Lead Quality Engineer FTC

Acron Aviation Training Systems plays a key role in delivering the Acron Aviation Solutions mantra of ‘Creating Safer Skies’. From our computer-based solutions to our state-of-the-art Full Flight Simulators (FFS), our goal is to improve training experiences and create safer skies. Our Fixed Training Devices (FTD) and FFS feature aircraft-specific flight decks, offering the form, fit, feel, and function of the actual aircraft.

The Lead Quality Engineer will be crucial in enhancing the quality of our products and services. This role focuses on managing processes within the QMS, Supplier Quality Management, and continuous improvement through Lean methodologies. The successful candidate will collaborate with various functions, suppliers, and customers to ensure quality standards are met and will identify and implement improvements to reduce waste and defects, lower costs, and boost operational efficiency.

Our Benefits Package Includes:

• 25 days holiday per year (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service and options to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Private medical insurance with optional family cover
• Pension scheme of up to 7% employer contribution
• Life Assurance 4x salary (flexible up to 10x)
• Group income protection
• Flexible extras such as a health care cash plan, dental insurance, gym membership, critical illness cover, and cycle to work scheme
• Employee assistance program for mental health and wellbeing support
• Subsidised staff restaurant
• Staff car park including electric vehicle charging stations

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective implementation and maintenance of the QMS in compliance with ISO9001:2015 and other standards.
• Conduct internal and external audits, ensuring corrective actions are taken to maintain certification and compliance.
• Lead efforts to minimize the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through proactive management and process improvements.
• Apply Lean methodologies (Value Stream Mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Continuous Improvement) to identify waste and reduce costs.
• Lead supplier development activities, including qualification, onboarding, auditing, and liaison.
• Work closely with Procurement, Engineering, and Production to align on quality expectations and improvement goals.
• Assess supplier First Articles to ensure quality standards are met.
• Analyze quality metrics and defect data to reduce COPQ across the supply chain.
• Perform safety audits and reviews addressing product safety issues.
• Identify root causes of quality issues and implement corrective/preventive actions to reduce defects and rework.
• Ensure corrective actions are robust, sustainable, and aligned with Lean principles.
• Support risk mitigation related to quality, schedule, or costs.
• Maintain documentation of audits, non-conformance reports, and improvement projects.
• Prepare and present reports to senior management.

Qualifications And Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or HNC in Quality, Manufacturing, or Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace) or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a Quality Engineering role, preferably in aerospace or manufacturing, focusing on supplier quality and COPQ reduction.
• Experience applying Lean principles (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, 5S) to improve processes.
• Certified Auditor (ISO9001) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of ISO9001:2015 QMS and their application.
• Expertise in root cause analysis, FMEA, 8D, and COPQ analysis tools.
• Familiarity with Lean tools for continuous improvement.
• Experience with quality management software and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle) is a plus.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, especially in root cause identification.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proven leadership in cross-functional teams and change management.

Working Environment:

Primarily office and production shop floor work, with occasional site visits to suppliers. Some travel required for audits, assessments, and improvement initiatives.

Note: All candidates must have the right to work in the UK.