Quality Engineer in Winchester

Job DescriptionJob Description

Position Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring robust product and process quality across manufacturing operations, with a strong focus on customer satisfaction, defect prevention, and continuous improvement. This role supports serial production, new launches, and supplier quality activities through disciplined application of automotive core tools, structured problem solving, and compliance with global quality standards.

The position requires hands-on manufacturing support, data-driven decision making, and effective cross-functional leadership to achieve zero-defect performance and improve key quality KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Customer Quality

• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective actions using 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa, and DMAIC
• Support daily manufacturing quality issues, nonconformances, and deviation management
• Monitor and improve KPIs including PPM, FPY, scrap, rework, and response time
• Prepare and maintain quality dashboards, trend analysis, and management reports
• Support customer communications, audits, scorecards, and escalation management
• Ensure effective containment, verification, and prevention of recurrence

APQP / PPAP / Launch Support

• Support APQP activities from concept through SOP
• Review and approve PPAP submissions (AIAG & AIAG-VDA aligned)
• Ensure alignment between PFMEA, Control Plans, Work Instructions, and process parameters
• Participate in launch readiness reviews and risk assessments

Supplier Quality

• Support supplier development activities and corrective action follow-up
• Participate in supplier audits and process validations as required
• Review supplier PFMEA, control plans, and quality documentation
• Drive improvement in supplier responsiveness, compliance, and performance

Audits & Compliance

• Support internal and external audits in line with IATF 16949 and customer requirements
• Participate in VDA 6.3 / 6.5 process and product audits
• Ensure documentation accuracy, traceability, and audit readiness
• Support layered process audits and standard work verification

Continuous Improvement

• Drive systematic defect reduction and zero-defect initiatives
• Lead or support Kaizen, lessons learned, and standardization activities
• Improve robustness of manufacturing and inspection processes
• Support cost-of-poor-quality reduction initiatives

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related)
• 5+ years experience in automotive manufacturing quality (Tier 1 / Tier 2 / OEM)
• Strong working knowledge of:
• • APQP / PPAP
  • PFMEA / Control Plans
  • 8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa
  • SPC / MSA
  • IATF 16949
• Experience supporting customer quality issues and production environments
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and lead cross-functional problem solving

Qualifications

• Experience with VDA standards (VDA 6.3 / 6.5, AIAG-VDA PFMEA)
• Certified IATF 16949 or VDA 6.3 Internal Auditor
• Experience with OEM portals, scorecards, and escalation processes
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, Power BI, dashboards)
• Experience in high-volume assembly or safety / functional critical components

Key Competencies

• Structured problem solving
• Data-driven decision making
• Cross-functional leadership
• Customer & supplier interface
• Attention to detail and sense of urgency
• Continuous improvement mindset

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing plant environment
• Regular floor presence required
• Occasional travel for supplier or customer support