Programme Quality Engineer
Location: Kidlington, Oxfordshire
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Programme Quality Engineer to play a key role in delivering high-quality engineering programmes from concept through to series production. This role is ideal for a quality professional with strong programme experience who thrives in fast-paced, cross‑functional environments.
About the Role
You will be responsible for assuring the quality of product design and development programmes across the full programme lifecycle. Acting as the central point of contact for all quality-related activities, you will ensure compliance with quality standards, drive continuous improvement, and enable a seamless transition from development into operational delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage quality activities across full programme lifecycle and New Product Introduction (NPI).
- Establish and maintain a Programme Quality Management Plan (PQMP) aligned with ISO 9001.
- Act as the quality point of contact for engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and programme teams.
- Support and provide direction during DFMEA, PFMEA, DFM and Control Plan reviews.
- Ensure quality deliverables are achieved at each programme milestone and support internal and customer gate reviews.
- Manage APQP/NPCS compliance through development to series production, ensuring lessons learned are embedded.
- Ensure PPAP requirements are documented, reviewed and meet customer expectations.
- Lead root cause analysis, CAPA implementation and resolution of development and early production issues.
- Monitor, analyse and report quality KPIs, identifying trends and driving continuous improvement.
- Ensure supplier quality activities meet customer, regulatory and programme requirements.
- Maintain compliance with company quality systems and support the development of ISO 9001‑aligned processes, tools and systems.
- Provide relevant quality data to support new programmes and team members.
- Manage and deliver a structured handover of projects into operations.
Must Have
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience delivering programmes across the full programme lifecycle (including NPI).
- Minimum 10 years' experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering or Programme roles.
- Proven experience working cross‑functionally within engineering and manufacturing environments.
- Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 and Quality Management Systems.
- Hands-on experience with APQP/NPCS, PPAP, FMEA, MSA and Control Plans.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality or equivalent experience.
- Experience in product development from concept to start of production and beyond.
- Experience in supplier quality, inspection and test planning.
- Ability to interpret complex quality data and drive improvement actions.
- Experience supporting design validation activities, including DVP&R and design reviews.
Desirable
- Exposure to customer-specific or OEM quality requirements and audits.
- Experience working with contract manufacturing partners.
- Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001).
- Experience within automotive, EV, mobility, green energy or heavy vehicle sectors.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949 or similar quality systems.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a forward-thinking engineering environment where quality, collaboration and innovation are at the heart of programme delivery.
