CAPA Specialist

NES Fircroft; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering staffing provider in the UK seeks a CAPA Specialist to manage and enhance the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system within heavy engineering manufacturing. The role demands experience in managing quality non-conformances and implementing solutions to enhance continuous improvement. Candidates require strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline. This position offers a chance to be pivotal in driving quality initiatives across multiple engineering functions.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Proven experience in heavy engineering or industrial manufacturing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end CAPA lifecycle.
• Lead root cause analysis for various non-conformances.
• Define, implement, and monitor corrective and preventive actions.

Skills

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Analytical skills

Problem-solving abilities

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Ability to influence stakeholders

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering / production engineering / industrial engineering

Job description

Job Purpose (high level overview)

The CAPA Specialist is responsible for managing and driving the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) system to address quality non-conformances, eliminate root causes, prevent recurrence, and support continuous improvement across heavy engineering manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Manage the end-to-end CAPA lifecycle, including initiation, investigation, action planning, implementation, and closure.

Lead root cause analysis for:

• Internal and external non-conformances
• Customer complaints
• Audit findings (internal, customer, certification, regulatory)
• Supplier quality issues

Apply structured problem-solving tools such as:

• 5 Why Analysis
• Fishbone (Ishikawa)
• FMEA
• Pareto analysis

Define, implement, and monitor corrective and preventive actions with cross-functional teams.

Ensure timely closure of CAPAs and verify effectiveness of implemented actions.

Coordinate with:

• Production & Fabrication
• Engineering & Design
• Welding, NDT, and Heat Treatment teams
• Supply Chain & Supplier Quality
• HSE and Compliance teams

Maintain CAPA records in compliance with:

• ISO 9001
• ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 (as applicable)
• ASME / API / customer-specific requirements

Analyse trends related to defects, rework, scrap, and process deviations.

Support customer audits, certification audits, and regulatory inspections.

Promote a continuous improvement culture and preventive mindset on the shop floor.

Prepare CAPA-related reports, dashboards, and management review inputs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of Quality Management Systems (QMS).

Proven experience in heavy engineering or industrial manufacturing.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and standards.

Working knowledge of:

• Fabrication and welding processes
• Machining and dimensional control
• NDT and inspection methods

Strong documentation, reporting, and communication skills.

Ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering / production engineering / industrial engineering.

Relevant experience in:

• Heavy engineering manufacturing
• Quality assurance or process improvement roles
• CAPA management in an ISO/ASME-regulated environment

Typically requires an undergraduate degree and broad experience or equivalent.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.