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- 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 annual leave, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while developing your quality leadership career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND or degree in engineering, with 5+ years in quality management required.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; bring your unique perspective to shape the future.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Assystem, we are on a mission to accelerate the energy transition worldwide. Our 7,750 Switchers 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.
Join a powerhouse in nuclear engineering! At Assystem, you will 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.
The 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
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
Desired Skills
- 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 will 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.
Principal Quality Engineer employer: Assystem, Switch On
Contact Detail:
Assystem, Switch On 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 relevant to the nuclear industry, such as ISO 9001 and ONR TAG 077. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance in a highly regulated environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the nuclear engineering field, especially those who have experience in quality assurance roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Assystem.
✨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 improvements in past projects, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your fit for the Principal Quality Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Assystem's recent projects and initiatives in the energy transition space. Understanding their current challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview and show how your skills can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Quality Engineer
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 Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as HNC/HND or degree in engineering, IRCA Registered Lead Auditor status, and any certifications like CSWIP 3.2. Make sure these stand out to demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your leadership experience managing quality teams, including examples of how you've implemented quality systems or led audits. This will show your capability to lead within multi-disciplinary teams as required by the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Assystem, Switch On
✨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 solid 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 is crucial for this role, prepare to discuss how you've analysed quality performance data in the past. Bring examples of reports you've created or insights you've derived from data to showcase your analytical abilities.
