Principal Quality Engineer - Hybrid, Aerospace & Defense

Leonardo SpA; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time to Recharge

Pension scheme

Mental health support

Learning opportunities

Flexible hours

Job summary

Leonardo UK in Luton is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives across programmes. The role blends customer-facing QA with hands-on quality assurance, requiring travel and on-site collaboration in a hybrid model.

You will drive AS9100/ISO9001 compliance, RCCA and FRB processes, data-driven improvements, and close engagement with suppliers and customers to deliver safe, reliable products on schedule.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of quality management standards such as AS9100 and ISO9001, along with continuous improvement practices.
• Practical experience with Quality Tools including Root Cause Corrective Action, Pattern Fault Lifecycle, Process Mapping, Verification, and First Article Inspection.
• Strong analytical and logical thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex data into practical solutions that support business objectives
• Experience engaging with Customers and Suppliers, demonstrating professionalism and responsiveness.
• Previous experience working in a high-precision manufacturing environment or similarly detail-oriented settings.
• Further education or experience in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Defence Electronics, or other similarly complex industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as the dynamic primary point of contact for quality-related matters with customers and key stakeholders, ensuring their requirements and expectations are fully understood and exceeded.
• Provide advice and support on Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities.
• Contribute to delivering products that meet safety, cost, and quality standards on time.
• Collaborate with Assurance Teams to help meet Programme and IPT objectives.
• Monitor and support quality key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Quality Notifications, Cost of Poor Quality
• Conduct Material Review Boards (MRB), and Failure Review Boards (FRB) if required
• Support improvement activities across the Programme, Product, and Project lifecycle.
• Promote a culture of quality and continuous improvement within the team.
• Support project assurance milestones throughout the Programme and Project lifecycle.
• Prepare reports and data for the Programme and Project teams.
• Contribute to reducing non-conformance costs by conducting root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Skills

Quality management

AS9100

ISO9001

Root Cause Corrective Action

Pattern Fault Lifecycle

Process Mapping

Verification

First Article Inspection

Analytical thinking

Customer engagement

Job description

Leonardo UK in Luton is seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to lead quality initiatives across programmes. The role blends customer-facing QA with hands-on quality assurance, requiring travel and on-site collaboration in a hybrid model.

You will drive AS9100/ISO9001 compliance, RCCA and FRB processes, data-driven improvements, and close engagement with suppliers and customers to deliver safe, reliable products on schedule.