Supplier Quality Engineer

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provide avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAV’s. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

As a Supplier Quality Engineer, you will work closely with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to ensure supplier performance, quality, and compliance across our supply chain. You will drive continuous improvement initiatives, support supplier development, and act as a key interface between suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring, measuring, and improving supplier quality performance.
• Investigating supplier-related non-conformances, identifying root causes, and driving corrective actions.
• Conducting supplier audits and assessments, including on-site and remote evaluations of quality systems, processes, and controls.
• Supporting supplier approval, development, performance reviews, and rationalisation activities.
• Managing supplier quality issues and ensuring timely resolution through robust action plans.
• Reviewing and approving supplier quality documentation, inspection plans, and control processes.
• Analysing supplier quality trends and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Providing day-to-day quality engineering support to suppliers and internal teams.
• Managing customer returns for supplier repairs and maintaining supplier audit and performance records.
• Supporting counterfeit prevention activities and cross-functional quality improvement projects.
• Building strong relationships with suppliers and promoting lean, cost-effective supply chain practices.

We're looking for a proactive and analytical quality professional with experience working in supplier quality, manufacturing, or engineering environments.

Essential skills and experience include:

• Experience conducting supplier or quality audits in line with ISO 9001 requirements.
• Working knowledge of quality tools and methodologies such as APQP, FMEA/PFMEA, PPAP, SPC, and MSA.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong project leadership, problem-solving, and continuous improvement skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Commercial awareness and a customer-focused approach when working with internal teams and suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• A positive, adaptable mindset and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to identify risks, challenges, and opportunities, and develop effective mitigation strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Significant experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, or a similar technical field.

Desirable:

• Experience using Oracle or other ERP systems.
• Experience within highly regulated manufacturing, aerospace, defence, or engineering environments.
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred

This role has a salary of between £45,600 - £57,000 plus our flexible benefits package.

We are open to this role being spent with time working from home and in the office (hybrid - typically 3 days working in office).

This role will involve occasional travel to supplier sites across the UK, with some international travel within Europe as required.

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits:

• A compressed nine-day fortnight and compressed hours - which means every other Friday off.
• A personalized career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews - supporting and valuing your progression within the Company.
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognized and rewarded with flexible benefits

We believe in maintaining a diverse workplace - inclusive of beliefs, cultural background, job experiences, thoughts and ideas. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we welcome you to join our inclusive team!

Our success is fuelled by our colleagues and the wide variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills they bring to the Company.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, as such we offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Please email [email protected] if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks.

Every application matters to us. We want you to know that each application we receive is reviewed by a real person-not just an algorithm. Our screening questions are also carefully considered to help us understand your experience and fit for the role.

We appreciate the time you take to apply.