Quality Engineer

Maxwell Consultancy is working exclusively with a Tier 1 supplier to the Aerospace industry in their search for a Quality Engineer. This is a full-time permanent position working in their state of the art workshop.

The Group is a leading precision engineering organisation supporting aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing customers. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, they invest heavily in their people, processes, and technology to deliver world-class manufacturing solutions across the UK and Europe.

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Quality Engineer to support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities at the Basildon site.

Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal standards. You will support both existing production and new product introduction (NPI), working cross-functionally to improve Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) performance.

This is an excellent opportunity for a quality professional looking to develop within a high-performance aerospace manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Conduct internal audits in line with AS9100, NADCAP, and other applicable standards

Support and host external audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections

Raise, manage, and support closure of non-conformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions

Ensure compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS) across all activities

Production & Workshop Support

Lead Material Review Board (MRB) activities, including disposition of non-conforming product

Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and standards

Maintain and update route cards and associated documentation

Provide hands-on support to manufacturing to ensure quality requirements are met

Supplier Quality

Support supplier audits, surveillance, and performance monitoring

Manage supplier non-conformance and complaint resolution

Support supplier selection and approval processes

Maintain and update the Approved Supplier List (ASL)

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Lead all quality activities relating to NPI

Apply core quality tools such as PPAP, FMEA, APQP

Produce and review First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs)

Support customer communication and issue resolution during product launch

Create and maintain supporting documentation including route cards

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

Actively participate in the Lean Operating System, including tiered meetings and performance boards

Monitor and analyse key KPIs such as COPQ, NCR trends, scrap, rework, and Right First Time (RFT)

Identify and remove operational constraints affecting quality and delivery

Lead and support improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma and root cause analysis tools

Drive sustainable corrective actions through cross-functional collaboration

Customer Quality & Problem Resolution

Lead customer complaint resolution using structured methodologies (e.g. 8D)

Perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions

Maintain clear, professional communication with customers on quality issues

QMS & Systems

Support ongoing development and improvement of the Quality Management System

Ensure documentation, processes, and records are maintained to required standards

Skills & Attributes

* Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to influence at all levels

* Excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative approach

* Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability

* Proven ability to apply root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools

* High level of accountability, ownership, and integrity

* Results-driven with a proactive and improvement-focused mindset

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

* Degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)

* Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment

* Strong understanding of quality tools and methodologies (8D, RCA, FMEA etc.)

Desirable

* Experience within aerospace, defence, or highly regulated manufacturing

* Familiarity with AS9100 and/or NADCAP requirements

* Exposure to Lean / Six Sigma methodologies

Benefits

* Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

* Private medical insurance

* Company pension

* Life assurance / death in service benefit

* Employee retail discounts

* Free on-site parking

* Canteen facilities

* 33 days holiday (including Christmas shutdown)

* Strong opportunities for career development within a growing organisation

Eligibility

Due to the nature of our work in aerospace and defence, you must:

* Have the right to work in the UK

* Be eligible for security screening where required
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed