Senior Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer

Leonardo; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace and defence company seeks a Senior Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer in Basildon to oversee and improve supplier quality within defence electronics. In this pivotal role, you'll work closely with project teams to enhance operational efficiency, manage risks, and drive compliance with high-quality standards. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in governance, continuous improvement, and supply chain management, along with a relevant degree. A commitment to quality and innovation is essential for success in this role.

Benefits

Flexible Working

Company funded flexible benefits

25 days holidays plus bank holidays

Award winning pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted gym membership

Free online courses via Coursera and Linkedin Learning

Referral Incentive Program

Bonus Scheme for employees

Qualifications

• Proven experience in AS9100 / ISO9001 initiatives.
• Hands-on experience managing quality processes.
• Experience in quality auditing, preferably with Lead Auditor certification.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement improvement opportunities in the supply chain.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 Revision D standards.
• Drive Supplier Failure Review Boards to implement improvements.

Skills

Governance

Continuous Improvement

Quality Tools

Supplier Quality Management

Root Cause Analysis

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer to join our team and play a vital role in ensuring the highest quality standards for products sourced from suppliers. In this role, you will work closely with Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) to identify, scope, and implement strategic improvement opportunities within the supply chain. You will be responsible for overseeing the quality performance of key suppliers that produce components for the Defence Electronics and Manufacturing industry.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Supplier Quality Assurance Engineer, you will

• Identify and implement improvement opportunities within the external supply chain, focusing on operational efficiency and risk mitigation.
• Assess and manage risks and opportunities within the supply chain, ensuring they are appropriately addressed and leveraged.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 Revision D, with a specific emphasis on Process Effectiveness (PEAR) requirements and joint assessments.
• Lead initiatives to deliver internal procurement improvements, contributing to enhanced delivery timelines and cost benefits.
• Drive Supplier Failure Review Boards to implement improvement actions in collaboration with IPTs.
• Support the development and execution of the Supplier Surveillance Plan to maintain a strategic and proactive approach to supply chain management.
• Engage early in project lifecycles, offering supply chain insights during design, development, manufacturing, and in-service phases.
• Contribute to Generic Capability Reviews for the external supply chain as needed.
• Provide support for ad-hoc procurement and external supply chain issues, ensuring swift resolution.
  
  

What We Need From You

You really must have

• Proven experience in Governance, AS9100 / ISO9001, and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• In-depth knowledge of electronic manufacturing processes (IPC certification preferred).
• Familiarity with key Quality and Supply Chain metrics to support data-driven, continuous improvement efforts.
• Hands-on experience working within project teams, managing quality and supply chain processes.
• Proactive experience in managing Non-Conformance within external supply chains.
• Expertise in using various quality tools and techniques, such as APQP, PPAP, 8D, PFMEAs, Lean, 5S, Root Cause Analysis, DMAIC, and First Article Verifications.
• Knowledge of procurement practices within the Defence Electronics and Manufacturing industries.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and their impact on the external supply chain.
• Demonstrated ability to implement change programs that improve supply chain performance.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and occasionally at short notice.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Proven experience in quality auditing, preferably with Lead Auditor certification.
• Proficient in using management systems (SAP), and preparing reports in line with company processes (MS Office, etc.).
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present detailed information clearly at all organizational levels, including high-level meetings and presentations.
  
  

It would be nice if you had

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field, or equivalent experience within the Defence Electronics or similarly complex industries.
• Experience working with US Prime Contractors or Government contracts is highly desirable.
• Experience in additional technical disciplines such as mechanical, optical, and software development and manufacturing is a plus.
  
  

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit https //www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity)
• Lifestyle Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin Learning
• Referral Incentive You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below
  
  

For a full list of our company benefits please our website here.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

United Kingdom Security Vetting clearance levels

List of national security vetting clearance levels with guidance on who requires clearance and what checks are completed.

Primary Location

GB - Basildon

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid