Quality Engineer

Description

Quality Engineer Automotive Manufacturing

Location: Basildon, Essex (On-site)

Parkside Recruitment is supporting an established international automotive manufacturer as they launch a brand-new UK production facility in Basildon.

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.

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.

The Opportunity

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Systems & Product Launch

• Support APQP activities and new product introductions

• Prepare and maintain PPAP documentation

• Develop and update Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans and PFMEAs

• Support compliance with customer-specific requirements and automotive quality standards

• Participate in internal, customer and third-party audits

• Support corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D

Manufacturing Quality & Process Validation

• Support qualification and validation of injection moulding, painting and assembly processes

• Conduct process capability studies and quality analysis

• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure stability and compliance

• Work closely with production and engineering teams to identify improvement opportunities

• Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions

Painting & Surface Finishing Quality

• Support qualification and monitoring of paint and coating processes

• Investigate paint-related defects and quality concerns

• Assist with cosmetic defect assessment and appearance standards

• Support initiatives to improve product quality and process consistency

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Support incoming, in-process and final inspection activities

• Analyse quality performance data and prepare reports

• Assist with customer complaint investigations and containment activities

• Drive quality improvement and scrap reduction initiatives

• Promote a culture of quality throughout the organisation

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Experience within an automotive manufacturing environment

• Previous experience in a Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Process Quality Engineer or similar position

• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Control Plans and PFMEA

• Experience supporting audits and quality investigations

• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills

• Hands-on approach with a strong shop floor presence

Desirable

• Experience within plastic injection moulding manufacturing

• Knowledge of paint, coating or surface finishing processes

• Understanding of IATF 16949 requirements

• Experience conducting process capability studies (Cp/Cpk)

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure

Why Join?

• Join a brand-new UK automotive manufacturing facility during launch phase

• Opportunity to influence quality systems, processes and standards from day one

• Work within an established international manufacturing group

• Clear progression pathway towards Quality Manager

• Long-term career development within a growing operation

Ad ID: 5418901637