Lead Quality Engineer

Technical Network Recruitment; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical Network Recruitment is seeking an experienced Lead Quality Engineer for an aerospace manufacturer in Birmingham. The role leads the quality assurance function, oversees the quality team and interacts with Operations and suppliers to ensure product quality and timely delivery.

The successful candidate will have hands-on problem solving, strong quality toolbox, knowledge of AS9100/ EN9100, and the ability to drive corrective actions through root cause analysis and CAPA processes.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of success in a complex/precision engineering/manufacturing facility producing parts for Aerospace, Defence or Oil & Gas sectors.
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience of root cause analysis, corrective action and tools such as PFMEA, PPAP/APQP, Control Plans, First Article Inspection.
• AS/EN9100 quality management systems maintenance and auditing.
• Confident communicator who can set expectations, delegate, challenge and support others.
• Continuous improvement mindset, always looking for better ways of working and encouraging ideas from the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and organise the production focused Quality team.
• Main contact for all in-production quality issues and questions.
• Monitor and report key quality measures (e.g. defects, non-conformances) and drive corrective and preventive actions using root cause analysis.
• Ensure drawings, specifications and customer requirements are followed, including through regular product & process audits.
• Lead problem solving and RCA to control and close out non-conformances.
• Work closely with Operations, Supplier Quality and Project Quality to resolve issues and keep product flowing on time, to the right quality and cost.
• Support internal and external audits and help maintain EN9100 / AS9100 and other approvals.
• Coach, mentor and develop team members and wider operations staff in good quality practices.

Skills

Root cause analysis

PFMEA

PPAP/APQP

Control Plans

First Article Inspection

AS9100 knowledge

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Quality toolbox

Job description

An established aerospace manufacturer are seeking to recruit an experienced Quality Lead following a reorganisation and planned expansion into larger premises. Backed by a major engineering group , you will be joining a business who are investing heavily in their facilities and have a strong & secure order book.

Lead Quality Engineer - Aerospace

Salary: up to £55,000

Location: Birmingham

Our client is currently a medium size manufacturer of precision CNC machined components for the aerospace market who, under new ownership, are moving to new modern facilities and investing in new advanced production machinery to fulfil new orders. To facilitate this expansion a Senior Quality professional is sought to lead the quality assurance and quality management function and staff.

Duties:

• Lead and organise the production focused Quality team
• Main contact for all in-production quality issues and questions
• Monitor and report key quality measures (e.g. defects, non-conformances) and drive corrective and preventive actions using root cause analysis
• Ensure drawings, specifications and customer requirements are followed, including through regular product & process audits.
• Lead problem solving and RCA to control and close out non-conformances
• Work closely with Operations, Supplier Quality and Project Quality to resolve issues and keep product flowing on time, to the right quality and cost
• Support internal and external audits and help maintain EN9100 / AS9100 and other approvals
• Coach, mentor and develop team members and wider operations staff in good quality practices.

Experience:

Applications are sought from Senior Quality professionals – Quality Manager, Quality Supervisor, Quality Lead or Senior Quality Engineer – who can demonstrate a good balance of hands on production problems solving skills, strong quality toolbox plus experience leading and mentoring Quality Engineers, Technicians & Inspectors.

• Proven track record of success in a complex / precision engineering/ manufacturing facility producing parts for Aerospace, Defence or Oil & Gas sectors
• Strong problem-solving skills with experience of root cause analysis, corrective action and tools such as PFMEA, PPAP/ APQP, Control Plans, First Article Inspection
• AS/EN9100 quality management systems maintenance and auditing
• Confident communicator who can set expectations, delegate, challenge and support others.
• Continuous improvement mindset, always looking for better ways of working and encouraging ideas from the shop floor

The opportunity:

This a great opportunity for an experience Senior Quality Engineer or Quality Manager who is looking to grow and develop their career with an expanding business who have solid relationships and contracts with major aerospace clients and are moving into larger modern factory late 2026. There is a role here that will provide a great deal of variety and will need a strong Quality Leader with good communication skills, good organisational skills and a strong Quality Toolbox.