Quality Engineering Lead

Quality Engineering Lead

Salary: £60,000 - £70,000

Location: Ampthill, Bedfordshire
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 Hrs | 4x Day Working Week (Mon–Thu)

Security Clearance: BPSS required to start

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Quality Engineering Lead to join a leading defence and aerospace organisation based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

Working within the Missiles & Fire Control business, you'll lead the Quality Engineering function, driving quality excellence across multiple business areas while supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), continuous improvement initiatives, and the development of a high-performing Quality Engineering team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for Quality.
• Functionally manage the Quality Engineers across both business areas.
• Own and maintain the Quality Engineering command media, including:
• Non-conformance processes
• Control Plans
• Quarantine processes
• Ensure quality processes are regularly reviewed and updated.
• Develop the capability of the Quality Engineering team by identifying and delivering training.
• Act as the focal point for Quality Engineering metric corrective actions arising from reviews.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline and improve quality processes.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Significant experience in a Quality Engineering role within manufacturing, aerospace, defence, or another highly regulated industry.
• Quality Management Systems (QMS) - Strong
• Quality Assurance methodologies - Strong
• Root Cause Analysis (RCCA) - Strong
• Problem-solving techniques - Strong
• Quality investigations - Lead
• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) - Lead
• Root Cause Analysis activities - Lead 
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) and product lifecycle quality activities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Highly analytical with a process-driven approach and strong decision-making skills.
• Experience developing, maintaining, and improving quality processes and documentation.
• Demonstrated success delivering continuous improvement initiatives and measurable business improvements.

Desirable Experience:

• Defence or Aerospace industry experience.
• Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Lean Practitioner, Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, or equivalent Continuous Improvement qualification.
• Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor qualification.
• Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, or a related discipline.

Security Clearance

This position requires Security Check (SC) clearance, with BPSS clearance required prior to starting.