Lead APQP Supplier Quality Engineer

Lead APQP activities with suppliers across all five phases: Plan and Define Program, Product Design and Development, Process Design and Development, Product and Process Validation, and Feedback, Assessment & Corrective Action. Conduct supplier assessments and audits to ensure quality standards. Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for supplier quality issues. Collaborate with engineering, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to define and improve supplier quality processes. Monitor supplier performance metrics and implement improvement plans. Support new product introductions by ensuring supplier readiness and component quality. Travel approximately 60% of the time to supplier sites, primarily within Europe but occasionally further, for onsite engagement and support. Essential requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management or related field (or equivalent experience), sole British citizenship with ability to obtain SC level clearance, proven experience in Supplier Quality/Quality Engineering, strong knowledge of APQP/PPAP/FMEA/MSA/SPC, ability to read engineering drawings, experience with 8D methodologies, excellent communication and stakeholder-influence skills, and availability for domestic and international travel mainly within Europe. Nice-to-have qualifications include Master's degree and Lean Six Sigma certifications, with emphasis on defense/aerospace sectors and government/MoD interfaces. The role may involve background checks and suitability assessments per customer requirements, including UK BPSS or UK SC clearance. Flexible working and long-term career development are highlighted.