Senior Quality Engineer in Plymouth, Devon

Energy Jobline CVL; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established precision engineering company in Plymouth is seeking a Senior Quality Engineer to oversee and enhance in-house quality systems. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with industry standards and lead quality improvement initiatives. Ideal candidates should possess a degree in Quality Management or Engineering and extensive experience in the field, particularly with AS9100 and ISO 9001 standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Quality Engineer role within Manufacturing or Precision Engineering.
• Strong knowledge of quality control techniques and standards.
• Excellent communication skills with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee in-house quality assurance processes and compliance.
• Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of quality within the organisation.
• Identify process optimisation opportunities.
• Assess risks related to product quality and compliance.

Skills

Quality Management

Root Cause Analysis

FMEA

Analytical Thinking

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Quality Management or Engineering

Tools

ISO 9001

AS9100

Six Sigma

Job description

Senior Quality Engineer – Plymouth

Experienced Senior Quality Engineer required for an established precision engineering company based in Plymouth. In this pivotal role, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and improving our in‑house quality systems, fostering a strong culture of quality across the organisation, and driving supplier quality improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• In‑House Quality Oversight:
  • Lead and manage the in‑house quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).
  • Lead root‑cause analysis and CAPA efforts to address recurring quality issues.
  • Develop and maintain quality control plans, procedures, and policies to ensure consistent product quality.
  • Conduct regular audits of manufacturing processes, products, and equipment to identify areas of improvement.
  • Oversee the management of non‑conformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions.
  • Embed a quality culture as the guiding ethos across the whole organisation.
• Supplier Quality Management:
  • Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives, collaborating with suppliers to ensure that parts and materials meet quality and regulatory standards.
  • Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure compliance with contractual quality requirements.
  • Work closely with procurement and engineering teams to resolve supplier quality issues and improve supplier performance.
  • Develop and implement supplier performance metrics and monitor ongoing performance.
• Quality Cultural Development:
  • Foster a culture of quality within the organisation by promoting best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Mentor and train team members on quality principles, tools, and techniques (e.g., FMEA, 8D, root cause analysis, SPC).
  • Promote awareness of quality standards and regulations to all departments and stakeholders.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for process optimisation, cost reduction, and waste elimination while maintaining product quality standards.
  • Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen initiatives.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) to implement process improvements.
• Risk Management:
  • Assess and manage risks related to product quality, supplier performance, and compliance with regulations.
  • Proactively identify potential quality risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Essential Qualifications, Knowledge & Candidate Attributes

• A First Class or Upper Second Class Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Quality Management or an Engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Aerospace Industrial Engineering).
• Extensive experience working as a Quality Engineer with Manufacturing or Precision Engineering, coupled with strong experience and knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001.
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives and process optimisation in a manufacturing or production environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of quality control techniques, such as SPC, FMEA, Root Cause Analysis, Corrective and Preventive Actions.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem‑solving skills, particularly in identifying quality issues, conducting investigations, and implementing corrective actions coupled with expertise in non‑conformance management and audit processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with cross‑functional teams, suppliers, and senior management.

Desirable Qualifications

• Lead Auditor certification for ISO 9001 or AS9100.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

Work Requirements

Only candidates with immediate right to work in the UK will be considered. Due to the nature of the business, the successful candidate may require security clearance.

To apply, please submit an up‑to‑date CV using the ‘apply’ button below.