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