Quality Engineer - Alton - £30,000 - £32,000

Summary:

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the purpose of this post is to reduce in-process product defects and or non-conformities, and improve the quality of the finished product by structured investigation of quality problems and implementation of quality principles in the new product development process. The post holder will be expected to analyse, identify and permanently fix quality problems, and resolve customer quality issues through structured problem solving. As such, the post holder will have a good knowledge of quality improvement tools and techniques. This is a hands-on role which will involve spending time on the production lines and some product inspection.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Following training, the key duties of the post are as follows:

• Support the Production and Manufacturing departments with all quality related issues
• Analyse the root cause and identify permanent fix solutions and/or guidance on action(s) to be taken to resolve quality problems through the use problem solving tools and techniques
• Oversee first production start-up of new products, including carrying out capability studies and product inspection to ensure that Customer specifications and requirements are achieved. Present findings at post first production run review meetings
• Support new product introduction by providing specific quality engineering expertise to NPD projects, and participate in line trials. Present findings at post line trial run review meetings
• Work with the Engineering department on the (prior to purchase) validation and performance qualification of new equipment
• Assist with the creation and implementation of validation master plans
• Drive the corrective and preventative action (CAPA) process for the business. Ensure actions proposed for internal and audit non-conformances are effective and closed in a timely manner
• Carry out risk assessments for all production lines and major business processes
• Perform internal audits in support of the internal audit programme
• Fully investigate and respond to customer complaints
• Establish, analyse and maintain quality KPI’s
• Carry out any other reasonable projects and duties as determined by the Quality Manager or Technical Director

Personal Traits & Skills (in no specific order)

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in a science, engineering or manufacturing related discipline – essential
• Previous experience in a similar quality role – essential
• Good knowledge of quality analytical/problem solving tools and techniques gained through practical experience – essential
• Ability to handle multiple demands, be self-sufficient work under pressure – essential
• Ability to gain respect and credibility through demonstration of technical knowledge and transferable skills – essential
• Qualified/experienced auditor – desired
• Experience of working within a GMP environment – desired
• A confident people person able to influence and communicate effectively with all levels of personnel – essential
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to listen, discuss and advise
• A team player, both confident and decisive
• A pro-active solution provider
• Flexibility – ability to react and respond positively to changes in priority and workload
• Advanced level of literacy and numeracy required
• Ability to use computerised information systems to input, retrieve and update all relevant data
• Experience within a similar Quality role is essential to this post
• New position as part of the re-structuring of the Quality Department
• This position will bring technical quality skills that are required to facilitate quality improvements in the business