeking a hands-on Quality Engineer to support quality assurance, process validation and continuous improvement activities across the manufacturing operation. This role offers genuine progression towards a future Quality Manager position as the UK facility expands.
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The Opportunity
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Working closely with the Plant Manager, Production and Group Quality teams, you will play a key role in establishing and maintaining quality standards across injection moulding, painting and assembly processes.
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This is an ideal opportunity for a Quality Engineer with automotive manufacturing experience who enjoys being visible on the shop floor and wants to help shape quality systems and standards within a growing operation.
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Key Responsibilities
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Quality Systems & Product Launch
\n • Support APQP activities and new product introductions
\n • Prepare and maintain PPAP documentation
\n • Develop and update Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans and PFMEAs
\n • Support compliance with customer-specific requirements and automotive quality standards
\n • Participate in internal, customer and third-party audits
\n • Support corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D
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Manufacturing Quality & Process Validation
\n • Support qualification and validation of injection moulding, painting and assembly processes
\n • Conduct process capability studies and quality analysis
\n • Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure stability and compliance
\n • Work closely with production and engineering teams to identify improvement opportunities
\n • Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions
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Painting & Surface Finishing Quality
\n • Support qualification and monitoring of paint and coating processes
\n • Investigate paint-related defects and quality concerns
\n • Assist with cosmetic defect assessment and appearance standards
\n • Support initiatives to improve product quality and process consistency
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Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
\n • Support incoming, in-process and final inspection activities
\n • Analyse quality performance data and prepare reports
\n • Assist with customer complaint investigations and containment activities
\n • Drive quality improvement and scrap reduction initiatives
\n • Promote a culture of quality throughout the organisation
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Candidate Requirements
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Essential
\n • Experience within an automotive manufacturing environment
\n • Previous experience in a Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Process Quality Engineer or similar position
\n • Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Control Plans and PFMEA
\n • Experience supporting audits and quality investigations
\n • Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
\n • Hands-on approach with a strong shop floor presence
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Desirable
\n • Experience within plastic injection moulding manufacturing
\n • Knowledge of paint, coating or surface finishing processes
\n • Understanding of IATF 16949 requirements
\n • Experience conducting process capability studies (Cp/Cpk)
\n • Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure
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Why Join?
\n • Join a brand-new UK automotive manufacturing facility during launch phase
\n • Opportunity to influence quality systems, processes and standards from day one
\n • Work within an established international manufacturing group
\n • Clear progression pathway towards Quality Manager
\n • Long-term career development within a growing operation