Quality Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing
Location: Basildon, Essex (On-site)
Parkside Recruitment is supporting an established international automotive manufacturer as they launch a brand-new UK production facility in Basildon.
Specialising in plastic injection moulding, automated painting and assembly operations, this new site represents a significant investment and offers the opportunity to join the business at an exciting stage of growth.
We are seeking a hands-on Quality Engineer to support quality assurance, process validation and continuous improvement activities across the manufacturing operation. This role offers genuine progression towards a future Quality Manager position as the UK facility expands.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Plant Manager, Production and Group Quality teams, you will play a key role in establishing and maintaining quality standards across injection moulding, painting and assembly processes.
This is an ideal opportunity for a Quality Engineer with automotive manufacturing experience who enjoys being visible on the shop floor and wants to help shape quality systems and standards within a growing operation.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Product Launch
• Support APQP activities and new product introductions
• Prepare and maintain PPAP documentation
• Develop and update Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans and PFMEAs
• Support compliance with customer-specific requirements and automotive quality standards
• Participate in internal, customer and third-party audits
• Support corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D
Manufacturing Quality & Process Validation
• Support qualification and validation of injection moulding, painting and assembly processes
• Conduct process capability studies and quality analysis
• Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure stability and compliance
• Work closely with production and engineering teams to identify improvement opportunities
• Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions
Painting & Surface Finishing Quality
• Support qualification and monitoring of paint and coating processes
• Investigate paint-related defects and quality concerns
• Assist with cosmetic defect assessment and appearance standards
• Support initiatives to improve product quality and process consistency
Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement
• Support incoming, in-process and final inspection activities
• Analyse quality performance data and prepare reports
• Assist with customer complaint investigations and containment activities
• Drive quality improvement and scrap reduction initiatives
• Promote a culture of quality throughout the organisation
Candidate Requirements
Essential
• Experience within an automotive manufacturing environment
• Previous experience in a Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Process Quality Engineer or similar position
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, Control Plans and PFMEA
• Experience supporting audits and quality investigations
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• Hands-on approach with a strong shop floor presence
Desirable
• Experience within plastic injection moulding manufacturing
• Knowledge of paint, coating or surface finishing processes
• Understanding of IATF 16949 requirements
• Experience conducting process capability studies (Cp/Cpk)
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma exposure
Why Join?
• Join a brand-new UK automotive manufacturing facility during launch phase
• Opportunity to influence quality systems, processes and standards from day one
• Work within an established international manufacturing group
• Clear progression pathway towards Quality Manager
• Long-term career development within a growing operation
