Lead Production Quality Engineer

Saab UK; Fareham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence and security company is seeking a Lead Production Quality Engineer to implement quality strategies ensuring products meet defence standards. Responsibilities include developing quality control procedures, leading audits, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have strong background in quality engineering, preferably in the defence sector, with knowledge of ISO standards. This role offers opportunities for personal growth in a dynamic environment in Fareham, UK.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a quality engineering or management role, preferably in electrical engineering or defence.
• Strong knowledge of quality control, statistical process control, and lean manufacturing techniques.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality control procedures.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of production processes.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate quality into production stages.
• Lead Material Review Board meetings and drive action items.

Skills

Experience in quality engineering or management

Knowledge of quality control and assurance principles

Leadership and communication skills

Experience with ISO 9001, AS9100

Knowledge of Electro/mechanical technology

Job description

Introduction

Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 500 people across eight sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.

What you will be part of

Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

The Role

The Lead Production Quality Engineer role will be to lead, develop, and implement robust production quality strategies that ensure Saab Sensor Systems' products meet stringent defence standards. The Lead Production Quality Engineer will oversee quality control in manufacturing, drive continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and customer requirements and is responsible for ensuring that all products manufactured by Saab Sensor Systems meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement quality control procedures to ensure that all products meet specified standards.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits of production processes and finished products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate quality into all stages of the production process
• Act as the quality point of contact between production and engineering.
• Conduct and lead Material Review Board (MRB) meetings, and drive action items through with the broader team.
• Analyse production data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Drive initiatives to improve product quality and reliability and identify areas for process optimization and efficiency gains to minimize defects and rework.
• Implement lean manufacturing to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Investigate and analyse product failures, non-conformities, and customer complaints to determine root causes using techniques such as 8D, 5-Whys and fishbone.
• Maintain documentation of root cause analysis and corrective actions, ensuring timely completion and effectiveness.
• Support Supply/Purchasing Quality team with quality related issues.
• Prepare and present regular reports on quality performance to senior management.
• Lead the production quality team, providing guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of quality and continuous improvement within the team.
• Provide training and development opportunities to enhance the team's skills and knowledge.

Skills / Qualifications

• Proven experience in a quality engineering or management role, preferably in electrical engineering, high tech manufacturing, aerospace or defence industry.
• Strong knowledge of quality control and assurance principles, statistical process control, and lean manufacturing techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Experience with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100 etc.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and standards relevant to the defence sectors.
• Knowledge of Electro/ mechanical technology and its applications.
• Preferable a practitioner or higher with the CQI.

Working Conditions

• The role may involve working in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to machinery and production processes.
• Occasional travel to sister company site in Sweden and potentially supplier sites.

By submitting an application to Saab UK you consent to undertaking workforce screening activities that may include but are not limited to: Baseline Personnel Security checks, National Security Vetting, reference checks, verification of working rights and in all circumstances preferred candidates will be placed through a security interview.