Senior Quality Engineer

Job Title: Senior Quality Engineer. 

HQW Aerospace is a world-renowned manufacturer of super precision bearings, pushing the boundaries of innovation and precision engineering for over 75 years. We're committed to nurturing talent. Situated in the vibrant city of Plymouth, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, we offer not only a stimulating work environment but also a lifestyle that blends work with leisure seamlessly. With stunning beaches, vibrant culinary scenes, and a plethora of social and sporting activities, Plymouth and its surroundings provide an exceptional backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. If you're an dynamic Sourcing Engineer ready to embark on an exciting career journey in precision engineering, we want to hear from you!

Why Join Us:

- Competitive Salary

- 25 days of paid holiday, plus bank holidays.

- Professional Development

- Subsidised Canteen.

- Engagement and Rewards platform, with access to discounts at over 100 retailers.

- Free Parking.

Please Note:

- HQW Aerospace currently does not hold a sponsorship license. Therefore, all candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

- Due to the nature of our business, security clearance may be required.

Job Summary:

In this key role, you will be responsible for overseeing and improving our in-house quality systems, fostering a strong culture of quality across the organisation, and driving supplier quality improvement initiatives.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with aerospace standards, identify areas for operational enhancement, and lead efforts to resolve complex quality issues. Your expertise will be crucial in implementing best practices that elevate product quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement across both internal and external processes. If you are passionate about quality excellence, mentoring teams, and making a significant impact in the aerospace industry, we invite you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

1. In-House Quality Oversight:
   • Lead and manage the in-house quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001).
   • Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) efforts to address recurring quality issues.
   • Develop and maintain quality control plans, procedures, and policies to ensure consistent product quality.
   • Conduct regular audits of manufacturing processes, products, and equipment to identify areas of improvement.
   • Oversee the management of non-conformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions.
   • Help to Embed quality culture as the guiding ethos across the whole organisation
2. Supplier Quality Management:
   • Lead supplier quality improvement initiatives, collaborating with suppliers to ensure that parts and materials meet quality and regulatory standards.
   • Conduct supplier audits and assessments to ensure they comply with contractual quality requirements.
   • Work closely with the procurement and engineering teams to resolve supplier quality issues and improve supplier performance.
   • Develop and implement supplier performance metrics and monitor ongoing performance.
3. Quality Culture Development:
   • Foster a culture of quality within the organization by promoting best practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
   • Mentor and train team members on quality principles, tools, and techniques (e.g., FMEA, 8D, root cause analysis, SPC).
   • Promote awareness of quality standards and regulations to all departments and stakeholders.
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4. Continuous Improvement:
   • Identify opportunities for process optimization, cost reduction, and waste elimination while maintaining product quality standards.
   • Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects such as Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen initiatives.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) to implement process improvements.
5. Risk Management:
   • Assess and manage risks related to product quality, supplier performance, and compliance with regulations.
   • Proactively identify potential quality risks and implement mitigation strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Quality Management or Engineering  (Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field); Master’s preferred.
• Extensive experience in quality management or related field.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred.
• Lead Auditor certification for ISO 9001 or AS9100 is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., AS9100, ISO9001) and other Aerospace standards
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives and process optimization in a manufacturing or production environment.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of quality control techniques, such as Statistical Process Control (SPC), FMEA, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA).
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in identifying quality issues, conducting investigations, and implementing corrective actions
• Experience of working in manufacturing environment desirable.  
• Experience of working in cleanroom environments desirable.
• Expertise in non-conformance management and audit processes.
• Proficient with quality management software and tools (e.g., Minitab, SAP, or equivalent).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and senior management.

Join Our Team:

Join us today and become a part of our mission to redefine the future of high-precision aerospace engineering. Apply now to embark on an extraordinary career journey with HQW Aerospace.

 Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At HQW Aerospace UK, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values and respects the diversity of all individuals. We believe that embracing equality, diversity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for driving innovation, creativity, and success in our future endeavours.