Supplier Quality Engineer

Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom

12/19/2024

Senceive wireless remote condition monitoring technology is used in 35 countries in rail, construction and mining. Our precise, reliable and robust products are built to empower clients responsible for high-value and at-risk assets. Senceive users installed more than 30,000 sensors last year – helping them manage ground and structural movement, landslide risk, geotechnical behaviour, rail track movement and much more. Systems are installed in minutes and last over a decade with minimal maintenance – helping users mitigate engineering risk without visiting the site.

We’ve been designing, building and supporting the best wireless condition monitoring technology since 2005. As part of the Previan group of companies, we are growing fast and have highly ambitious plans for the coming years.

The Role

We are seeking the right individual to join our Quality Team, working as part of the wider Operations team.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

As a Supplier Quality Engineer at Senceive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of components and materials supplied to the company. You will be responsible for managing supplier quality processes, conducting audits, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires a proactive approach to quality assurance and a strong ability to collaborate with suppliers and internal teams.

You will also aim to achieve zero defects through quality control and continuous improvement, and to champion a quality mindset throughout a rapidly growing business.

Reporting, Location & Travel

This role reports to the Quality Assurance Manager and is based in Milton Keynes. There may be an occasional requirement for national travel, primarily to meet suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, although are not limited to the following:

Day to day activities

• Develop and implement quality standards and quality control systems
• Test and inspect electronics components and mechanical systems
• Develop test methods and techniques
• Monitor and analyse quality performance
• Inspect and test materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure quality specifications are met
• Liaise with Operations, Technical and Quality to develop and implement controls and improvements
• Ensure that workflows, processes, and products comply with safety regulations
• Investigate and troubleshoot product or production issues
• Develop corrective actions, solutions, and improvements
• Identify ways to reduce waste and maximise resources
• Prepare and present reports to qualify test, procedures and standards
  
  

Ongoing activities

• Conduct product investigations using appropriate investigation techniques; Root Cause, Kaizen, 8D and other investigation techniques
• Work with Suppliers/NPD team using failureproof techniques and process failure proofing (PFMEA, FMEA)
• Conduct Supplier Audits and maintain the supplier quality assurance processes and standards.
• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve quality issues and implement corrective actions using appropriate investigation techniques; Root Cause, Kaizen, 8D and other investigation techniques
• Work closely with procurement and engineering teams to qualify new suppliers and components.
• Managing post launch product changes and deliverables
• Review and approve supplier documentation, including inspection reports, certificates of conformity, and quality plans.
  
  

Relevant Skills & Competencies

Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the following relevant skills and competencies:

• A flexible approach with the ability to multi-task and work to varying priorities and deadlines in order to meet the needs of the business
• Strong ability at decision making and problem solving
• A positive, professional attitude and a desire to complete tasks to the highest standard
• A team player willing and able to collaborate actively and effectively with colleagues, gaining respect from those around them
• A strong communicator at all levels, with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated with a proven ability to perform under pressure
  
  

Relevant Knowledge & Experience

Candidates should assess their suitability against the following essential and/or desirable relevant knowledge and experience:

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in quality engineering, quality assurance or similar.
• An understanding of the product lifecycle.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in a supplier quality engineering role, preferably in the electronics or manufacturing industry.
• Experience in root cause and failure analysis tools.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance methodologies, tools, and standards (eg. ISO 9001, Six Sigma, APQP, PPAP).
• Experience with supplier auditing and qualification processes.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional teams.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience of using CRM Systems (SalesForce).
• ASQ certification is advantageous.
• Experience of using ERP systems.
• Good MS Office skills including Excel for data analysis.
• Internal Audit Certification.
  
  

Employee Benefits

In return for a rewarding and fulfilling career, successful candidates can look forward to receiving a competitive salary, plus several additional employee benefits:

• Annual Leave Entitlement: Employees have twenty-five days of annual leave entitlement each year for use between January to December; this is in addition to Bank Holidays of which there are typically eight.
• Pension Scheme: Employees are automatically enrolled into the Company’s Workplace Pension Scheme with 5% or more personal contributions, with the company matching contributions up to 5%.
• Group Life Assurance: Employees are automatically enrolled into the Company’s GLA scheme which pays 4 x salary in the event of death in service and includes an Employee Assistance Programme with a 24/7 advice line and a healthcare app.
• Private Healthcare & Cash Plan: Employees are eligible to join the private medical insurance (PMI) scheme, enhanced to include Medical History Disregard and the accompanying cash plan which offers cash back on optical, dental, dental injury, prescriptions and various therapies.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Employees can purchase bikes and accessories at significantly reduced rates, with repayments made through salary sacrifice over 12-18 months.
• Tech Scheme: similar to the Cycle to Work scheme, Employees can purchase laptops, phones, appliances and more from Currys at discounted rates, with repayments made through salary sacrifice over a period of 12 months.
• Learning & Development: Employees are encouraged to continue their career development through the group’s Aspire programme; a huge variety of training courses and development opportunities are available through the Previan Learning Centre with subjects ranging from Time Management and Communication Skills through to Project Management and Languages.
  
  

Full details of the Employee Benefits are available upon request or will be made available on the provision of an offer of employment.