Pay: £52,000.00 per year
Job Description: Automotive Quality Engineer – Portsmouth, UK – £52,000 per annum – Permanent, Full-time
V3 Recruitment are working in partnership with a global engineering and manufacturing business within the automotive sector to recruit an experienced Automotive Quality Engineer for their site in Portsmouth.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a well‑established organisation that specialises in the design and manufacture of injection mould tooling, as well as plastic and metallic components supplied to leading Automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers worldwide.
About the Company
Our client operates at the forefront of automotive engineering, supporting premium and luxury vehicle manufacturers with high‑quality, precision‑engineered solutions. Their success is built on strong quality standards, responsive service, and robust engineering processes across both new product introduction and series production.
The Role
As an Automotive Quality Engineer, you will take ownership of quality activities across both project launch and ongoing production. This is a customer‑facing, business‑critical role requiring strong experience in automotive quality processes and standards. You will act as the key interface between customers, suppliers, and internal teams, ensuring all quality expectations are consistently achieved and exceeded.
Key Responsibilities
APQP & Project Quality
* Participate in APQP activities within cross‑functional teams
* Translate customer requirements into internal processes and supplier expectations
* Support new product introduction (NPI) and project launches
* Develop and maintain PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, PPAP & Customer Approval
* Lead PPAP submissions in line with customer requirements
* Ensure accuracy and completeness of documentation
* Manage customer‑specific requirements (CSR)
* Support and monitor supplier PPAP activities
Quality Assurance & Production Support
* Conduct inspections during start‑up phases
* Support production quality control and issue resolution
* Coordinate metrology activities including 3D scanning and gauge validation
Problem Solving & Customer Issues
* Lead root cause analysis using 8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa
* Manage customer complaints and warranty issues
* Implement containment, corrective, and preventative actions
* Lead problem‑solving teams
Customer & Supplier Interface
* Act as the primary contact for OEM and Tier‑1 customers
* Manage customer portals and reporting systems
* Monitor PPM performance, customer scorecards, cost of non‑quality
* Visit customers and manage escalations when required
Continuous Improvement & Quality Systems
* Drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes
* Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949
* Promote a culture of quality excellence
Additional Responsibilities
* Manage IMDS submissions
* Develop quality documentation and quality books
* Manage concessions and derogations
* Support supplier quality and technical procurement
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience
* Minimum 5 years' experience in Automotive Quality Engineering
* Strong background in APQP / PPAP, Customer quality management, Manufacturing environments
Technical Skills
* Strong knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC & MSA, APQP / PPAP processes
* Experience with 8D problem solving, Root cause analysis (5 Why, Ishikawa)
* Ability to interpret engineering drawings and analyse data
* CAD experience (desirable)
Desirable Qualifications
* Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
* ISO 9001 Lead Auditor
* IATF 16949 Lead Auditor
* VDA 6.3 Auditor
* Knowledge of VDA MLA
Personal Attributes
* Confident communicator at all levels
* Proactive, driven, and results‑focused
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
* Able to prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment
* Calm under pressure and adaptable to change
* Strong sense of ownership and accountability
Additional Requirements
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
* Must live within commutable distance of Portsmouth
* Willingness to travel (UK and occasional international)
* Flexible to support on‑site activities and key meetings
What's on Offer
* Salary of £52,000 per annum
* Opportunity to work with premium automotive OEMs and Tier‑1 suppliers
* Involvement across the full product lifecycle
* Exposure to global quality standards and advanced manufacturing environments
* A dynamic, customer‑facing role with real responsibility
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
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