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