Principal Quality Assurance Engineer

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer to develop and implement a supplier Quality strategy. You will serve as a key interface for suppliers and ensure Quality standards throughout the lifecycle of the programme. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in process-based management systems and a strong background in supplier Quality tools. The role offers a salary of approximately £50,000 and includes a hybrid working model, with flexible hours and a variety of benefits including a performance-based company bonus.

Benefits

Up to 25 days paid annual leave

Dynamic Working policies

Pension scheme with up to 14% contribution

Company bonus up to £2,500

Paid overtime opportunities

Healthcare Cash Plan

Gym membership

Qualifications

• Engineer with supply chain or manufacturing experience, preferably in defence, automotive or aerospace.
• Experienced in process-based integrated management systems and business improvement.
• Strong NPI & Product development experience.
• Knowledge of key external standards like EN/AS9100.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the supplier Quality strategy.
• Conduct proactive supplier Quality surveillance throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Support identification and reduction of project risks associated with process application.

Skills

Process-based integrated management systems

Supplier Quality tools

Quality Audits

Change control processes

Non-conformance management

Interpersonal communication

Planning and organizing

Teamwork

Education

HND or HNC in Engineering

Tools

Six Sigma

DMAIC

8D

Kaizen

Job description

As a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer, you will further develop as a quality professional by deploying the latest quality tools and techniques internationally, ensuring future continuity in the supply chain. You will be a key interface for the applicable suppliers supporting the programme from a Quality perspective. The role involves developing and implementing the supplier Quality strategy, establishing and maintaining the supplier Quality requirements and assuring the evolution of the supplier's product and processes. This will also include international travel, conducting proactive supplier Quality surveillance throughout the full lifecycle of the programme. In addition, you will support the identification and reduction of project risk or problem areas/issues associated with process application, process effectiveness and compliance across the applicable supply chain.

Qualifications and Experience

• Engineer including supply chain or manufacturing experience (Ideally defence, automotive or aerospace experience)
• Quality professional, experienced in process-based integrated management systems & business improvement within engineering / manufacturing / supply chain environments
• Strong NPI & Product development experience
• APQP / PPAP or similar experience utilising product development frameworks
• Ability to review and influence DFMEA / PFMEA
• Understanding of product validation lifecycles
• Experienced in conducting Quality Audits & surveillance
• Familiarity with change control processes
• Experienced in Supplier Quality tools & processes
• Experience of quality management systems, techniques and processes
• Demonstrates Supplier Quality Management skills
• Demonstrates strong cross functional and soft skills
• Comfortable with travel to supplier sites
• Special Process knowledge
• Experience in First Article Inspection Requirements - AS9102
• Knowledge of key external standards - EN/AS9100
• Experienced in Quality Tools & Techniques (8D, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Kaizen)
• Strong experience in non-conformance management & leadership of Quality investigations
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Good planning and organising skills to ensure multiple tasks are prioritised and monitored to deliver set objectives
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels of the organisation
• Recognise and understand regulatory and certification requirements, and respond to them
• Ideally qualified as a minimum to HND or HNC

Benefits

• Up to 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year plus additional days awarded at 5, 10 and 15 years of service
• Dynamic Working policies allowing flexible hours and remote work options
• Pension scheme with up to 14% total contribution
• Company bonus up to £2,500 based on performance
• Paid overtime opportunities
• Flexi Leave up to 15 additional days
• Enhanced parental leave up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, with enhancements for paternity, neonatal leave and fertility treatments
• Healthcare Cash Plan and private medical insurance options
• Additional benefits include gym membership, travel support, discounts and financial planning services

Remuneration & Working Pattern

Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2-3 days per week on-site, due to workload classification.

Security Clearance

British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. All successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).