Supplier Materials Quality Engineer - Team Leader

Safran; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the UK is seeking a Materials Supplier Quality Assurance team leader. You will audit and qualify raw material suppliers, focusing on ultra-high tensile steel and titanium. The ideal candidate has a degree in Materials Engineering, experience in supply chain auditing, and strong knowledge of quality tools. This role offers competitive benefits and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the aerospace industry.

Benefits

Early finish on Fridays

25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

Annual bonus and share scheme

Generous pension scheme

Onsite parking and EV chargers

Flexible benefits options

Qualifications

• Minimum degree or MSc in Materials Engineering or Materials Science.
• Experience in supply chain environment, specifically auditing suppliers.
• Knowledge of ultra-high tensile steel and titanium processes.
• Proficiency with FMEA, 8D problem solving, and statistical methods.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing the materials SQA team to meet quality objectives.
• Auditing and qualifying raw material suppliers globally.
• Collaborating for approval of new materials and processes.
• Managing a 3-year audit plan for supplier validation.
• Collecting data to monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.

Skills

Materials Engineering

Supplier Management

Quality Tools (FMEA, 8D)

Statistical Methods

Education

Degree or MSc in Materials Engineering or Materials Science

Job description

As part of our Supplier Quality Assurance team, you will lead the Materials Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) team, focusing on auditing and qualifying raw material suppliers, especially those handling ultra‑high tensile steel and titanium. This role requires a strong background in materials engineering and supply chain experience to support Safran globally in maintaining and improving supplier quality standards.

Benefits

• Early finish on a Friday, giving you time to recharge.
• Start with 25 days of holiday, plus UK Bank Holidays, and options to buy or sell days to fit your needs.
• Annual bonus and share scheme options.
• Generous pension scheme, with up to 8% matched contributions, and life assurance at 4x your salary.
• Onsite parking, including EV chargers, a subsidised restaurant, bicycle storage, and shower facilities.
• Wide range of flexible benefits and working options, enhanced maternity and family‑friendly benefits.

Who are Safran Landing Systems?

We are a global leader in aircraft landing and braking systems, from commercial and business travel to military and defence fleets. Our expertise covers the entire life cycle of our products from end‑to‑end: design, manufacturing, maintenance and repair. We're at the forefront of aerospace technology, creating safer, more sustainable aviation for the next generation of aerospace. It’s easy to take flying for granted, or forget the incredible amount of technical skills, capability and coordination required to create an aircraft. At Safran, we never take it for granted. Our people’s talents and skills come together to make the feat of flying possible. Here, you can create an impact you’re proud of, where you’re rewarded for your dedication and willingness to learn.

What will I be doing?

• Leading and developing the materials SQA team to ensure supplier quality objectives are met.
• Auditing and qualifying raw material suppliers, forgers, and casting companies globally in line with Safran’s requirements.
• Collaborating with the Materials and Process Laboratory and Material Validation Board to recommend and approve new materials and manufacturing processes.
• Managing a 3‑year rolling audit plan to ensure all critical suppliers and material routes are regularly validated.
• Collecting and analysing mechanical and chemical data from suppliers to monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement.

What do I need to succeed in the role?

• A minimum of a degree or MSc in Materials Engineering or Materials Science.
• Industry experience working within a supply chain environment, specifically auditing and managing suppliers.
• Strong knowledge of raw materials, including ultra‑high tensile steel and titanium manufacturing processes.
• Proficiency with quality tools such as FMEA, 8D problem solving, statistical methods, and supplier training.
• Ability to liaise effectively with suppliers and internal teams, solve technical issues, and ensure compliance with Safran group standards.

At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone.

We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don’t meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experiences relevant to the requirements of this role.

We will consider all applicants who meet the minimum requirements regardless of their age, identity or background.

If you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation please get in touch for an informal chat. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible.

Please apply by uploading a CV, and if your experience matches what we’re looking for, one of our recruitment team will give you a call.

Offers of employment will be subject to a relevant level of company security vetting, which may include a criminal record check.

Join Safran and discover what we could achieve, together.