Lead Quality Engineer - Complex Systems

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Engineer who has progressed through the ranks into leadership and is ready to lead a small, high-performing team within a fast-paced defence manufacturing environment.

Reporting into the Quality function, you'll be responsible for driving quality strategy across multiple complex defence programmes, ensuring products meet customer expectations while improving quality performance, manufacturing efficiency and business KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the Quality strategy across multiple Complex Systems programmes.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team of approximately 7-10 Quality Engineers within a wider Quality function of around 35 people.
• Own end-to-end Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities throughout the product lifecycle.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to achieve zero-defect manufacturing.
• Align quality objectives with businessKPIs, including:
  • Yield
  • Cost of Quality
  • On-Time Delivery
• Produce accurate reporting on team performance and programme quality metrics.
• Manage Quality Management Plans (QMPs) throughout programme delivery.
• Develop and manage audit schedules, ensuring audits are completed and corrective actions implemented.
• Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations and ensure robust corrective actions are implemented.
• Work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Programme teams to deliver quality objectives.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to define quality requirements and support programme success.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience within Defence, Aerospace or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Previous leadership or line management experience within a Quality function.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver against quality and business KPIs.
• Experience managing quality across complex manufacturing programmes or engineering projects.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Practical experience with:
  • Quality Management Plans (QMPs)
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plans
  • AS9102 / First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR)
  • Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)
  • Internal and External Auditing
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

Desirable Skills

• Defence manufacturing experience.
• Working knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management Systems.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Certified Internal Auditor.
• SAP QM or equivalent ERP/MRP system experience.
• Supplier Quality Management experience.
• Experience using digital or AI-enabled quality tools.

Working Pattern

• 4-day working week (Monday-Thursday)
• Primarily site-based at Ampthill.
• Flexible working available where business needs allow.