Supplier Quality Engineer (VPI Supplier Quality) – Mostly Remote | Darlington (Occasional Onsite) | £30/hr PAYE

Due to increased workload, we’re recruiting a Supplier Quality Engineer to join the VPI Supplier Quality team supporting the Darlington site. This is an almost fully remote contract role with rare onsite requirements at the Darlington plant.

• Contract end date: 31/12/2026 (extension possible)
• Rate: £30p/hr PAYE /£40p/hr Umbrella
• Travel: May be required to supplier sites across the UK and mainland Europe

The Role

You’ll use strong quality and technical skills to develop suppliers and products that meet customer requirements, working closely with the external supply base, supply chain teams and engineering to drive results.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders (Purchasing, Manufacturing, Engineering) to improve quality and business outcomes
• Support cross-functional supplier selection for components
• Validate supplier manufacturing processes to meet engineering standards and customer requirements
• Apply APQP, AIAG tools and internal quality tools to achieve zero defect performance
• Drive continuous improvement using lean/six sigma methodologies
• Conduct supplier audits for risk mitigation, readiness and performance improvement
• Lead supplier quality issue resolution including root cause analysis, corrective actions and effectiveness verification

Specific Responsibilities

• Create and monitor Source Releases; manage CQMS reporting and approvals
• Provide onsite support for build quality issues (as required) and lead emerging quality process
• Implement short-term containment (e.g., part sorting) and coordinate permanent fixes with suppliers/SQEs
• APQP/PPAP support: manage metrics, trackers and monthly supplier reviews
• Lead FIRGs (steps 3–7), drive RCA and closure in the RV&S system
• Manage/report medium-ZDM components with SQEs

Ideal Candidate

• Strong supplier quality engineering background (manufacturing/supply chain environment)
• Solid experience with APQP / PPAP / AIAG tools, audits, and structured problem-solving (RCA, corrective actions)
• Comfortable working remotely with occasional onsite and supplier travel

Apply now to be considered for this long-term contract opportunity supporting major NPI/VPI activity in the region.