Quality Engineer

Engineering Quality Lead & Inspector
We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven individual to head up our clients small Quality Assurance (QA) team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional with a passion for quality and leadership to make a significant impact within the organization. The role combines leadership in quality management with hands-on inspection responsibilities, ensuring high standards in all areas of our operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Management:

- Maintain and continuously improve an effective, company-wide Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100 Rev D and NADCAP standards.

- Ensure ongoing compliance with NADCAP requirements and other applicable regulations, legislation, and national/international standards.

- Develop, implement, and monitor policies, processes, standards, procedures, forms, and guidelines in collaboration with the General Manager.

- Establish and lead a culture of quality across the organization, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.

- Manage and oversee QMS and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) audits, ensuring compliance and driving corrective actions as needed.

- Work closely with sister branches across the country to align quality practices, share knowledge, and implement consistent procedures.

- Engage with external quality advisors, auditors, and other relevant specialists to support compliance and improvement efforts.

- Manage customer and certifying authority audits, particularly NADCAP-related audits, including documentation preparation and facilitating effective communication.

- Investigate non-conformance reports (NCRs), customer complaints, and poor-performing suppliers to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Inspection and Compliance:

- Perform first-off inspections of components and assemblies, ensuring adherence to technical drawings and specifications.

- Measure and verify components using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), Vision Systems, and other precision measurement tools.

- Program, modify, and operate CMMs and Vision Systems as needed to meet inspection requirements.

- Record and document inspection results accurately and ensure traceability for all inspected components.

- Conduct in-process inspections and final inspections to maintain consistent quality standards.

- Provide technical quality support during manufacturing, ensuring alignment with AS9100 Rev D and NADCAP standards.

- Lead technical contract reviews, providing quality input during project initiation.

- Oversee the production of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and manage equipment calibration processes.

- Monitor machine maintenance schedules and supplier approvals, ensuring compliance with quality requirements.

Leadership and Team Collaboration:

• Act as a point of contact for team members, offering guidance and expertise on QA/QC matters.
• Oversee quality objectives, track performance metrics, and provide actionable insights to the Managing Director and Senior Management.
• Foster collaboration with clients’ QHSE personnel to maintain alignment with contractual quality expectations.
• Participate in monthly internal meetings and annual management reviews, presenting quality performance data and recommendations.
• Collaborate with sister branches across the country to support quality goals and process consistency.

Essential Requirements:

• Significant experience in the subcontract engineering industry, ideally from a senior Quality Assurance (QA) role.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience with Quality Management procedures in AS9100 Rev D.
• Extensive experience and familiarity with NADCAP standards, particularly in the context of Aerospace industry quality management.
• Proven ability to maintain and develop effective Quality Management Systems (QMS) and lead compliance initiatives in NADCAP-regulated environments.
• Demonstrable hands-on experience in precision inspection, including:
  • Performing first-off inspections and using measurement tools such as CMMs and Vision Systems.
  • Programming and modifying CMMs and Vision Systems.
  • Accurately recording and documenting inspection results for traceability.
• Experience collaborating with geographically dispersed teams and external specialists to achieve quality objectives.
• Comprehensive understanding of risk management, root cause analysis, and process improvement techniques.
• Demonstrable leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and manage small teams.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Familiarity with Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) manufacturing processes.
• Experience producing FAIRs and handling supplier approvals.
• Knowledge of equipment calibration and machine maintenance monitoring.
• Hands-on experience with technical contract reviews and client-facing quality assurance collaboration.

Personal Attributes:

• Energetic and self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively across all levels of the company and with external stakeholders.
• A flexible, team-oriented mindset, willing to adapt and assist with workloads as business demands.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Expected hours: 40 hours per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• 25 days holiday plus stats
• Life insurance
• On-site parking

Experience:

• Quality control  5 years (required)
• Quality Assurance: 5 years (required)

Work Location: In person Gloucester, 7.30-4.30 Monday to Friday and 6.30-1pm Friday