Supplier Development Engineer

Job Title: Supplier Development Engineer

Location: Peterlee, County Durham (Fully Onsite)
Contract Duration: 24 Months (Likely to extend)
Rate: £32- £42 per hour Inside IR35

Travel: Approximately 30% UK & European travel (fully expensed)

A global heavy equipment manufacturer in Peterlee is seeking an experienced Supplier Development Engineer to take full ownership of key European fabrication and tube suppliers during a major production ramp-up.

In this role, you will act as the technical and quality lead across your assigned supplier base-conducting audits, implementing quality gates, solving root-cause manufacturing issues, and driving continuous improvement to protect assembly line continuity.

What You'll Do

Lead supplier performance, audits, and quality control assessments across UK and European manufacturing partners.
Drive root-cause analysis (8D / 5-Why) and implement robust corrective action plans to eliminate recurring defects.
Manage end-to-end APQP and PPAP submissions for new and existing components.
Partner closely with internal engineering, procurement, and operations teams to safeguard production delivery and PPM targets.
Travel up to 30% to visit supplier sites across the UK and mainland Europe (trips typically 2-3 nights).

What You'll Bring

5+ years of experience in Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Supplier Development.
Hands-on technical expertise in welding, metal fabrication, and machining processes.
Quality Tooling Mastery: Proven track record running APQP, PPAP approvals, and supplier audits.
Problem-Solving Skills: Strong capability in root-cause analysis and establishing lasting process controls.
Education & Industry Background: Engineering degree preferred (or equivalent practical shop-floor experience) within Heavy Manufacturing, Automotive, Mining, Shipbuilding, Aerospace, or Wind Energy.
Full UK/EU driving licence and valid passport for European travel.

This is an urgent role where Hiring Manager is looking for Candidates immediately
If interested then apply with a copy of your CV or send your CV to khushboo .pandey 1 @ randstaddigital .com

Randstad Technologies is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed