Current vacancies

Quality Engineer
Dundee

Job Summary

The Quality Engineer is responsible for supporting and improving product and process quality across manufacturing.

The role works closely with Production, Technical, Quality, Suppliers and Customers to ensure products and processes meet customer, regulatory and internal requirements.

The Quality Engineer will use techniques, data analysis and continuous improvement methodologies to identify and resolve quality issues, lead continuous improvement projects and improve process performance across production.

Product and Process Quality

Assist with ensuring products are manufactured in accordance with customer specifications, drawings, procedures and internal quality standards
Support incoming, in-process and final inspection activities
Carry out incoming inspections of raw materials, components and consumables. Record and collect data to better evaluate supplier performance
Raise and communicate quality concerns and issues to the Quality Manager and wider UCS team
Collaborate with production teams to identify opportunities to improve process capability, consistency and product quality
Support the development and implementation of appropriate quality controls and inspection methods
Ensure inspection and scanning areas are organised and appropriately equipped to efficiently manage product flow
Support the creation and implementation of new process flows covering goods-in through to goods-out.
Support post-processing activities, including batch scanning and baking

Quality Inspection and Data Analysis

Collect, analyse and interpret quality and production data to identify trends, recurring issues and opportunities for improvement
Maintain accurate quality records and ensure inspection results are appropriately documented
Utilise statistical and analytical techniques to support data-driven decision making
Support the development and monitoring of quality KPIs
Support the investigation of non-conforming product and ensure appropriate containment actions are implemented

Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions

Participate in root cause investigations and corrective action activities
Participate in 8D investigations at the request of the Quality Manager
Support the identification of root causes using objective evidence and meaningful data
Develop and implement corrective and preventative actions to eliminate the recurrence of quality issues
Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions and verify that improvements have been sustained

Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence

Identify, support and lead continuous improvement initiatives across production
Lead and participate in Operational Excellence projects focused on improving quality, productivity and process reliability
Support improvement projects
Use lean and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce defects, waste and variation
Identify opportunities to improve process controls and reduce the risk of human error

Quality Management System and Documentation

Generation of customer specific quality documentation
Maintain and update work instructions, procedures and quality documentation where/if required
Ensure quality documentation out on the production floor is accurate, current and aligned with operational requirements and report any deviations to the Quality Manager/UCS Team

Customers and Suppliers

Work with suppliers to ensure materials, components and consumables meet UCS requirements
Support the investigation and resolution of supplier quality issues
Maintain the incoming substrate inspection process ensuring all records are accurate and any non-conforming material is reported and contained
Support the investigation and resolution of customer quality concerns
Partner with intercompany sites to establish consistent quality standards and improve site to site collaboration
Ensure customer requirements are understood and effectively communicated to relevant internal teams

Production and Cross-Functional Support

Attend Operations, customer, intercompany and supplier meetings to provide relevant quality input and updates
Work closely with Production and Technical to resolve quality and process issues
Ensure actions and improvements implemented by the Quality Manager are understood, completed and sustained by Production teams
Promote effective communication between Quality and Production to ensure quality issues are identified and addressed promptly.

EHS and Compliance

Lead by example with regard to compliance with company EHS procedures, policies and standards.
Follow all safety and environmental requirements in accordance with Umicore standards.
Ensure appropriate PPE is used when required.
Comply with COSHH requirements and relevant chemical handling procedures.
Participate in and support risk assessments and safe working practices.
Identify and communicate potential EHS risks associated with quality and production activities.
Promote a strong safety and environmental culture within the workplace.

Professional Development

Stay up to date with relevant quality standards, customer requirements and industry regulations
Maintain an awareness of developments in quality engineering, manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
Continually develop knowledge and competence in quality tools and techniques.
Promote the use of structured, data-driven approaches to quality improvement.

Quality Engineer - Knowledge and Skills

Essential

3+ years experience within a manufacturing, engineering or quality environment
Excellent IT skills with proficiency in data analysis and statistical methods
Strong attention to detail and commitment to excellence
Understanding of Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence and how it relates to precision manufacturing
Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills
Understanding of Six Sigma Methodologies
Ability to work with multi-national sites and personnel
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Excellent record keeping

Quality Engineer - Desirable

Experience within an optical coating environment or relevant knowledge of the optics/optical coating industry
Lean Six Sigma Qualification or be willing to work towards achieving Green Belt status within first 2 years
Experience participating and/or leading improvement projects
Ability to implement automation into UCS process flows where relevant