Experienced Senior Quality Engineer required for established precision engineering company based in Plymouth. In this pivotal role, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and improving our in-house quality systems, fostering a strong culture of quality across the organisation, and driving supplier quality improvement initiatives.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with aerospace standards, identify areas for operational enhancement, and lead efforts to resolve complex quality issues. Your expertise will be crucial in implementing best practice that elevates product quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement across both internal and external processes. If you are passionate about quality excellence, mentoring teams, and making a significant impact in the aerospace industry with a forward-thinking business then we would like to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

In House Quality Oversight:

• Lead and manage the in-house quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) efforts to address recurring quality issues.
• Develop and maintain quality control plans, procedures, and policies to ensure consistent product quality.
• Conduct regular audits of manufacturing processes, products, and equipment to identify areas of improvement.
• Oversee the management of non-conformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions.
• Help to Embed quality culture as the guiding ethos across the whole organisation.

Supplier Quality Management:

• Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives, collaborating with suppliers to ensure that parts and materials meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure they comply with contractual quality requirements.
• Work closely with the procurement and engineering teams to resolve supplier quality issues and improve supplier performance.
• Develop and implement supplier performance metrics and monitor ongoing performance.

Quality Cultural Development:

• Foster a culture of quality within the organisation by promoting best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Mentor and train team members on quality principles, tools, and techniques (e.g., FMEA, 8D, root cause analysis, SPC).
• Promote awareness of quality standards and regulations to all departments and stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and waste elimination while maintaining product quality standards.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) to implement process improvements.

Risk Management:

• Assess and manage risks related to product quality, supplier performance, and compliance with regulations.
• Proactively identify potential quality risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge & Candidate Attributes Required:

• A First Class, Upper Second Class Bachelors Degree or Masters Degree in Quality Management or an Engineering discipline (e.g. Mechanical, Aerospace Industrial Engineering etc).
• Extensive experience working as a Quality Engineer with Manufacturing or Precision Engineering coupled with strong experience and knowledge of AS9100 and ISO9001.
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives and process optimization in a manufacturing or production environment.
• In-depth knowledge of quality control techniques, such as SPC, FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Corrective and Preventive Actions etc.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying quality issues, conducting investigations, and implementing corrective actions coupled with expertise in non conformance management and audit processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and senior management.

Desirable Qualifications

• Lead Auditor certification for ISO 9001 or AS9100.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred.

Please note that our client does not have a Skilled Worker Sponsorship Licence therefore candidates who apply for this role must have immediate right to work in the UK. Due to the nature of the business, the successful candidate may require security clearance.

If you are an experienced Senior Quality Engineer and are looking for the first step in your career, then please submit an up to date CV by using the apply button below.

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