Product Quality Engineer

Kraken Technology Group Limited; Fareham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per year

Holiday buy/sell

Private Medical Insurance

Pension scheme 5% employer

Life assurance 3x salary

Cycle to Work Scheme

EAP

Health Care Cash Plan

Professional membership reimbursement

Job summary

Kraken Works Limited is seeking a Product Quality Engineer to ensure unmanned vessels and sub-assemblies meet quality standards, specifications, and regulatory requirements. You will implement QA processes, perform inspections, and drive continuous improvement across production and test activities.

The role requires strong problem-solving, root cause analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to resolve non-conformances and support sea trials and acceptance testing.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience in manufacturing quality or production quality engineering.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and quality management systems.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience with non-conformances and corrective actions.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and improve production quality control processes and inspection plans.
• Conduct incoming, in-process and final inspections of components, assemblies and completed vessels.
• Verify compliance with engineering drawings, technical specifications, wiring schematics and build standards.
• Maintain the traceability of critical components and materials throughout the manufacturing process.
• Support first article inspections and production acceptance testing.
• Work with production, engineering, procurement and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues.
• Provide quality guidance to manufacturing personnel and support the implementation of best practice.
• Ensure production records are completed accurately and retained appropriately.
• Participate in design reviews and manufacturing readiness assessments.
• Investigate product and process non-conformities.
• Lead root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis.
• Raise, monitor and close corrective and preventive actions.
• Review the effectiveness of corrective actions.
• Witness and verify electrical, mechanical, functional, software and control-system testing.
• Support sea trials and operational acceptance testing.
• Ensure test equipment remains calibrated and fit for purpose.
• Review and approve test records and supporting quality documentation.

Skills

Root cause analysis

Quality assurance

Process improvement

Documentation

Attention to detail

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

FMEA

Control plans

SPC

8D investigations

Audit trails

Job description

The Product Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that all unmanned surface vessels (USVs), drone boats, sub-assemblies, and associated systems are manufactured, assembled, tested, and delivered in compliance with company quality standards, customer specifications, statutory requirements, and applicable industry standards.

The role supports production through the implementation of quality assurance processes, inspection activities, root cause analysis, continuous improvement initiatives, and effective management of non-conformities to ensure safe, reliable, and high-performing products.

• Develop, maintain and improve production quality control processes and inspection plans
• Conduct incoming, in-process and final inspections of components, assemblies and completed vessels
• Verify compliance with engineering drawings, technical specifications, wiring schematics and build standards
• Maintain the traceability of critical components and materials throughout the manufacturing process
• Support first article inspections and production acceptance testing
• Work with production, engineering, procurement and supply chain teams to resolve quality issues
• Provide quality guidance to manufacturing personnel and support the implementation of best practice
• Ensure production records are completed accurately and retained appropriately
• Participate in design reviews and manufacturing readiness assessments
• Investigate product and process non-conformities
• Lead root cause analysis using tools such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
• Raise, monitor and close corrective and preventive actions
• Review the effectiveness of corrective actions
• Witness and verify electrical, mechanical, functional, software and control-system testing
• Support sea trials and operational acceptance testing
• Ensure test equipment remains calibrated and fit for purpose
• Review and approve test records and supporting quality documentation

• An HNC, HND, degree or equivalent qualification in engineering, manufacturing, quality, marine engineering, electrical engineering or a related discipline
• Experience in a manufacturing quality or production quality engineering role
• Knowledge and understanding of quality management systems, including ISO 9001
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Knowledge of quality inspection techniques and reporting
• Experience managing non-conformances and corrective and preventive actions
• A good working knowledge of engineering, design, manufacturing and maintenance processes
• Experience within production, maintenance, repair or overhaul
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong organisational and documentation skills
• The ability to communicate effectively and challenge quality issues constructively
• The ability to influence others, promote compliance and support continuous improvement
• The confidence to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team

It would be advantageous if you have:

• Experience interpreting quality data to identify key issues and trends
• Knowledge and practical application of modern quality tools and techniques
• Experience using FMEA, control plans, statistical process control, Pareto analysis and 8D investigations
• Strong computer skills
• An aeronautical apprenticeship or equivalent experience
• Professional quality training or certification
• Membership of a relevant professional body, such as the Chartered Quality Institute

• Take initiative and ownership of tasks
• Work collaboratively across departments
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Be motivated to drive continuous improvement

• Opportunity to shape and improve quality processes
• Work across multiple teams and projects
• Be part of a collaborative and growing organisation
• Make a real impact on product and customer outcomes

• 25 days holiday per year, plus paid bank holiday
• After two years' consecutive service, one additional day's annual leave up to a maximum of five additional days annual leave
• Holiday buy/sell, up to five days per calendar year
• Flexi working, core hours 10:00 to 15:00, subject to departmental requirements
• Private Medical Insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme with a 5% employer contribution, there is no cap on the employee contribution level
• Life assurance 3x salary
• Group Income Protection, subject to eligibility
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing mental health and wellbeing support
• Professional membership reimbursement

Due to the nature of our work many of our roles require a UK nationality and the ability to obtain a security clearance. Applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment must meet the requirement of right to work in the UK and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and will be subject to Government security checks.

Kraken Works Limited is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnerships.