Principal Quality Engineer

ASSYSTEM; Bridgwater; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear engineering company in Bridgwater seeks a Quality Assurance Lead to oversee quality standards across various projects. The ideal candidate must possess strong leadership skills, relevant qualifications in engineering or quality fields, and a proven track record managing quality assurance in nuclear or regulated environments. Competitive benefits include hybrid working arrangements and extensive annual leave.

Benefits

Hybrid Working - Flexibility to work from home

25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

8% Company Pension Contributions

Healthcare Cash Plan

Free Digital Gym Access

24/7 Employee Support Line

Qualifications

• Strong experience managing quality teams with 5+ years.
• Hands-on expertise in methodologies like 8D and RCA.
• Ability to analyse quality data for reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality delivery across UK and international sites.
• Implement project-wide quality arrangements.
• Oversee inspections and product quality assurance.

Skills

Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001

Leadership experience in quality teams

Hands-on expertise in 8D, RCA

Strong data analysis skills

Education

HNC/HND or degree in engineering

IRCA Registered Lead Auditor

CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector certificate

Job description

Company Description

About Assystem

At Assystem, we are on a mission to accelerate the energy transition worldwide. Our 7,750 Switchers combine world-class engineering expertise with digital innovation to drive this change. As one of the top three largest nuclear engineering companies globally, we are at the forefront of shaping the future of energy.

Why Join the Community of Switchers?

Join a powerhouse in nuclear engineering! At Assystem, you'll be part of one of the world's top three nuclear engineering companies, contributing to some of the most exciting and impactful projects in the industry. We offer career progression, continuous learning, and the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders.

Job Description

The Job Mission

This role supports nuclear client projects through expert leadership in quality assurance and control.
You will work within multi-disciplinary teams based in Bridgwater, supporting our UK and international delivery environments. The role ensures consistent application of quality standards, compliance, and nuclear safety requirements. This includes:

• Lead quality delivery across UK and international sites, including subcontractor facilities
• Ensure client and supply chain meet contractual quality requirements
• Implement and monitor project-wide and project-specific quality arrangements
• Oversee MIT plans, LTQRs, NCR processes, audits, and root cause analysis
• Act as the Intelligent Customer, directing quality governance and strategy
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and delivery teams to assure product quality
• Support supplier assessments, surveillance, and risk-based quality planning
• Ensure alignment with ONR, ISO, and other international nuclear standards

Within this role you will be embedded in major client programmes to drive consistent, compliant, and efficient quality delivery. You will lead the development and implementation of quality systems across all project phases.
This includes:

• Oversight of assurance plans, inspections, records, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the definition and deployment of project-specific quality arrangements
• Approve Project Quality Plans and Manufacturing Inspection & Test (MIT) Plans
• Direct or perform inspections and surveillance at client or subcontractor facilities
• Guide teams on acceptability criteria to ensure product quality is maintained
• Analyse quality data and contribute to performance and compliance reporting
• Oversee non-conformance processes and drive preventative action across the programme
• Plan and lead cross-project audits and quality assurance work streams
• Provide leadership and oversight to quality practitioners and related budget responsibilities

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• HNC/HND or degree in engineering or quality-related discipline
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 19443 and EN 10204
• IRCA Registered Lead Auditor and CQI Chartered Member status
• CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector certification
• Leadership experience with 5+ years managing quality teams
• Hands-on expertise in 8D, RCA, PDCA and DMAIC techniques
• Skilled in supplier assessments and surveillance programme setup
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills in quality performance

• Desired Skills

• Experience in nuclear projects or similar high-consequence industries
• Minimum 10 years' experience in quality within complex, regulated projects
• Experience working under ONR TAG 077 and Licence Conditions LC6/17
• NEBOSH Certificate and/or formal management qualifications
• Fluency in French or second language preferred

Additional Information

Join a world-leading nuclear engineering business where you'll shape vital UK infrastructure while developing your quality leadership career. Work with passionate professionals in your future team to ensure excellence in every mission.

Your Benefits Package
Hybrid Working - Flexibility to work from home and the office
25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
Buy & Sell Holiday - Make your time off work for you
8% Company Pension Contributions
Income Protection & 3x Salary Death-in-Service Cover
Competitive Sick Pay - Support when you need it
Healthcare Cash Plan - Claim back on dental, optical & more
Free Digital Gym Access - Expert-led fitness classes
Exclusive Discounts - Restaurants, days out & top brands
24/7 Employee Support Line - Mental health, financial & legal help
Cycle to Work Scheme - Save money & go green
Free Flu Jabs & Eye Test Vouchers
Paid Professional Membership Fees
Volunteer Days - Make a difference on company time

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people's ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.