Principal Product Assurance Engineer - Manufacturing

MBDA S.A.S.; Letchworth; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense organization in the UK seeks a Quality Assurance Engineer to ensure quality standards across manufacturing processes. This hybrid role involves supporting various sites and advising on quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates should have experience in integrated management systems, risk management, and quality auditing. Offering a competitive salary and various benefits, this position promises professional growth within a leading defense manufacturing environment.

Benefits

Company bonus up to £2,500

Pension contribution up to 14%

Overtime opportunities

Flexi Leave up to 15 days

Enhanced parental leave

Subsidised meals and free parking

Healthcare Cash Plan

Qualifications

• Quality professional experienced in engineering/manufacturing environment.
• Good knowledge of EN9100/AS9100 standards.
• Adept at identifying sustainable improvements.

Responsibilities

• Advise on quality within Manufacturing UK.
• Assist in production quality assurance efforts.
• Support cost, time, and quality targets in all programs.

Skills

Quality auditing

Interpersonal skills

Risk management tools

Process-based management systems

Microsoft Office

Education

HNC/HND in relevant subject

Job description

Job Overview

Henlow – An opportunity has arisen for a Quality Assurance Engineer to join the Quality Assurance Manufacturing team and provide professional quality support to the Manufacturing team in the UK. The role is based in Stevenage and will require regular support to other MBDA sites, including Stevenage and Bolton.

Salary: circa £50,000 depending on experience.

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 days per week on-site due to workload classification.

Security Clearance: British Citizen or dual UK national with British citizenship; all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS) after offer.

Benefits

• Company bonus: up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total contribution of up to 14% (employer and employee)
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: flexible arrangements welcomed
• Enhanced parental leave: up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (enhancements available for paternity, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments)
• Facilities: fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and more
• Healthcare Cash Plan: cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and well-being and more

The Opportunity

You will provide an independent visibility and assurance that manufacturing and related processes are applied across all Projects. The role supports and advises on all aspects of quality within UK Manufacturing, identifies and implements sustainable improvements, and reduces project risk or problem areas associated with process application, effectiveness or compliance. The quality assurance team advises and assists in the use of SAP as the non-conformance management tool, manages SAP non-conformances, analyses defect data and acts on this data to undertake problem-solving investigations, identifying defect root causes and corrective action implementation.

Responsibilities

• Support and advise on all aspects of quality within Manufacturing UK – apply quality expertise to critical business issues to support business excellence, continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
• Provide quality assurance assistance to Manufacturing UK in support of manufacturing excellence, including development and delivery of quality awareness and other training.
• Support Manufacturing UK on all programmes to achieve cost, time and quality targets.
• Provide appropriate level of support to improve the effectiveness of processes within the Company Business Management System and ensure they are correctly tailored for Manufacturing UK.
• Confirm through a programme of independent assessments and audits that processes and quality requirements are being successfully implemented, applied and improved.
• Provide reports to management that identify the outcome of audits and issues.
• Monitor and facilitate progression of any improvements from audit activities and the timely closure of identified issues.
• Maintain strong links with Quality Assurance colleagues across MBDA (UK and overseas) to enable the dissemination and achievement of Quality Objectives within Manufacturing UK.
• Work with Quality Assurance Managers and other functions to define appropriate risk reduction strategies/action plans.
• Facilitate and/or support various levels of non-conformance review panels.
• Analyse non-conformance defect data and act on this data to undertake problem-solving investigations, identifying defect root causes and corrective action implementation.

What’s in it for you

Working in a high-technology environment ranging from the manufacture of CCA assemblies through to live build of weapon systems, your broad range of skill and expertise will be called upon to support quality and process improvement initiatives as we drive to maintain our reputation as a leading manufacturer of guided weapon systems. Become a member of a well-established and value-added team within a world-leading defence business, directly supporting the delivery of assured, complex weapons systems to both internal and external customers. Opportunities to develop personal, professional and behavioural skills to enable future further progression with the function and business.

What we’re looking for from you

• Ideally qualified to a minimum HNC/HND in a relevant subject.
• Quality professional, experienced in process-based integrated management systems & business improvement in an engineering/manufacturing environment.
• Experience using risk management and practical problem-solving tools (e.g., 8D, 5Y, PFMEA).
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
• Quality auditing experience.
• Knowledge and experience of international standards such as EN9100/AS9100, AS9102, AS9145, AS9146, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, good planning and organizing skills to ensure multiple tasks are prioritized and monitored to deliver set objectives.
• Capability to identify sustainable business improvements and ensure effective implementation.
• Recognise and understand internal and external customer requirements, and respond to them.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• Highly self-motivated and demonstrate determination and persistence to deliver results despite obstacles and setbacks.
• Recognize and understand regulatory and certification requirements, and respond to them.

Location & Travel

The position is based in Stevenage, but will require regular provision of support to Manufacturing at other MBDA sites, including Stevenage and Bolton. Travel (both UK and international) will be required.

Our Company

Peace is not a given, freedom is not a given, sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.