Senior Supplier Quality Engineer - Airframe

Vertical Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A cutting-edge aerospace company in Bristol is seeking a Supplier Quality Engineer to lead various quality assurance activities. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a related field, experience in airframe and composite materials, and familiarity with ISO quality management systems. The role involves working cross-functionally to ensure supplier readiness and performance, making it ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Competitive benefits and a supportive team culture await the right candidate.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company performance-based bonus

Company pension scheme with matching

Access to digital health services

Qualifications

• Experience with airframes and composite materials.
• Experience in regulated environments like aerospace or automotive.
• Familiarity with quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS9100).

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier quality assurance activities focusing on airframe components.
• Conduct supplier audits and quality assessments in accordance with standards.
• Manage supplier performance focusing on nonconformances.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Quality management

Team collaboration

Education

Degree qualification

Tools

CATIA

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

What to expect

In this role, you’ll support a broad range of supplier quality activities across systems such as airframe, powertrain, battery, mechanical assemblies, avionics, and beyond. You will work cross-functionally with Procurement, Engineering, Programme, and Manufacturing teams to drive supplier readiness, qualification, and performance — all within a fast-paced, certification-driven environment.

This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and thrives in a start-up setting where adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration are key.

What you\'ll do

• Lead and support supplier quality assurance activities with a primary focus on Airframe components and structures, while also providing cross-functional support to other commodity areas (e.g. EPU, BMS, avionics, mechanical parts)

• Knowledge of composite manufacturing processes as well as NADCAP-controlled metallic special processes (heat treatment, welding, coating) is advantageous

• Familiarity with surface treatments and finishing processes (e.g. anodizing, plating, painting) is a plus

• Experience in NDI/NDT and incoming quality inspection is also considered a strong advantage

• Onboard suppliers to ensure they can deliver quality products, and they have the capability to fulfil their scope of approval.

• Conduct supplier audits and quality assessments in accordance with AS9100, EASA Part 21J/G, and customer-specific requirements

• Manage the implementation of APQP, PPAP, FAI, NCR, 8D, and concession processes

• Manage supplier performance, focusing on nonconformances and RCA

• Support suppliers on inspections, reviewing FAIR and make sure the PFMEA is correctly applied

• Verify the supplier measurement system and review metrology reports

• Manage goods receiving controls and supplier quality records

• Use KPI-driven data for supplier scorecards and process improvements

• Communicate regularly with strategic suppliers to maintain relationships and review trends

• Promote continual improvement and cost-effectiveness through supplier initiatives

• Contribute to the development and implementation of internal quality systems and process improvements

• Support cross-functional reviews including Design Reviews, MFTs, and Programme Milestone Gates

• Serve as the quality voice in supplier development and early-stage production readiness reviews

What you\'ll bring

• Degree qualified preferred, experience may be taken in consideration

• Experience with airframes and composite materials.

• Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA in a regulated environment (e.g. aerospace, defence, automotive)

• Lead auditor accreditation for ISO9001 as minimum, AS9100/AS13100 is highly preferred.

• Experience in quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949) and familiarity with EASA regulations (Part 21J/G and/or Part 145)

• Strong analytical skills and use of six sigma and quality tools such as PFMEA, 8D, 5Whys, process mapping

• Proven experience auditing to ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, IATF 16949, or CAA Part 21 requirements

• Competent in reading Engineering drawings or CAD models and experience on using CATIA

• Experience with ERP systems (Infor experience is a strong plus)

• Proficiency in MS Office applications

• A digitalisation and automation mindset, with strong proficiency in leveraging AI tools, is highly preferred.

• Experience in a start-up or high-growth environment is a plus.

• Effective communication and data presentation skills

• Self-motivated with a positive attitude

What can you expect from us?

We\'re on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn\'t your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career.

Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we\'re going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our benefits

Our people matter - we\'re not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials.

• 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday

• 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)

• 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership

• Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits

• Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)

• Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance

• Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee

• Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it

• Breakfast on us, every day

We may just be the hardest job you\'ve ever had, but we\'re confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.

Disclaimer Statement

We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.