Supplier Quality Engineer - 2142

# Supplier Quality Engineer - 2142 > Thorlabs · Ely, United Kingdom · Full-time · Posted 2026-09-02 **Workplace:** on_site **Department:** Quality Engineering-Budget (FTC/TEMP/Budgeted Head/Replacement) ## Description **What is the job?** With support from other Thorlabs departments, engage and collaborate with Thorlabs supply chain to implement best practices that eliminate waste, emphasise defect prevention, reduce component variation, ensure on-time delivery and nurture an environment of continuous improvement. In co-operation with Thorlabs Quality, Purchasing and Engineering functions, perform root cause analysis with suppliers and implement corrective action plans to prevent poor quality. Offer technical support to existing and prospective suppliers to enhance supplier capability and performance. **Working Hours:** Monday to Friday 8am – 4:30pm (office based) **Department:** Quality Engineering **Interview process:** 2 stage process following shortlisting (w/c 14th September): 30-minute Teams call with HR; First stage: 1 hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 2 hour interview **What we would like you to do/ to see…** · Leading Supplier Audits, collating and presenting the results that highlight any risks to the business. · Support strategically selected suppliers by performing on-site supplier visits, raising and validating Supplier Corrective Action Reports. · Experience of working with CNC machined parts to very tight tolerances, and understanding of metal finishing processes, particularly anodising, preferred but not essential. · Engage in supply chain improvements by active and collaborative supplier engagement to eliminate waste and emphasise defect prevention. · Develop an understanding and utilise continuous improvement tools such as Lean, Six-Sigma, Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing), Measurement System Analysis and Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) to enhance supplier performance · Collaborate with other teams to monitor and critique key supplier quality data to identify process improvement opportunities within the supply chain · Collaborate with Engineering teams (R&D, NPI, Quality, and Manufacturing) · Produce and present concise supplier action plan summaries with internally agreed KPIs to monitor and track impact of supplier quality improvements on cost, quality, and on-time delivery · Develop a supplier audit programme to ensure corrective actions are maintained by periodic verification **Who we are?** Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line. **Where you will be working?** You will be working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station. ## Requirements **What is essential to us…** · Degree qualified in Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, Quality Engineering or equivalent. · Minimum 3 years’ experience in an equivalent Supplier Quality Engineering role · Basic to intermediate understanding of Lean principles and their practical implementation within the supply chain, · the ability to coach suppliers to adopt lean principles (including but not limited to SMED, PFEP, EPEI, and pull) · Basic to intermediate experience in Supplier quality development and working with suppliers to meet agreed quality standards · Appreciation of Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) & Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA); experience in Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) would be beneficial · Ability to understand and interpret high precision engineering drawings (down to micron level tolerances would be beneficial) · Experience in a low volume, high mix manufacturing environment · Substantial ability to create and enhance working relationships with suppliers to partner in their pursuit of zero defects · Experience in working with a multidisciplinary project team to drive improvement projects · Ability to multitask, time manage, work independently and identify and resolve problems quickly **What will you get?** At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment. **And the benefits are?** Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays. **Job Reference:** THOR-VC-2142 This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old. _\*This is a legal requirement, further information is here_ [_School leaving age - ()_](https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fknow-when-you-can-leave-school&data=05%7C02%7CSFuller%40thorlabs.com%7Cc4ba59233f5248ddc83308dcc801c66e%7C411510044224448aa787d4279c1f087d%7C0%7C0%7C638605157155394887%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=HtICNYMJkx9yOZDbdWEKDxBJjxTB0l4YorqReApKZDk%3D&reserved=0) All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK. _**We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.**_ ## Benefits  -Contributed Pension Scheme  -Group Life Cover  -Private Health Care  -Group Income Protection & more. Please apply through the Apply for this job button or send a copy of your CV along with a covering letter and your salary expectations to: Human Resources at Thorlabs Ltd, 204 Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely, Cambs, CB6 3NX or e-mail . We are Disability Confident Committed _In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process._ ## Apply [Apply at Thorlabs](https://apply.workable.com/thorlabs/j/B507C4DF87/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)