Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer
Reports to: Lead Quality Engineer
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
Travel Requirements: Domestic & International - Up to 10%

Education & Experience Requirements:
Minimum: Apprenticeship in a related field (Mechanical Engineering or equivalent), or relevant experience.
Preferred: HNC/HND in a related field (Mechanical Engineering or equivalent), or relevant experience.

Position Summary:
The Quality team ensures continuous quality control through product and process verification, development of procedures, and implementation of systems that align with quality standards and safety regulations.

The Quality Engineer will work alongside the Lead Quality Engineer, integrating into project teams to provide governance related to Quality Management and support project deliveries. Responsibilities will align with ISO 9001:2015 standards.

Core Responsibilities:
- Maintain and govern ISO 9001:2015 Management Systems and customer/legislative requirements.
- Ensure compliance with quality policies, legislation, regulations, and customer requirements.
- Support project teams with Quality Management governance.
- Engage with 3rd parties, customers, and end users for quality verification and delivery.
- Participate in internal, project review, supplier, and customer meetings, providing quality updates.
- Conduct internal business system audits in line with ISO9001, AQAP, and risk-based thinking.
- Investigate defective products or near misses using Root Cause Analysis and problem-solving tools (8D, A3, DMAIC, 5WHY, Ishikawa).
- Contribute to continuous improvement projects for existing and future contracts.
- Review, create, and update internal, supplier, and customer documentation (Quality Plans, Inspection & Test Plans, written procedures, etc.).
- Maintain controlled documents such as SOPs, inspection sheets, and technique sheets.
- Audit and verify internal, supplier, and 3rd party documentation (Inspection records, FAIR, material certifications, NDE records, etc.).
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Quality performance and cost of poor quality (COPQ).
- Conduct validation inspections using various measurement tools and techniques.
- Identify and manage discrepancies via the Non-Conformance Reporting (NCR) system.
- Control defective items and raise Supplier Defect Reports (SDRs) when necessary.
- Produce customer documentation packs and contract deliverables.
- Ensure compliance with national and international standards (BSI, EN, ISO, DIN, DEFSTAN, AQAP).

Required Knowledge & Skills:
- Experience with ISO9001:2015 or equivalent Management Systems.
- Background in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Control, or Quality Assurance.
- Experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Auditor certification in ISO9001:2015 (or equivalent).
- Strong dimensional and analytical skills in quality control.
- Proficiency in Root Cause and Corrective Action methodologies.
- Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and apply GD&T principles.
- Knowledge of gearbox components, raw materials, machining, casting, and fabrications.
- Familiarity with metric and imperial measurement systems and precision measurement tools.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Business & Industry Knowledge:
- Understanding of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems and other relevant standards (AQAP, Lloyds Rules, Defence Standards, etc.).
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, heat treatment, NDE, welding, assembly, and testing.
- Interpretation of engineering standards, specifications, and technical requirements.
- Product knowledge training will be provided through internal training programs.

Leadership & Problem-Solving Skills:
- Monitor task completion and performance metrics.
- Act as a point of contact for value stream customers or stakeholders on quality matters.
- Present quality reports, KPIs, and governance plans to leadership.
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5WHY, Ishikawa) to resolve quality issues.
- Drive continuous improvement and ensure Right First Time (RFT) delivery.

Impact & Collaboration:
- Directly influence compliance, governance, and value stream product delivery.
- Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support teams to meet time, cost, and quality requirements.
- Liaise with suppliers to resolve quality issues.
- Communicate effectively at all levels regarding quality matters.

Personal Attributes:
- Self-motivated and able to positively influence others.
- Strong problem-solving skills and logical thinking.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Resilient, optimistic, and open to change.
- Focused, target-driven, and results-oriented.

Security & Eligibility Requirements:
- Candidates must meet Right to Work criteria in the UK.
- Must satisfy security and clearance requirements due to the nature of the role.

For further information, please refer to LinkedIn or YouTube for insights into the company and its operations.