Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Pace XL Ltd.; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Aerospace is seeking a Manufacturing Quality Engineer to support high-precision machining and product assembly. The role is hands‑on, working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering and Supply Chain to embed a strong quality culture and deliver compliant parts at pace.

You will lead inspection controls, perform dimensional measurements using hand tools and Hexagon CMMs, and drive root cause analysis and corrective actions across the manufacturing floor in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a Quality Engineering or Quality Improvement role in regulated manufacturing.
• Experience with ISO9001, AS/EN9100, EASA Part 21 or equivalent.
• Strong inspection and measurement capability, including CMM experience.
• Confident interpreting engineering drawings, 3D models and technical standards.
• Working knowledge of quality and improvement tools such as SPC, FMEA, RCCA, error proofing and DFMA.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Engineering to develop, sustain and improve products and processes
• Define, implement and maintain robust in‑process and final inspection controls for in‑house manufacturing
• Perform dimensional inspection and investigation of non‑conformance using hand measurement tools and Hexagon CMMs
• Conduct “should‑build vs as‑built” reviews and detailed production record checks
• Prepare and maintain quality documentation including inspection records, reports, log cards and Certificates of Conformance
• Lead containment, root cause analysis and corrective actions for internal non‑conformances and customer issues

Skills

Inspection & measurement

Quality documentation

Cross-functional communication

Problem solving

Process improvement

Tools

Hexagon CMM

SPC

FMEA

RCCA

DFMA

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Manufacturing Quality Engineer to support manufacturing operations across high‑precision machining and product assembly environments. This role is critical to ensuring compliant, high‑quality products are delivered at pace, while embedding a strong quality and continuous improvement culture across the organisation.

The role is hands‑on and manufacturing‑facing, working day‑to‑day with Manufacturing, Engineering and Supply Chain. It is well suited to someone who combines deep quality expertise with a practical, delivery‑focused mindset and thrives in a fast‑growing, regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Engineering to develop, sustain and continuously improve products and processes
• Define, implement and maintain robust in‑process and final inspection controls for in‑house manufacturing
• Perform dimensional inspection and investigation of non‑conformance using hand measurement tools and Hexagon CMMs
• Conduct “should‑build vs as‑built” reviews and detailed production record checks
• Prepare and maintain quality documentation including inspection records, reports, log cards and Certificates of Conformance
• Lead containment, root cause analysis and corrective actions for internal non‑conformances and customer issues

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Quality Engineering or Quality Improvement role within aerospace, automotive or similar regulated manufacturing environments
• Experience operating within certified quality management systems (ISO9001, AS/EN9100, EASA Part 21 or equivalent)
• Strong hands‑on inspection and measurement capability, including CMM experience (Hexagon preferred)
• Confident interpreting engineering drawings, 3D models and technical standards
• Working knowledge of quality and improvement tools such as SPC, FMEA, RCCA, error proofing and DFMA
• Ability to produce clear, accurate technical documentation and communicate effectively across functions

Preferred Experience / Qualifications

• Experience working in fast‑moving manufacturing or startup environments
• ISO Lead Auditor qualification
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Experience with PLM, ERP or MRP systems
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles
• Experience working across multi‑site or global manufacturing operations

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and stock options
• Private Medical & Dental
• Cycle to work scheme
• Lunchtime catering on site

About Us

The mission of Cambridge Aerospace is to eliminate the risk of existential war in Europe. That risk comes from the air — low‑cost drones and cruise missiles now produced at scale by our adversaries, ballistic missiles capable of ending our way of life, and a new generation of hypersonic weapons that evade existing defences.

We’re building low‑cost interceptors to defeat these threats, and the surveillance systems to detect and target them — at a cost taxpayers can afford, at the pace the threat demands, and with sovereign supply chains to assure delivery.

We are one of the fastest‑growing defence technology companies in history, backed by world‑class investors, and we’re hiring exceptional people to deliver manufacturing excellence at scale. If you are motivated by impact, thrive in ambitious environments, and want to build quality into systems that matter — we’d love to hear from you.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.