Senior Quality Engineer

EMBS Engineering; Derby; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Days-based working pattern

Professional development

Ownership of quality systems

Job summary

EMBS Engineering is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to join a Derby-based precision aerospace manufacturer. You will own the quality function, drive AS9100/NADCAP compliance, lead audits, and champion continuous improvement across the business.

With 3–5 years in aerospace quality, you will read engineering drawings, manage PFMEA/PPAP, and collaborate with customers to resolve issues. This role offers ownership, stability, and ongoing professional development in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• HNC or equivalent in Engineering
• 3–5 years in a quality engineering role
• Experience working to AS9100, AS9102 and NADCAP
• Ability to read drawings and use inspection equipment
• Knowledge of machined parts and workmanship standards
• Experience leading or participating in audits
• Root cause analysis and 8D/RCCA methods
• Knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, PPAP and statistics
• UK resident; visa sponsorship not available

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve QA system per AS9100/NADCAP and customer requirements
• Develop structured on-floor quality walk-through routine
• Act as primary contact for customer quality queries
• Review and implement new or updated customer requirements
• Lead and participate in customer and NADCAP audits
• Maintain control plans, PFMEA, and PPAP documentation
• Support NPI and FAIR process per AS9102
• Drive down non-conformance costs with operations
• Monitor resolution of internal and external issues
• Report KPIs and identify trends
• Support training and development of team
• Contribute to continuous improvement and lean initiatives

Skills

Aerospace quality

Audit leadership

Root cause analysis

PFMEA

PPAP

Quality tools

Drawing interpretation

Measurement equipment

Lean methods

Education

HNC in Engineering

Tools

AS9100

AS9102

NADCAP

Job description

Job Title: Senior Quality Engineer

Location: Derby

Contract: Permanent

Rate of Pay: Dependent on Experience

Overview

EMBS Engineering Ltd is working in partnership with a well-established precision engineering manufacturer based in Derby. Operating within the aerospace sector, this business has built a strong reputation for delivering safety-critical, highly complex components to globally recognised customers. Following a period of continued success, they are now looking to bring an experienced Senior Quality Engineer into the team on a permanent basis.

This is a broad, varied role sitting at the heart of the quality function. You will be working to aerospace standards including AS9100 and NADCAP, engaging with customers directly, leading audits, and driving continuous improvement across the business. If you are a quality professional who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and wants genuine ownership of your work, this is a strong opportunity.

What's in it for you?

• Stability and longevity with a well-established aerospace precision manufacturer
• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Days-based working pattern
• Opportunity to develop professionally within a business that actively invests in its people
• A genuine remit with ownership across quality systems, audits, and continuous improvement

Responsibilities

Due to continued growth, our client is looking for an experienced Quality Engineer to take ownership across the quality function. Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintain and improve the quality assurance system in line with AS9100, NADCAP, and customer-specific requirements
• Develop and sustain a structured quality walk-the-floor routine, using findings to identify issues and feed into daily operational meetings
• Act as the primary point of contact for customer quality queries and concerns, ensuring timely and effective resolution
• Review, interpret, and implement new or updated customer requirements as they arise
• Lead and participate in customer and NADCAP audits, maintaining a comprehensive internal audit programme that keeps the business audit-ready at all times
• Maintain control plans, process flow charts, PFMEA, and PPAP documentation
• Support the delivery of NPI and maintain a working knowledge of the FAIR process in line with AS9102
• Drive down the cost of non-conformance by engaging with operational teams to contain, investigate, and resolve quality issues
• Monitor the resolution of internal and external problems, ensuring corrective standards are embedded into ongoing processes
• Report against KPIs regularly, using data to identify trends and support decision-making
• Support the training and development of team members on quality standards and processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement and lean initiatives, promoting a zero-defect culture across the business

Skills and Experience

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• HNC or equivalent in Engineering, or substantial hands‑on experience in an aerospace quality environment
• A minimum of three to five years in a quality engineering role, ideally within aerospace or a similarly regulated sector
• Proven experience working to aerospace standards including AS9100, AS9102, and NADCAP
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, with practical experience using inspection and measuring equipment
• Knowledge of machined parts, finishing processes, and workmanship standards
• Experience leading or participating in customer and third‑party audits
• Competence in root cause analysis and problem‑solving methodologies including 8D and RCCA
• Working knowledge of quality tools such as PFMEA, control plans, PPAP, and statistical analysis
• Must be a UK resident; visa sponsorship is not available for this role

About Us

EMBS Engineering is a dedicated talent specialist that partners with some of the UK's most prestigious advanced precision engineering companies across the Aerospace, Automotive, Motorsport, Nuclear, Oil and Gas, Green and Environmental, and FMCG industries. We offer expert guidance and support throughout the recruitment process to help you secure a career‑defining role.