Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Salary: £37,000£43,000 per annum + Performance Bonus

About the Role

An established precision engineering manufacturer serving the aerospace and defence sectors is seeking a proactive and technically capable Quality Engineer to support New Product Introduction (NPI) and ongoing product quality across its manufacturing operations.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established business where quality, innovation and continuous improvement are central to success. Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering and Production teams, you will play a key role in ensuring products meet customer, regulatory and internal quality requirements from initial development through to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring quality requirements are embedded throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct and review First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR) in accordance with customer and industry standards.
• Interpret engineering drawings, specifications and customer requirements to verify product conformity.
• Investigate non-conformances, identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Manage Material Review Board (MRB) activities and support concession and deviation requests.
• Carry out inspections using a variety of measurement equipment, including:
  • Conventional hand measuring equipment
  • Keyence optical measurement systems
  • Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
• Work collaboratively with Production and Engineering teams to resolve quality issues and reduce manufacturing defects.
• Support internal and external quality audits.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, process capability and product quality.
• Assist with customer quality enquiries and support quality documentation where required.
• Ensure compliance with customer, regulatory and company quality standards.

Essential Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years' experience as a Quality Engineer or in a similar quality role within a manufacturing environment.
• Alternatively, a time-served Quality Inspector with strong technical knowledge looking to progress into an engineering role.
• Ability to confidently read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T and technical specifications.
• Sound understanding of manufacturing processes from raw material through to finished product.
• Experience within precision engineering, aerospace, defence or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Integrated Management Systems (IMS).
• Practical experience of:
  • First Article Inspection (FAIR)
  • Non-conformance management
  • Material Review Board (MRB) processes
  • Concession and deviation management
  • Root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Competent in a range of inspection techniques and metrology equipment.

Desirable

• Working knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace quality requirements.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programmes.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Internal auditing experience.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• An excellent problem solver with strong analytical skills.
• Confident making informed decisions using data and evidence.
• Practical, pragmatic and solutions focused.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and waste elimination.
• An effective communicator who can build positive working relationships across multiple departments.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Capable of managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proactive, self-motivated and committed to delivering high-quality results.

Health, Safety & Quality

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and quality by:

• Working safely at all times.
• Complying with all Health & Safety procedures and company policies.
• Supporting and maintaining established 5S workplace standards.
• Promoting a culture of quality, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What's on Offer

• Performance bonus paid every six months.
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging projects within the aerospace and defence supply chain.
• Career development within a successful and growing precision engineering business.
• Supportive working environment with ongoing training and professional development opportunities.