Engineering Quality Lead & Inspector
We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven individual to head up our clients small Quality Assurance (QA) team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional with a passion for quality and leadership to make a significant impact within the organization. The role combines leadership in quality management with hands-on inspection responsibilities, ensuring high standards in all areas of our operations.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Management:
- Maintain and continuously improve an effective, company-wide Quality Management System (QMS) in compliance with AS9100 Rev D and NADCAP standards.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with NADCAP requirements and other applicable regulations, legislation, and national/international standards.
- Develop, implement, and monitor policies, processes, standards, procedures, forms, and guidelines in collaboration with the General Manager.
- Establish and lead a culture of quality across the organization, promoting best practices and continuous improvement.
- Manage and oversee QMS and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) audits, ensuring compliance and driving corrective actions as needed.
- Work closely with sister branches across the country to align quality practices, share knowledge, and implement consistent procedures.
- Engage with external quality advisors, auditors, and other relevant specialists to support compliance and improvement efforts.
- Manage customer and certifying authority audits, particularly NADCAP-related audits, including documentation preparation and facilitating effective communication.
- Investigate non-conformance reports (NCRs), customer complaints, and poor-performing suppliers to identify root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.
Inspection and Compliance:
- Perform first-off inspections of components and assemblies, ensuring adherence to technical drawings and specifications.
- Measure and verify components using Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs), Vision Systems, and other precision measurement tools.
- Program, modify, and operate CMMs and Vision Systems as needed to meet inspection requirements.
- Record and document inspection results accurately and ensure traceability for all inspected components.
- Conduct in-process inspections and final inspections to maintain consistent quality standards.
- Provide technical quality support during manufacturing, ensuring alignment with AS9100 Rev D and NADCAP standards.
- Lead technical contract reviews, providing quality input during project initiation.
- Oversee the production of First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and manage equipment calibration processes.
- Monitor machine maintenance schedules and supplier approvals, ensuring compliance with quality requirements.
Leadership and Team Collaboration:
* Act as a point of contact for team members, offering guidance and expertise on QA/QC matters.
* Oversee quality objectives, track performance metrics, and provide actionable insights to the Managing Director and Senior Management.
* Foster collaboration with clients' QHSE personnel to maintain alignment with contractual quality expectations.
* Participate in monthly internal meetings and annual management reviews, presenting quality performance data and recommendations.
* Collaborate with sister branches across the country to support quality goals and process consistency.
Essential Requirements:
* Significant experience in the subcontract engineering industry, ideally from a senior Quality Assurance (QA) role.
* Strong knowledge and practical experience with Quality Management procedures in AS9100 Rev D.
* Extensive experience and familiarity with NADCAP standards, particularly in the context of Aerospace industry quality management.
* Proven ability to maintain and develop effective Quality Management Systems (QMS) and lead compliance initiatives in NADCAP-regulated environments.
* Demonstrable hands-on experience in precision inspection, including:
* Performing first-off inspections and using measurement tools such as CMMs and Vision Systems.
* Programming and modifying CMMs and Vision Systems.
* Accurately recording and documenting inspection results for traceability.
* Experience collaborating with geographically dispersed teams and external specialists to achieve quality objectives.
* Comprehensive understanding of risk management, root cause analysis, and process improvement techniques.
* Demonstrable leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and manage small teams.
Desirable Skills and Experience:
* Familiarity with Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) manufacturing processes.
* Experience producing FAIRs and handling supplier approvals.
* Knowledge of equipment calibration and machine maintenance monitoring.
* Hands-on experience with technical contract reviews and client-facing quality assurance collaboration.
Personal Attributes:
* Energetic and self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
* Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively across all levels of the company and with external stakeholders.
* A flexible, team-oriented mindset, willing to adapt and assist with workloads as business demands.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Expected hours: 40 hours per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* 25 days holiday plus stats
* Life insurance
* On-site parking
Experience:
* Quality control 5 years (required)
* Quality Assurance: 5 years (required)
Work Location: In person Gloucester, #removed# Monday to Friday and 6.30-1pm Friday