We are seeking a high-calibre Supplier Quality Engineer (Fixings & Composites Specialist) to join our Supplier Quality team. In this role, you will be responsible for end-to-end quality assurance across critical mechanical fixings, structural fasteners, advanced carbon fibre composite components, and high-performance assemblies.

You will act as the key technical bridge between Engineering, Procurement, and global suppliers—ensuring all components meet rigorous safety, weight, aesthetic, and structural performance standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Supplier Quality Management: Drive Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) signoffs for fixings, structural fasteners, carbon composite structures, and assemblies.
• Fixings & Joint Integrity: Oversee technical validation for threaded fasteners, inserts, specialized clips, structural adhesives, and multi-material joint interfaces (e.g., carbon-to-aluminium / carbon-to-steel galvanic isolation and torque retention).
• Composites & MCTC Oversight: Lead supplier performance and process controls for carbon fibre components (prepreg, RTM, tub structures, body panels). Audit supplier manufacturing facilities and MCTC manufacturing processes for resin flow, cure cycles, and NDT compliance.
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): Lead resolution of supplier-related non-conformances (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) arising in production, prototype build, or field reports.
• Supplier Audits & Onboarding: Conduct VDA 6.3 process audits and supplier capability assessments for potential new fixing and composite vendors.
• Design for Manufacture (DfM): Partner with Engineering and Design teams early in the development cycle to optimize joint design, fastener selection, and composite layup manufacturability.
• KPI Tracking: Monitor supplier PPM, yield, containment speed, and continuous improvement initiatives across assigned commodities.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Automotive Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Automotive Experience: Proven experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Quality Engineering, or Materials Engineering within low-volume luxury, hyper-car, aerospace, or tier-1 automotive manufacturing.

Commodity Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of mechanical fixings (torque-tension relationships, surface coatings, thread locking, insert integration, corrosion prevention).
• Strong knowledge of advanced composite manufacturing techniques (autoclave prepreg, RTM, structural carbon tubs) and non-destructive testing (NDT/ultrasonics).
• Quality Standards: Proven track record applying APQP, PPAP, MSA, FMEA, and SPC tools.
• Auditing: Certified VDA 6.3 or ISO/IATF 16949 auditor preferred.

Key Skills

• Expertise in problem-solving methodologies (8D, Six Sigma Green/Black Belt).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills to influence cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
• Willingness to travel to UK and international supplier sites as required (up to 25-30%).