Supplier Quality Engineer (Mechanical)
Location: Herstal, Belgium
Sector: Defence, Aerospace & Space
Introduction
Our client is a leading international technology and engineering organisation operating within the Defence, Aerospace, and Space sectors. Due to continued growth and increased production activity, they are seeking an experienced Supplier Quality Engineer (Mechanical) to support supplier performance and quality assurance activities at their Herstal site.
This is a hands-on position focused on managing supplier quality from supplier selection through to first production deliveries, ensuring compliance with industry standards, customer requirements, and business objectives.
Role Overview
The Supplier Quality Engineer will be responsible for overseeing supplier quality activities across the mechanical supply chain, working closely with suppliers, procurement, manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams.
The successful candidate will ensure suppliers meet required quality standards, support industrialisation activities, conduct audits, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to maintain delivery and performance targets.
Key Responsibilities
Supplier Quality Management
- Manage supplier quality activities from qualification through to first article and production acceptance.
- Ensure supplier compliance with quality requirements, industry standards, and customer expectations.
- Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
- Support supplier selection, evaluation, and onboarding processes.
Auditing & Compliance
- Conduct supplier audits and assessments.
- Perform internal audits in accordance with recognised quality standards.
- Verify compliance with quality management systems and manufacturing requirements.
- Support supplier development and continuous improvement initiatives.
Industrialisation & Production Support
- Support product development and industrialisation phases.
- Collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure smooth transition into production.
- Monitor supplier readiness during ramp-up activities.
- Support issue resolution throughout the product lifecycle.
Quality Assurance Activities
- Investigate non-conformities and drive corrective and preventive actions.
- Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities.
- Review quality documentation, inspection reports, and supplier records.
- Ensure robust quality control processes are implemented and maintained.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with Procurement, Engineering, Manufacturing, and Quality teams.
- Act as the primary quality interface between the organisation and external suppliers.
- Support supplier performance reviews and quality improvement plans.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Management, or a related discipline.
- Experience within Supplier Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Industrial Quality functions.
- Strong understanding of product development and industrialisation processes.
- Experience working directly with external suppliers in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Demonstrated ability to manage supplier quality issues and improvement programmes.
Technical Skills
- Knowledge of quality standards including:
- ISO 9001
- EN9100 / AS9100
- IPC-A-610
- IPC/WHMA-A-620
- Experience conducting:
- Internal audits
- Supplier audits
- Quality assessments
- Familiarity with:
- Root Cause Analysis
- Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
- Supplier Performance Management
- Quality Assurance methodologies
Essential Competencies
- Strong stakeholder management and supplier relationship skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently within a fast-paced industrial environment.
- Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality excellence.
Languages
- Fluent English.
- Fluent French.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to support major programmes within the Defence, Aerospace, and Space sectors.
- Exposure to advanced manufacturing and engineering environments.
- Key role within supplier quality and industrial performance improvement initiatives.
- Collaborative and international working environment.
- Long-term opportunity supporting ongoing growth and industrial expansion.
This position is based on-site in Herstal, Belgium, and is particularly suited to candidates with experience in Supplier Quality Engineering, Mechanical Manufacturing, Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, or other highly regulated industrial sectors.