Quality Engineer

Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer for a major Nuclear Enrichment Facility in the North West. This long-term contract role involves supporting quality assurance activities, conducting audits, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Candidates with a strong background in regulated environments and eligibility for UK security clearance are encouraged to apply. Hybrid working is available with an immediate start.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Quality Engineer within a regulated environment.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and audit processes.
• Eligible to obtain UK security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support quality assurance activities across engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Conduct audits and inspections in line with regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma principles.

Skills

Quality management systems

Regulatory compliance

Root cause analysis

Stakeholder management

Tools

5 Why

Fishbone

FMEA

Job description

Quality Engineer - Nuclear Enrichment Facility (North West)

Rate: £60-£65 per hour (Umbrella PAYE)
Working Pattern: 3 days on-site / 2 days remote
Start: ASAP (subject to security clearances)
Contract: Long-term / ongoing

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Quality Engineer to join a major Nuclear Enrichment Facility in the North West. This role is ideal for candidates with a strong background in nuclear, defence, or other highly regulated environments, who can support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities on a critical national infrastructure programme.

Key Responsibilities

• Support quality assurance activities across engineering, manufacturing, and project delivery teams.
• Conduct audits, inspections, and surveillance activities in line with nuclear and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, industry codes, and statutory regulations.
• Lead and contribute to root cause analysis, NCR management, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Maintain quality documentation, records, and reporting as part of a robust QMS.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma principles where applicable.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to uphold high standards of safety, quality, and performance.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a Quality Engineer within a regulated environment (nuclear, aerospace, defence, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, etc.).
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, audit processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Competent with root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5 Why, Fishbone, FMEA).
• Eligible to obtain UK security clearance (SC or higher).
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience in nuclear or high-hazard environments.
• Lean Six Sigma or Six Sigma certification (Yellow/Green/Black Belt).
• Local to the North West or within a realistic commuting distance for on-site days.
• Experience working with subcontractors and supply-chain quality processes.

Additional Information

• Hybrid working: 3 days per week required on-site; 2 days remote.
• High-profile project with long-term career potential.
• Immediate start available pending clearances.