NPI Change Validation Engineer

Job Title: NPI Change Validation Engineer
Location: Crewe, Cheshire (CW1 4QG)
Company: auto-scan
Pay Rate: £30-£32 Ltd Contractor (PAYE rates available also)

About Us

Auto-scan is a leading provider of quality assurance and inspection services to the automotive industry. With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, we partner with top automotive manufacturers to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety.

The Role

The automotive supply chain has to move at pace to meet the demands of its OEM customer.  To ensure changes in component specification, production & assembly process adjustment and relocations are robustly managed, we are looking for an analytical and detail-oriented NPI / Change Validation Engineer to join our dedicated on-site team supporting our premium automotive client. In this role, you will be the driving force behind part validation, and engineering change implementation. You will need to be a confident cross-functional communicator capable of liaising with design engineers, purchasing, logistics, and tier-1 suppliers.

You will work closely with cross-functional engineering teams, logistics, purchasing, and Tier-1 suppliers to ensure engineering changes, component approval, fit trials, and permit authorisations are delivered seamlessly to project timing and quality milestones.

**Key Responsibilities

**

Engineering Change & Process Tracking

• Review incoming Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and relocation notifications on a weekly and ad-hoc basis
• Maintain internal change trackers, update technical documentation, and ensure full visibility of project scope and timing
• Raise internal and external work requests and support scoping and quotation activities for upcoming engineering changes

Systems, Compliance & Part Approval

• Conduct detailed drawing reviews and approvals, verifying part releases and reallocating actions across the team where necessary
• Perform IMDS (International Material Data System) compliance over checks on incoming supplier reports
• Coordinate and oversee laboratory overchecks and quality reviews in line with client quality standards

Fit Trials & Physical Validation

• Request and coordinate physical Fit Trials, managing part ordering, availability, and internal movement alongside the logistics team
• Attend and oversee fit trials on-site, analyze results, identify defects or clearance issues, and escalate findings to engineering modules
• Facilitate permit requirements—collating technical data, managing permit documentation, and driving permit sign-off and authorization

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Delivery

• Represent the change management team in weekly module meetings, project updates, parts clubs, and QMB (Quality Management Board) sessions.
• Monitor project milestones, proactively identify blockers, and escalate project risks to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Conduct and attend supplier and client site visits to assess manufacturing readiness and resolve technical roadblocks.

Supplier Engagement & Risk Management

• Lead technical discussions and regular alignment meetings with high-impact system suppliers
• Ensure suppliers deliver against agreed sample part delivery schedules and quality standards

Working Hours

Monday to Thursday 07:00 AM — 15:30 PM

Friday 07:00 AM — 12:00 PM

Please Note: All candidates must possess valid right to work in the UK without restrictions and must undergo a standard criminal record check (DBS).

All applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

We are NOT able to support Visa Sponsorship for this role.

We DO NOT accept speculative CVs from Recruitment Agencies.

Requirements

Essential Experience: 

• Proven experience in automotive quality, engineering change coordination, manufacturing engineering, or vehicle build environments
• Previous experience of change management tools such APQP & PPAP
• Proven experience of managing multiple change points across multiple suppliers
• General knowledge of good manufacturing practices
• Driving suppliers through the change management process

Essential Technical Skills: 

• Sound understanding of engineering change procedures (ECRs)
• Part fabrication, workshop fit trials, and quality validation processes.  
• Proficient in application APQP, PPAP processes
• Ability to read engineering drawings
• Proficient in the use & application of 8D or similar problem solving tools 
• Ability to assess risk level for all ECR’s 
• Escalation of identified risks at the appropriate time

Systems Knowledge: 

• Hands-on experience with OEM change tracking and release management systems (such as BEON, IMDS, or equivalent OEM PLM/PDM platforms).
• Communication: Confident cross-functional communicator capable of liaising with design engineers, purchasing, logistics, and tier-1 suppliers.

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Auto-scan is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

💭 For More Information:

Visit our careers site or contact our Recruitment team at a.munro@autoscan.co.uk

Join Auto-scan and be a part of a team dedicated to driving excellence in the automotive industry!

We are a Forces friendly employer, and welcome applications from the Armed Forces community. 

Benefits

• World-Class manufacturing facilities
• Free on-site Car parking
• Early finish on a Friday
• Career Progression Opportunities
• £28-£30 Per Hour Ltd (PAYE rate also offered)