Principal Quality Engineer
Principal Quality Engineer

Principal Quality Engineer

Bridgwater Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead quality assurance for nuclear projects, ensuring compliance and safety standards.
  • Company: Join Assystem, a top global nuclear engineering company driving the energy transition.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days leave, healthcare cash plan, and exclusive discounts.
  • Why this job: Shape vital infrastructure while developing your career in a passionate team.
  • Qualifications: Degree in engineering or quality, with 10+ years in regulated projects and leadership experience.
  • Other info: Opportunities for graduates to gain hands-on experience in critical energy projects.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

At Assystem, we are on a mission to accelerate the energy transition worldwide. Our 7,750Switchers combine world-class engineering expertise with digital innovation to drive this change. As one of the top three largest nuclear engineering companies globally, we are at the forefront of shaping the future of energy.

Why Join the Community of Switchers?

Join a powerhouse in nuclear engineering! At Assystem, you’ll be part of one of the world’s top three nuclear engineering companies, contributing to some of the most exciting and impactful projects in the industry. We offer career progression, continuous learning, and the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders.

Job Description

The Job Mission

This role supports nuclear client projects through expert leadership in quality assurance and control.
You will work within multi-disciplinary teams based in Bridgwater, supporting our UK and international delivery environments. The role ensures consistent application of quality standards, compliance, and nuclear safety requirements. This includes:

  • Lead quality delivery across UK and international sites, including subcontractor facilities
  • Ensure client and supply chain meet contractual quality requirements
  • Implement and monitor project-wide and project-specific quality arrangements
  • Oversee MIT plans, LTQRs, NCR processes, audits, and root cause analysis
  • Act as the Intelligent Customer, directing quality governance and strategy
  • Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and delivery teams to assure product quality
  • Support supplier assessments, surveillance, and risk-based quality planning
  • Ensure alignment with ONR, ISO, and other international nuclear standards

Within this role you will be embedded in major client programmes to drive consistent, compliant, and efficient quality delivery. You will lead the development and implementation of quality systems across all project phases.
This includes:

  • Oversight of assurance plans, inspections, records, and continuous improvement.
  • Lead the definition and deployment of project-specific quality arrangements
  • Approve Project Quality Plans and Manufacturing Inspection & Test (MIT) Plans
  • Direct or perform inspections and surveillance at client or subcontractor facilities
  • Guide teams on acceptability criteria to ensure product quality is maintained
  • Analyse quality data and contribute to performance and compliance reporting
  • Oversee non-conformance processes and drive preventative action across the programme
  • Plan and lead cross-project audits and quality assurance work streams
  • Provide leadership and oversight to quality practitioners and related budget responsibilities

My profile

Essential Skills and Qualifications

  • HNC/HND or degree in engineering or quality-related discipline
  • Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 19443 and EN 10204
  • IRCA Registered Lead Auditor and CQI Chartered Member status
  • CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector certification
  • Leadership experience with 5+ years managing quality teams
  • Hands-on expertise in 8D, RCA, PDCA and DMAIC techniques
  • Skilled in supplier assessments and surveillance programme setup
  • Strong data analysis and reporting skills in quality performance
  • Experience in nuclear projects or similar high-consequence industries
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in quality within complex, regulated projects
  • Experience working under ONR TAG 077 and Licence Conditions LC6/17
  • NEBOSH Certificate and/or formal management qualifications
  • Fluency in French or second language preferred

Join a world-leading nuclear engineering business where you’ll shape vital UK infrastructure while developing your quality leadership career. Work with passionate professionals in your future team to ensure excellence in every mission.

Your Benefits Package
Hybrid Working – Flexibility to work from home and the office
️ 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
Buy & Sell Holiday – Make your time off work for you
8% Company Pension Contributions
️ Income Protection & 3x Salary Death-in-Service Cover
Competitive Sick Pay – Support when you need it
Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back on dental, optical & more
Free Digital Gym Access – Expert-led fitness classes
Exclusive Discounts – Restaurants, days out & top brands
24/7 Employee Support Line – Mental health, financial & legal help
Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money & go green
Free Flu Jabs & Eye Test Vouchers
Paid Professional Membership Fees
️ Volunteer Days – Make a difference on company time

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.

Are you a prospective or recent graduate?

Assystem offers you the opportunity to join our Switch to Grow UK Graduate Scheme, where you’ll gain hands on experience in engineering, digital services, and project management by working on some of the world’s most critical energy projects.

Be part of the challenge of the century; accelerating the switch to low carbon energy!

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Principal Quality Engineer employer: Assystem GmbH

At Assystem, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the nuclear engineering sector, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities, competitive benefits such as hybrid working, generous leave policies, and a supportive environment that values diversity and well-being. Join us in Bridgwater to make a meaningful impact on the energy transition while advancing your career alongside industry experts.
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Contact Detail:

Assystem GmbH Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Quality Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific quality standards and regulations mentioned in the job description, such as ISO 9001 and ONR TAG 077. This knowledge will not only help you understand the role better but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the nuclear engineering field, especially those who have experience in quality assurance roles. Engaging with industry experts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in managing quality teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've implemented quality systems and driven compliance in previous roles, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your fit for the Principal Quality Engineer position.

✨Tip Number 4

If you have fluency in French or another language, make sure to highlight this during your interactions. Being multilingual can set you apart from other candidates and is particularly beneficial in international projects, which are a key aspect of this role.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Quality Engineer

Leadership Skills
Quality Assurance and Control
ISO 9001 Knowledge
ISO 19443 Knowledge
EN 10204 Knowledge
IRCA Registered Lead Auditor
CQI Chartered Member Status
CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector Certification
8D Problem Solving
Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA)
DMAIC Techniques
Supplier Assessment Skills
Data Analysis and Reporting
Nuclear Project Experience
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge
ONR TAG 077 Familiarity
NEBOSH Certificate
Project Quality Planning
Cross-Project Audit Leadership
Fluency in French or a Second Language

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality assurance and control, particularly in nuclear or regulated environments. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific projects that align with the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the energy transition and how your skills can contribute to Assystem's mission. Mention specific qualifications like your ISO knowledge and auditing experience, and relate them to the role.

Highlight Relevant Certifications: Clearly list your certifications such as IRCA Registered Lead Auditor and CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector. These are crucial for the role and should be easily visible in your application.

Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your leadership experience in managing quality teams. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented quality systems and driven compliance in previous roles, especially in complex projects.

How to prepare for a job interview at Assystem GmbH

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As a Principal Quality Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed quality teams in the past, focusing on specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards

Make sure you have a strong understanding of ISO 9001, ISO 19443, and EN 10204. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and commitment to quality assurance.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to quality assurance processes, such as 8D, RCA, PDCA, and DMAIC techniques. Brush up on these methodologies and be prepared to explain how you've used them to improve quality in past projects.

✨Demonstrate Your Data Analysis Skills

Since strong data analysis and reporting skills are essential for this role, prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive quality improvements. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've conducted that led to significant changes in quality performance.

Principal Quality Engineer
Assystem GmbH
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