Senior Quality Engineer

Holt Engineering; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected engineering company in Dorset is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards and drive continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in quality planning tools and a deep understanding of aerospace regulations. This role emphasizes quality assurance across the product lifecycle, making it crucial for those with a background in engineering and quality management.

Benefits

Competitive benefits

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of aerospace quality standards.
• Confident managing audits and resolving quality issues.
• Comfortable operating within a regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide Quality input during bids and contract reviews.
• Lead investigations into non-conformances.
• Support First Article Inspections and new product introduction.

Skills

Quality planning tools (APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, FAIR)

Root cause analysis (8D, 5-Why)

Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100, AS9110)

Education

HNC/HND in Engineering or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Senior Quality Engineer – Dorset

I'm working on behalf of a client in the defence sector who is looking to appoint a Senior Quality Engineer at their facility in Dorset. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well respected and exciting engineering business that delivers complex, safety-critical systems. The site is involved in the design and manufacture of high-performance components and subsystems. With decades of heritage and a strong reputation for innovation, the organisation continues to play a vital role in supporting aerospace programmes across the globe.

The Role

As Senior Quality Engineer, you\'ll play a key role in ensuring customer and regulatory requirements are fully met across the product lifecycle. You\'ll represent the voice of the customer internally, helping to maintain a high standard of quality assurance and driving a culture of continuous improvement. You\'ll work cross-functionally as part of an Integrated Product Team, taking ownership of quality processes from bid and design phase through to final product delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide Quality input during bids, proposals, and contract reviews
• Create and implement quality plans in line with customer, business, and regulatory expectations
• Lead investigations into non-conformances using structured problem-solving tools (8D, RCCA, etc.)
• Manage customer audits, source inspections, and internal QMS compliance
• Support First Article Inspections (AS9102) and new product introduction
• Ensure full compliance with aerospace quality standards across manufacturing processes
• Maintain accurate records of NCRs, concessions, FRACAs, and MRB activities
• Track quality KPIs and identify opportunities for continuous improvement
• Support final inspection, product release, and customer documentation sign-off
• Contribute to a strong culture of safety and regulatory compliance on site

Your Profile

• HNC/HND in Engineering or equivalent practical experience
• Strong understanding of aerospace quality standards (e.g. AS9100, AS9110, EASA Part 21G, Part 145)
• Hands-on experience with quality planning tools such as APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and FAIR
• Confident managing audits, dealing with customers, and resolving quality issues
• Skilled in root cause analysis and preventative action techniques (8D, 5-Why, etc.)
• Comfortable operating within a regulated, high-integrity environment
• Knowledge across one or more technical areas (mechanical, electrical, software, systems, composites, etc.)
• Familiarity with civil or military aerospace compliance standards (e.g. FAA, CAA, ESA) would be advantageous

Additional Info

Due to the nature of the work, this role may require access to sensitive technical data. As such, applicants will need to meet certain nationality and security requirements.

What\'s on Offer

This is a brilliant opportunity to join a specialist engineering team at a site known for its technical capabilities, stability, and long-term programme involvement. The company offers competitive benefits, a strong focus on professional development, and the chance to work on meaningful, real-world aerospace applications.

How to Apply

If you\'re interested in learning more or would like to apply, please reach out for a confidential conversation.