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 with in 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.