Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

Gold Group Ltd; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished engineering firm is seeking a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer in Stevenage or Bolton. This role involves conducting quality audits, managing non-conformities, and collaborating with suppliers to enhance product quality. Ideal candidates will have experience in supplier quality audits and hold an AS9100 auditor status. Security clearance or eligibility is required. Competitive pay up to £45p/h inside IR35, with a contract length of 6 months. Join us and drive supply chain excellence!

Qualifications

• Proven experience conducting supplier quality audits.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and certification requirements.
• Experience in defence, aerospace, or automotive sectors is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality assurance audits and surveillance activities.
• Manage non-conformities in manufacturing processes.
• Communicate findings to relevant departments.

Skills

AS9100 trained auditor status

Supplier quality audits

Quality problem-solving methodologies

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

HNC / HND in Engineering

Tools

Excel

SAP QM

Job description

Job Title : Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

Location : Stevenage or Bolton – 2 days onsite a week

Pay Rate : Up to £45p / h Inside IR35

Contract Length : 6 Months Rolling

Join Our Team as a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer and Drive Supply Chain to New Heights!

Are you a meticulous Quality Assurance Engineer with a passion for precision and excellence? Are you ready to play a pivotal role in ensuring top-tier quality standards in a well-established engineering organization? Look no further! We invite you to join our team in Stevenage and be a key driver of engineering excellence.

About Us :

As a distinguished leader in the engineering industry, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and pioneering projects. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a strong reputation, and we're looking for a talented Quality Assurance Engineer to contribute to our continued success.

The Role :

So, what will you be doing as a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer?

• Planning and completing scheduled Quality Assurance audits and surveillance activities at suppliers using standardised tools
• Conducting verification and inspection activities to ensure products meet defined quality requirements
• Identifying, documenting, and managing non-conformities related to manufacturing processes and product specifications
• Maintaining accurate, traceable, and well‑organised quality records and documentation
• Communicating audit and inspection findings to relevant departments and stakeholders
• Working cross‑functionally with suppliers to drive root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supplier and product quality
• Participating in the Project Quality network, reporting and sharing supplier quality status
• Providing data analysis and summary reports on non‑conformance, root cause, and corrective actions to senior stakeholders

What are we looking for in our next Principal Quality Assurance Engineer?

• AS9100 trained auditor status (essential)
• Proven experience conducting supplier quality audits and surveillance
• A minimum of HNC / HND in Engineering (desirable)
• Background in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electronic Engineering environments
• A strong track record in Quality, Supply Chain, or Manufacturing roles
• Experience within defence, aerospace, or automotive sectors (highly desirable)
• Working knowledge of GD&T and the ability to use a range of metrology equipment (where applicable)
• Hands‑on experience with quality problem‑solving and improvement methodologies (8D, RCA, DMAIC, etc.)
• Strong understanding of the product lifecycle management process
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to generate reports using Excel, SAP QM, and document management tools
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
• NADCAP experience (desirable)
• Strong planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels of the organisation
• A clear understanding of regulatory and certification requirements, with the ability to respond appropriately

My client is keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next Supply Chain Quality Engineer, this is the opportunity for you!

PLEASE NOTE

Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy