Principal Quality Engineer (QML) in Somerset

Our Vacancy: Principal Quality Engineer (QML) - Nuclear - Permanent - Bridgwater, United Kingdom

Job Purpose:

• The Senior Principal Quality Engineer (SPQE) is responsible for supporting Client Projects normally operating within Matrix Multi Discipline Teams (MDTs) by providing quality assurance, management and control services.
• Their primary purpose is to provide evidence of the Client and supply-chain adherence to the contracted quality requirements within their respective Client Programmes and Projects.
• Their secondary purpose is to support Client Programmes in achieving adherence with the Project-wide quality arrangements, ensuring that appropriate project-specific quality arrangements are established, and implementing quality for all activities within the scope of the programme.
• The post holder will work in close collaboration with all other project functions and the supply-chain to ensure that project quality is delivered consistently, safely, efficiently, and right first time, while respecting Nuclear Safety as paramount at all times.
• The PQE will lead project direction from a quality perspective and act as the Intelligent Customer as required by the client.

Dimensions (Contextual Information):

• As an embedded member of the Programme/Project, the PQE will provide leadership and support on the application of specific quality activities within projects/contracts as directed by their client line manager.
• Defining quality arrangements for the safe, efficient, and right first time delivery of project activities undertaken by the MDT from inception through to operational handover.
• Approving Project Quality Plans and MIT Plans in a consistent manner.
• Directing and undertaking surveillance/inspection activities at Client Sites/Sub-contractor facilities.
• Providing guidance on acceptability criteria and whether product quality is being achieved or diminished.
• Ensuring data capture and analysis of quality metrics to provide input to management reports on the delivery of quality within the MDT.
• Overseeing the non-conformance process and facilitating timely closure of non-conformance reports.
• Contributing to planning and leading work stream and cross-project audits as required.
• Provision of budgetary oversight as required.
• Leading a team of Quality Practitioners.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Delivery of day-to-day quality management activities requested by the Client, in line with directions given by the Client’s Quality Director.
• Leading quality records reviews and checks to enable quality oversight and assurance that quality is delivered by the supply-chain and the MDT.
• Participating in the production/review of the Programme Quality Delivery Arrangements Plan and specific MIT plans.
• Participating in oversight of the review and acceptance of Quality Plans/Inspection & Test Plans provided by the supply-chain.
• Establishing effective Quality Assurance, Manufacturing/Site Surveillance programmes/plans that enable coverage of identified risks.
• Ensuring surveillance activities in accordance with specific MIT Plans are undertaken.
• Establishing appropriate controls regarding the provision of Quality Records or ‘End of Reports’ by sub-contractors.
• Supporting the effective close out of non-conformances through engagement of subject matter experts.
• Supporting Quality Auditors in the prompt resolution of audit findings within the supply-chain and the MDT.
• Ensuring effective participation in Programme and Project risk & opportunity reviews including lessons learnt reviews.
• Participating in and leading investigations related to quality issues.
• Providing leadership in the provision of regular quality reports on the delivery of quality by the supply chain and the MDT.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Minimum of 15 years post-academic experience.
• Experience in large/complicated project environments, preferably in the nuclear sector, with significant focus on Product/project quality role.
• A minimum of 10 years experience working in the Nuclear Sector.
• Dynamic individual who is a team leader as well as a team player with a solid understanding of quality assurance and control principles.
• Understanding of working in an international quality environment.
• Experience in leading compliance with National and International standards.
• Working knowledge of Licence Conditions and experience engaging with Regulators on technical quality issues.
• Experience planning and leading Internal and Supplier Audits.
• Ability to carry out unsupervised inspections to appropriate standards.
• Experience in the review of Quality Records.
• A minimum of 8 years experience in managing people/leading teams.
• Experience in the analysis of quality data across the business.
• Ability to influence and provide constructive challenge.
• Ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in the application of Quality basic and advanced tools & techniques.
• Pro-active and flexible, prepared to plan and work on own initiative.
• Fluent in verbal and written English, preferably with some French or second language skills.
• Extensive experience working at a strategic level.

Qualifications:

• Member/Fellow Grade Member of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) and a Chartered Quality Practitioner.
• Qualified to HNC/Diploma/C&G Graduate level as a minimum.
• Formally recognised qualification in Quality.
• Qualified to Degree/Master Degree in a Quality Related Subject.
• Formal Management Training leading to Chartered Manager.
• Registered as a Chartered Manager (C.Mgr.).
• NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma (Role Specific).
• CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector (Role Specific).
• Internationally recognised NDT Qualifications in Radiography, Dye Penetrant, Magnetic Particle, ultrasonics. Minimum Level III (Role Specific).

Benefits include: Market Leading Pension scheme (8% company contribution / 4%).