Graduate Supplier Quality Development (SQD) Engineer

Shape the quality of the vehicles of tomorrow

Are you an ambitious engineering graduate looking to start your career in a fast-paced, global automotive environment?

Nissan's Supplier Quality Development (SQD) team is responsible for ensuring that every component supplied to our manufacturing operations meets the highest standards of quality, reliability and performance. As a Graduate SQD Engineer, you will work with suppliers, engineers, manufacturing teams and purchasing functions to develop robust manufacturing processes and deliver quality excellence.

This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at either Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (Sunderland) or Nissan Technical Centre Europe (Cranfield), whilst working with suppliers across the UK, Europe and beyond.

Location: Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK (NMUK), Sunderland or Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE), Cranfield
Department: Supplier Quality Development (SQD)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Travel: UK, Europe and occasional global

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Graduate SQD Engineer, you will:

• Work alongside experienced SQD engineers gaining on the job training
• Gain expertise in automotive manufacturing technologies and quality systems
• Become a formally Certified Nissan Auditor
• Support supplier quality investigations and improvement activities
• Assist with supplier assessments, process audits and quality reviews
• Monitor supplier quality performance and identify trends using data analysis
• Support New Model Introduction and vehicle launch activities
• Review manufacturing processes, quality controls and production readiness
• Participate in NPQP (Nissan Product Quality Procedure) and problem-solving activities
• Work hand in hand with Purchasing, Engineering and Plant Quality teams
• Support suppliers in implementing corrective and preventive actions

What You'll Learn:

Our structured SQD development programme will provide exposure to:

• Supplier Quality Management
• Supplier Auditing and Assessment
• Automotive Manufacturing Technologies & Process Evaluation
• New Supplier Sourcing Activities
• Quality Improvement Methodologies
• Data Analysis and Quality Reporting

You will be mentored by experienced SQD engineers and develop the skills required to become a future specialist in supplier quality and manufacturing excellence. SQD career development includes training and progression through recognised Audit Certification.

What We're Looking For:

Essential:

• Undergraduate or Postgraduate Degree in Engineering (2:1/merit or higher)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to enable you to lead best decision making
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams to achieve the best results for the business
• Flexibility and adaptability to thrive in the fast-paced, dynamic automative manufacturing environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Full UK driving licence
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally

Please note the successful candidate is expected to commence employment in January 2027 and we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Sponsorship may only be available if the role becomes permanent in January 2029. Applicants must therefore have an existing and independent right to work in the UK for the duration of the fixed-term position.

Desirable but not essential:

• Placement year, internship or project experience within manufacturing or engineering.
• Knowledge of automotive quality tools and methodologies such as:
  • FMEA
  • Control Plans
  • 8D Problem Solving
  • IATF 16949

What we offer:

 We firmly believe that investment in our employees is integral to their growth and success. As a member of our team, you will have access to many of our benefits - because we want you to feel cared for, supported, and engaged at Nissan. Alongside comprehensive career development and learning opportunities, you will also have access to a wide range of employee benefits. 

• Competitive base salary starting at £35,967.91
• Remote Working Policy (maximum 2 days per week WFH)
• Flexible Working Options
• 39 hours per week
  • NTCE Standard Working Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-1:20pm
  • NMUK Standard Working Hours: Mon - Thurs 7:55am - 4.40pm, Fri 7.55am - 2.25pm
• 2+/- flexible hour adjustments (Subject to manager approval)
• 26 days holiday + Bank Holidays
• Free Private Medical Cover
• Nissan Car Ownership and Finance Scheme
• Free onsite parking & subsidised restaurant
• Onsite Gym Facilities

At Nissan we believe that diversity gives us strength and is key to the success of our business. That’s why we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer and have a range of Talent initiatives in place, such as high potential development, leadership, and career coaching to support our female workforce. In a male dominated industry, our UK data shows that on average, women’s mean hourly pay is more than men. We pride ourselves on being a transparent, cross-cultural, and competitive business; we want you to challenge the norm and contribute to improvement whether you’ve been here ten days or ten years, so apply now to join Nissan!

 Diversity and Inclusion:

 All of us at Nissan - regardless of functional area or expertise - share a passion to design, manufacture and sell high-performance, fun to drive vehicles. Nissan is an Equal Opportunity Employer for all. Applicants will be considered for all positions regardless of race, gender, military status, disability, or any other status protected by law.

Please note, it is a mandatory requirement to include your CV with your application. A cover letter may be submitted at your discretion.