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
Gauge validation
Problem Solving & Customer Issues
Lead root cause analysis (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
If you're an experienced Automotive Quality Engineer looking for your next challenge, apply now or contact V3 Recruitment for more information.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
Salary description
£52000.00 - £52000.00 per year