Supplier Quality Engineer

Contract Opportunity | Fusion Energy & Advanced Technology | Oxfordshire | 100% Onsite

We are supporting a leading organisation at the forefront of fusion energy and high-temperature superconducting (HTS) technologies in the appointment of a Senior Supplier Quality Engineer on a contract basis.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly innovative, technically complex environment focused on developing and industrialising technologies that have the potential to transform the future of energy.

The organisation works closely with government and industry partners on major fusion and advanced energy programmes, with significant capability spanning fusion systems, HTS magnet technologies and specialist manufacturing equipment. The business is involved in the development of first-of-a-kind (FOAK) technologies and complex, safety-critical systems, making supplier quality a critical component of successful programme delivery.

As Senior Supplier Quality Engineer, you will play a key role in ensuring that the global supply chain consistently delivers high-quality, compliant and reliable components for use in cutting-edge fusion and HTS systems.

Working within a highly regulated and safety-critical environment, you will be responsible for developing and implementing supplier quality strategies, supporting new product introduction (NPI), and driving supplier performance and continuous improvement across a technically demanding supply base.

You will work closely with Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing and Quality teams, helping to ensure that suppliers have the capability, processes and controls required to deliver complex, bespoke and high-reliability components to the required standards.

This role would suit an experienced Supplier Quality or Quality Engineer who is comfortable operating in high-complexity, low-volume manufacturing environments and who enjoys working with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve challenging technical and quality issues.

• Lead supplier qualification, approval and onboarding activities, including supplier audits and capability assessments.
• Ensure effective application of Six Sigma methodologies to support new product introduction and supplier readiness.
• Monitor supplier performance using key metrics, including On-Time Delivery (OTD) and Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and drive improvement actions where required.
• Lead investigations into supplier-related non-conformances, ensuring robust root cause analysis (RCA) and timely corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Conduct supplier audits covering quality systems, manufacturing processes and compliance requirements.
• Develop and implement supplier quality plans aligned with project, programme and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Procurement and Operations teams on supplier selection, risk assessment and technical capability evaluation.
• Drive supplier development initiatives, particularly across high-complexity, low-volume and bespoke engineered components.
• Ensure appropriate compliance, traceability and documentation requirements are maintained throughout the supply chain.
• Support cost reduction, value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining quality, reliability and safety requirements.
• Provide expert supplier quality input into projects and programmes involving complex and first-of-a-kind technologies.

• Strong experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Quality, ideally gained within a regulated, technically complex or safety-critical environment.
• Demonstrable experience managing suppliers, including supplier audits, performance management, qualification and development.
• Proven ability to apply structured problem-solving methodologies to complex quality issues.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and standards, including ISO 9001.
• Practical experience using Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
• Experience with core quality tools including FMEA, Control Plans and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Ability to work effectively across multiple functions and influence stakeholders within Engineering, Procurement, Manufacturing and Operations.
• Strong analytical, organisational and decision-making skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage, challenge and influence both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Experience within one or more of the following areas would be highly advantageous:

• First-of-a-kind (FOAK), prototype or new product introduction environments.
• Other highly regulated or safety-critical industries.
• Precision engineering and machining.
• Advanced materials and complex assemblies.
• High-reliability or safety-critical components.
• Complex, low-volume and high-value manufacturing supply chains.
• Full product and material traceability, certification and document control.
• Working within stringent regulatory and compliance frameworks.
• CQI Practitioner accreditation or equivalent.

Rullion celebrates and supports diversity and is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both employees and applicants.