Job Description

General information

Job Title
SQD Engineer
Ref #
P1005069
Employment Type
Permanent
Department
Engineering
Position level
Engineer
Date
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
AESC Office Location
Sunderland 2, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom

Description & Requirements

The Supplier Quality Engineer (SQE/SQD) is responsible for ensuring that all battery-related components, raw materials, and services sourced from suppliers meet stringent quality requirements for safety, performance, and reliability. This includes managing the quality of high-voltage components, battery cells/modules, thermal management systems, electrical connectors, and structural parts. The SQE works closely with suppliers, Purchasing,


Engineering, and Manufacturing to drive Zero Defect Culture and secure a robust, compliant, and sustainable supply chain.

Outline and Responsibilities:

Supplier Development Qualification:Evaluate and qualify new suppliers through audits, capability assessments, and technical reviews, focusing on materials and processes critical to battery safety and performance. Lead APQP and PPAP activities for new battery-related components (cells, modules, BMS, cooling plates, enclosures, etc.). Verify supplier manufacturing process controls, for high-voltage safety, traceability, and cleanliness requirements (VDA 19.1 / VDA 19.2).


Quality Assurance Compliance:Ensure supplier compliance with automotive and battery industry standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, VDA 6.3, UN 38.3, IEC 62660). Conduct process and system audits, including special process verification (e.g., welding, coating, adhesive application). Manage supplier documentation to ensure compliance with technical specifications, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations.


Problem Solving Issue Resolution:Lead investigations into supplier-related non-conformances, including safety- critical failures, functional performance issues, and contamination problems. Apply structured problem-solving (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa) to address root causes and prevent recurrence. Collaborate with suppliers to implement corrective and preventive actions, ensuring timely closure and verification of effectiveness.


Continuous Improvement Risk Reduction:Monitor supplier performance through KPIs (PPM, audit scores, OTD, incident recurrence rate) and conduct regular supplier performance reviews. Support supplier process optimization projects to improve consistency, reduce variability, and eliminate sources of contamination. Promote Zero Defect Culture and proactive quality management across the supplier base.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Materials, or Industrial Engineering. 3-5 years of experience in Supplier Quality, preferably in automotive battery manufacturing or high-voltage systems. Knowledge of manufacturing processes for battery components, including cell production, module assembly, welding, sealing, and electronics manufacturing.


Skills Competencies:Strong understanding of quality tools and standards: PPAP, APQP, MSA, SPC, FMEA. Knowledge of contamination control requirements (VDA 19.1, VDA 19.2). Experience with high-voltage safety and regulatory compliance (UN 38.3, IEC standards). Excellent communication, negotiation, and supplier management skills. Ability to travel domestically and internationally (up to X%).


Preferred:VDA 6.3 Process Auditor certification. Experience with lithium-ion battery manufacturing and testing processes. Knowledge of advanced manufacturing quality control technologies (X-ray, leak testing, EOL testing).

AESC Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays Holiday purchase / sell scheme Enhanced life assurance Enhanced pension scheme Enhanced maternity / paternity pay Dental plan Summer and Christmas savings club Flexible working office roles
Cycle to work scheme Pay based appraisal Employee referral scheme * Discounted gym membership