Quality Engineer

First Recruitment Group; Helensburgh; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

First Recruitment Group is seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to provide QA and QC across a major infrastructure programme in a highly regulated environment. You will work with project teams, suppliers and stakeholders to ensure quality requirements are met and delivered right-first-time.

The role combines site-based and remote working, demanding strong auditing, supplier assurance, and quality engineering skills, with ISO 9001:2015 knowledge and experience in high-integrity sectors such as

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Quality Engineering role.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience in highly regulated industries such as Nuclear, Defence, Oil & Gas, Aerospace or Pharmaceutical.

Responsibilities

• Provide QA and QC support to project teams to meet quality requirements.
• Develop relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Flow-down client quality requirements through the supply chain.
• Promote continuous improvement and capture lessons learned.
• Assist in developing quality procedures, processes and plans.
• Review tender, contract, inspection and quality documents for compliance.
• Plan and support site inspections and supplier surveillance.
• Conduct internal and supplier audits and quality health checks.
• Monitor quality performance against KPIs and quality objectives.
• Verify product and service compliance through inspections.
• Support management of quality risks, non-conformances and defect notifications.
• Conduct quality investigations and root cause analysis.
• Coordinate review and acceptance of lifetime quality records and final packs.
• Liaise with third-party quality representatives and regulatory stakeholders.

Skills

Quality management

Auditing

Supplier assurance

Documentation

Education

HNC Level 4 in Engineering

SC Clearance

Recognised Quality Auditor qualification (Lead/Internal Auditor)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

SharePoint

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Quality Engineer to provide Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) support across a major infrastructure programme within a highly regulated environment.

The successful candidate will work closely with project teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure quality requirements are effectively implemented, monitored, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle, supporting safe and right-first-time delivery.

This role offers a blend of site-based and remote working and would suit someone with a strong background in quality management, supplier assurance, auditing, and quality engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide QA and QC support to project teams, ensuring quality requirements are met throughout project delivery.
• Develop effective working relationships with suppliers and project stakeholders.
• Support the identification and flow-down of client quality requirements through the supply chain.
• Promote continuous improvement and ensure lessons learned are captured and shared.
• Assist project management teams in developing quality procedures, processes, and plans.
• Review tender, contract, inspection, and quality documentation to ensure compliance with project and contractual requirements.
• Plan and support site inspections and supplier surveillance activities.
• Conduct internal audits, supplier audits, and quality health checks.
• Monitor quality performance against agreed KPIs and quality objectives.
• Verify product and service compliance through inspection and surveillance activities.
• Support the management of quality risks, opportunities, non-conformances, and defect notifications.
• Conduct quality investigations and root cause analysis.
• Support supplier performance improvement activities and escalation processes where required.
• Coordinate the review and acceptance of lifetime quality records and final documentation packs.
• Liaise with third-party quality representatives and regulatory stakeholders as required.

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Quality Engineering role.
• Strong understanding and practical application of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems.
• Experience working within highly regulated or high-integrity industries such as:

• o Nuclear
• o Defence
• o Oil & Gas
• o Aerospace
• o Pharmaceutical

• Experience supporting multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Strong auditing, supplier assurance, and quality compliance experience.
• Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including:

• o Excel
• o Word
• o SharePoint
• o Microsoft Office Suite

Desirable Experience

• Experience working on refurbishment or infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting mechanical, electrical, or lifting equipment projects.
• Knowledge of quality requirements within regulated engineering environments.
• Familiarity with supplier quality management and inspection activities.
• Experience working with engineering documentation and acceptance processes.

Essential Qualifications

• SC Clearance (or ability to obtain prior to start).
• Recognised Quality Auditor qualification (Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor).
• HNC Level 4 (or higher) in an Engineering discipline, or equivalent industry experience.