Quality Control Engineer, Automotive

Essential Job Functions & Minimum Requirements

Role Overview

The Quality Control (QC) Engineer will ensure product quality, process compliance and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations within the automotive product line. This role combines hands-on inspection, data analysis and cross-functional coordination to verify that parts and assemblies meet design specifications, safety standards and customer requirements from incoming materials through final release.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspection and testing: Perform incoming, in-process and final inspections using appropriate measurement tools and test equipment; validate dimensional, functional and cosmetic requirements against specifications and control plans.

• Non-conformance management: Identify, document and segregate non-conforming materials and products; raise and investigate NCRs (Non-Conformance Reports), determine root cause and support containment and corrective actions.

• Process monitoring: Monitor production processes and quality metrics (e.g. scrap, yield, PPAP, SPC); conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to work instructions and quality procedures.

• Data analysis and reporting: Collect and analyse inspection data; prepare quality reports, trend charts and KPIs to support management review and decision-making.

• Continuous improvement: Support and lead improvement projects (6S, Lean, Six Sigma) to reduce variability, waste and defects; propose and implement process changes and monitor effectiveness.

• Supplier quality: Liaise with suppliers to communicate quality requirements, perform supplier audits where required and support incoming material quality improvements.

• Documentation and compliance: Maintain and update quality documentation including control plans, inspection routes, work instructions and test records; ensure compliance with automotive standards (IATF 16949) and customer-specific requirements.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with production, engineering, design and logistics teams to resolve quality issues, support new product introductions and ensure effective handover of corrective actions.

• Training and support: Provide training and guidance to production staff on inspection techniques, measurement systems and quality awareness; ensure correct use of gauges and test equipment.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, measurement techniques and quality control principles; ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.

• Analytical ability: Competent in data analysis, root cause investigation and use of statistical tools (SPC, FMEA) to drive corrective and preventive actions.

• Attention to detail: Meticulous approach to inspection and documentation, ensuring accuracy and traceability of records.

• Communication skills: Clear verbal and written communication; able to explain technical findings to production staff, engineers and suppliers.

• IT proficiency: Experience with quality management systems, Microsoft Office (Excel for data analysis) and familiarity with measurement software or databases.

• Problem solving: Practical, methodical approach to diagnosing issues and implementing robust solutions under time constraints.

Desired Traits

• Proactive: Anticipates quality risks and takes initiative to prevent recurrence.

• Collaborative: Works effectively across teams, building strong relationships to achieve shared quality objectives.

• Organised: Manages priorities, maintains accurate records and follows established procedures consistently.

• Adaptable: Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and responding to changing production demands.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

• 2+ years’ experience in quality control or quality engineering within the automotive or similar manufacturing sector preferred.

• Familiarity with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949) and customer-specific requirements; experience with PPAP, APQP and FMEA is advantageous.

• Experience using inspection equipment (calipers, micrometers, CMMs) and knowledge of measurement uncertainty; CAD awareness is beneficial.

• Practical experience with quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) is desirable.