Key Takeaways
- Gain hands-on experience as a Graduate Supplier Quality Development Engineer in the automotive industry.
- Requires an Engineering degree (2:1/merit or higher) and a full UK driving licence.
- Opportunity to work at Nissan Sunderland or Cranfield, with travel across the UK and Europe.
- Successful candidates will start in January 2027 and must have the independent right to work in the UK.
About the Role
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.
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 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.