Senior Supplier Quality Engineer; Site

Overview

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.

With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

An exciting role has arisen for a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer. Although this role will be site based the position requires regular travel to meet with suppliers. The successful candidate will regularly monitor the quality performance of suppliers, perform reviews and take actions depending on the cause of any problem (such as assessments, problem solving activities etc) to secure continuous compliance.

• Lead and communicate product and system requirements to suppliers, ensuring robust qualification plans (FAI / PPAP) and on time delivery of compliant product.
• Provide leadership in managing supplier quality performance, acting as liaison for complex issues, and guiding SQEs on best practice and structured problem solving.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing engineering, process experts and suppliers to ensure full understanding of requirements and supplier capability.
• Oversee supplier quality planning and risk management activities, including APQP and PPAP execution.
• Review and communicate Supplier First Article submissions, coordinating with design organisation SQEs as required.
• Maintain frequent supplier engagement to monitor progress, communicate expectations, and drive performance improvements.
• Analyse supplier quality performance, identify systemic issues, and lead structured improvement activities.
• Lead and support supplier non conformance and escape management, including RCA, containment, corrective actions and 8D reviews.
• Participate in supplier work transfer evaluations and ongoing monitoring.
• Conduct or follow up supplier assessments and capability evaluations.
• Support concurrent engineering activities between GKN and suppliers, including input on design for manufacture.
• Support cost engineering and cost reduction initiatives by collaborating with suppliers and internal technical teams.
• Provide leadership in supplier feedback processes and continuous improvement activity.
• Travel regularly within the UK and internationally to engage with suppliers, lead assessments and resolve quality concerns.

• Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Skilled in root cause analysis, 8D methodology and continuous improvement.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace quality requirements (AS9100, NADCAP, customer standards).
• Solid understanding of PPAP, APQP and AS13XX
  X standards.
• Highly organised with the ability to work independently and lead others effectively.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence, guide and support stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

• Knowledge of aerospace products, manufacturing processes and technologies.
• Leadership strengths such as coaching, recognition, constructive feedback and team support.
• Experience in supplier quality roles within aerospace or similarly regulated industries.
• Experience in managing cross functional technical projects and supplier development activity.
• Target-oriented and outgoing with good communication skills.

Once you’re on board you’ll get the following perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience.
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we’ll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis.
• Up to 15% company bonus - individual and company performance related.
• Life Assurance 8 x salary.
• 25 days holiday + bank holiday.
• Flexible working hours including the ability to finish at 12 noon on a Friday.
• Income protection.
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