Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer.

Essex/ full time / £45000 - £75000 per Year

Graham Grantham [apply contact hidden] APPLY NOW BACK TO VACANCIES 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