Staff Quality Engineer (Manchester)

Staff Quality EngineerManchester, CTOur client is an advanced aerospace company developing next-generation flight technologies and is seeking a Staff Quality Engineer to play a critical role in building scalable quality systems that support rapid innovation and world-class hardware delivery.This is an opportunity for a senior quality leader who wants to go beyond compliance and directly influence product success, manufacturing maturity, and operational excellence. You will shape quality strategy across development and production while helping establish the standards and methodologies that support future aerospace programs.What You'll Be DoingOwn Strategic Quality Planning• Develop and execute Quality Management Plans across new aerospace programs• Ensure alignment with AS9100 and customer-specific requirements from programme inception• Build scalable quality frameworks that support rapid hardware development and operational excellenceLead Advanced Risk Mitigation (APQP / PPAP)• Drive APQP and PPAP activities across internal programmes and supplier networks• Develop and maintain Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, and Control Plans• Partner cross-functionally to identify and mitigate manufacturing and process risks earlyInfluence Design for Manufacturability & Inspection• Collaborate with Design Engineering to define Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) characteristics• Support development of datum strategies and application of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to improve inspectability and production success• Embed quality principles directly into engineering decisions and release processesSolve Systemic Quality Issues-Permanently• Lead investigations into major nonconformances using structured methodologies including 8D, Fishbone, and 5-Why• Implement corrective and preventive actions that eliminate recurrence and improve system reliability• Drive measurable improvements across development and manufacturing workflowsBring Statistical Rigor to Process Stability• Champion Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) initiatives• Reduce Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through data-driven process improvement• Apply statistical insight to improve capability, repeatability, and product outcomesOwn Audit Readiness & Compliance• Serve as lead auditor for internal and supplier quality audits• Ensure ongoing readiness for FAA and customer surveillance activities• Maintain disciplined documentation and compliance practices across programmesMentor and Elevate the Team• Coach Quality Engineers and production teams on advanced quality methods and aerospace standards• Help establish a culture of proactive quality leadership across the organisationWhat We're Looking For• Minimum 8+ years of progressive Quality Engineering experience within aerospace or defence environments• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent professional experience• Expert knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and AS9145 (APQP / PPAP) frameworks• Advanced proficiency in GD&T and ASME Y14.5 application• Strong experience using statistical software such as Minitab or JMP• Demonstrated capability leading complex cross-functional quality initiatives• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skillsAdditional Requirements• Must qualify as a US Person as defined under ITAR regulations• Must meet aerospace visual acuity requirementsThis is a rare opportunity to shape the quality foundations of next-generation aerospace systems while influencing products from early development through production and certification.Interested? Apply directly or contact us confidentially for further information.