Lead Quality Engineer

Position Overview

As the Lead Quality Engineer, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing facility, taking ownership of key quality engineering activities across aerospace manufacturing operations. You will work closely with Production, Engineering and Metallurgy teams to ensure product conformity, resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses on root cause analysis, non-conformance management, process capability improvement, audit support and ensuring compliance with aerospace customer and regulatory requirements.

You will act as a key technical quality authority within the business, supporting both reactive problem‑solving and proactive quality improvement activities.

• Lead and support investigation of internal manufacturing non‑conformances and quality issues
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions
• Drive improvements in product quality, process capability and manufacturing performance
• Support and lead quality engineering activities across aerospace manufacturing processes
• Analyse quality data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities
• Support process validation, control plans and FMEA activities
• Work closely with Production, Engineering and Metallurgy teams to ensure compliance with customer, aerospace and regulatory requirements
• Support internal, customer and third‑party audits, including ISO 9001, AS9100 and NADCAP assessments
• Develop and maintain quality documentation, procedures and technical standards
• Support new product introduction and manufacturing readiness activities
• Lead problem‑solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D and RCCA
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
• Provide technical support and guidance to production teams on quality‑related issues
• Participate in risk assessments and quality planning activities

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Materials or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Previous experience in a Quality Engineer or Senior Quality Engineer role within aerospace or regulated manufacturing
• Experience investigating non‑conformances and leading corrective action activities
• Strong root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving skills
• Experience working with engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation
• Knowledge of quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, PFMEA, SPC, APQP and RCCA
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably forging, metals, machining or special alloys
• Experience supporting internal and external audits
• Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive quality improvements
• Lead Auditor qualification or auditing experience would be highly advantageous

• Starting salary between £45,000 - £50,000, depending on experience
• Permanent position with long‑term career opportunities
• Training and professional development support
• Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment
• 33 days holiday
• Pension scheme with employer contribution
• Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan
• On‑site parking available

Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is one of Europe’s leading aerospace forging and precision manufacturing companies. IFA is the only single‑sited forge with open‑die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed‑die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. The company offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products, supporting a global aerospace sector with critically forged components for demanding applications.

IFA operates to the highest standards of quality, compliance and manufacturing excellence.