Lead Quality Engineer

Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA), one of Europe's leading aerospace forging and precision manufacturing companies, is expanding and looking to recruit a Lead Quality Engineer to join its Sheffield-based team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Lead Quality Engineer to join a highly respected aerospace manufacturing organisation. Working across Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Metallurgy functions, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving product quality, process capability and compliance across one of the most technically advanced forging operations in Europe.

Company Details - Independent Forgings and Alloys

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as 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. Through extensive forging and manufacturing processes, IFA offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products. As a key supplier into the global aerospace sector, IFA manufactures critical forged components for some of the world's most demanding aerospace applications, operating to the highest standards of quality, compliance and manufacturing excellence.

Job Vacancy

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 will focus 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.

Key Responsibilities

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
Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management

Qualifications and Experience

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

Salary Information

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

Recruitment Process

This position is being recruited exclusively by W Talent Recruitment, who will be conducting the first-stage pre-screen interview. Any questions, please contact Glyn Dobb at W Talent directly.