Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer - Aerospace Manufacturing

Location: Portsmouth, UK

Company: F.P.T. Industries Ltd – DART Aerospace

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Join DART Aerospace

DART Aerospace is a global aerospace manufacturer delivering mission-critical equipment and solutions to customers across the commercial and defence aerospace sectors.

At our Portsmouth facility, F.P.T. Industries manufactures safety-critical aerospace products, including aircraft fuel systems and emergency flotation equipment, within a highly regulated manufacturing environment.

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring aerospace products, processes and systems consistently meet regulatory, customer and organisational requirements. The role supports the effectiveness of the Quality Management System through product assurance, process validation, root cause investigation, supplier quality oversight and continuous improvement activities.

What You'll Do

Working closely with manufacturing, engineering, inspection and supply chain functions, the Quality Engineer ensures compliance with AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001, CAA Part 21G and customer requirements while promoting operational excellence and product conformity.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain and improve the Quality Management System in compliance with AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001, CAA Part 21G and customer requirements.
• Conduct product, process and system audits, supporting regulatory and customer oversight activities.
• Lead non-conformance investigations and corrective action activities using recognised root cause methodologies.
• Perform First Article Inspection activities in accordance with AS9102 requirements.
• Support supplier quality management, including monitoring, auditing and performance improvement initiatives.
• Participate in MRB activities and disposition of non-conforming products.
• Support customer complaint investigations and implementation of corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, inspection plans and process controls.
• Deliver quality awareness training and support competence development activities
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma and risk-based quality tools

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years' experience within an aerospace quality, manufacturing or maintenance environment.
• Demonstrable experience conducting product, process and system audits.
• Experience managing non-conformances, root cause investigations and corrective actions (8D, 5 Why).
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems, Safety Management Systems and aviation regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting supplier quality and product conformity activities.
• Strong analytical, communication and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and electronic quality management systems.
• Degree, HNC or HND in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality or a related discipline.
• Formal auditor training with practical auditing experience.
• Good understanding of aviation quality management principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Full right to work in the UK and willingness to travel when required.

You may stand an advantage with:

• Experience working within Part 21G and/or Part 145 environments.
• Experience supporting CAA, EASA, FAA, customer and third-party audits.
• Working knowledge of Part 21 Subpart G and associated AMC & GM.
• Practical application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or equivalent continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of Human Factors and aviation Safety Management Systems.
• Experience with Form 1 and Certificate of Conformity release processes.
• Risk assessment and risk management experience.
• AS9100 Rev D Auditor or Lead Auditor certification.
• Formal Part 21G and/or Part 145 training.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent continuous improvement qualification.
• Human Factors training relevant to aerospace manufacturing or maintenance organisations.
• Safety Management System (SMS) training within an aviation environment.

What We'll Offer

Once you're on board you'll get the following perks and benefits:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Industry Leading Pension Scheme = we'll match your contributions up to 8% on a 1 : 1.5 basis
• Life Assurance 8 x salary
• Income protection
• Shopping discounts
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A collaborative, dynamic working environment

The core hours for this position are:

• Monday to Thursday 07:30 - 16:15
• Every second Friday 07:30 - 16:00

Apply now to join DART Aerospace in Portsmouth.