Principal Quality Engineer (Quality Management Lead)

Join Assystem, a global leader in engineering and project management, driving the energy transition worldwide. With over 8,500 Switchers, we blend our extensive engineering heritage with cutting-edge digital technologies to support vital infrastructure projects. Our mission is to accelerate the clean energy transition, and we’re seeking passionate professionals to be part of this journey.

We are recruiting Principal Quality Engineers (PQEs) to support the Sizewell C (SZC) project — a proposed new nuclear power station that will play a major role in reducing UK carbon emissions. As a PQE, you will ensure that quality requirements are met across the full nuclear project lifecycle, from contract award through design, procurement, manufacturing, testing, shipping, construction, commissioning and contract close‑out. You will help deliver the project right first time by embedding high-quality standards throughout.

Role Overview

PQEs support projects within Matrix Multi‑Discipline Teams (MDTs), providing quality assurance, management and control. You will ensure suppliers and clients meet their contractual quality obligations, develop Project Quality Control Plans, and manage related inspection and surveillance activities. You will also support wider programme quality arrangements, including Manufacturing Inspection and Test Plans, Lifetime Quality Records (LTQRs), Non‑Conformance management, Root Cause Analysis and auditing. This may involve working on client sites or at subcontractor facilities in the UK or overseas. Acting as the “Intelligent Customer,” you will help ensure that manufactured equipment and construction works comply with contract designs and technical specifications, always upholding the highest nuclear safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of QA/QC arrangements across SZC.
• Identify and conduct supplier audits, and close out findings.
• Manage quality execution and support supplier technical assessments.
• Oversee manufacturing and construction surveillance.
• Manage non-conformances and Quality Release Certificate processes.
• Drive improvements in quality implementation across the project.

Primary Accountabilities

• Review, accept and monitor Contractors’ Quality Assurance Plans (CQAPs).
• Produce and implement Project Quality Control Plans.
• Ensure deployment of key contractual quality arrangements (GQAS, LTQRs, ITP specifications).
• Guide contractors on quality requirements and project-specific arrangements.
• Lead LTQR reviews and support progressive records submission.
• Build effective relationships with internal teams, suppliers and inspection bodies.
• Ensure supplier Inspection & Test Plans are fit for purpose and properly reviewed.
• Establish, check and monitor inspection and witness points.
• Coordinate documentation reviews and inspection activities with inspection entities.
• Lead NNB reviews of manufacturing and construction documentation.
• Perform inspections, surveillance and audits when needed.
• Support resolution of non‑conformances and corrective actions.
• Review End of Manufacturing / Construction / Erection status reports.
• Lead delivery of end‑of‑manufacturing records and quality release of equipment.
• Produce quality documentation (specifications, procedures) as required.

Secondary Accountabilities

• Implement the programme’s quality execution plan, ensuring efficient supplier delivery.
• Identify potential quality issues early and support mitigation.
• Ensure supplier QC requirements are clearly defined in ITT documentation.
• Monitor and ensure correct application of quality management processes.

Qualifications

Background in large, complex and highly regulated environments—ideally in nuclear or similarly regulated sectors—with strong focus on project quality and expertise in a relevant engineering discipline (mechanical, electrical, I&C, fabrication). Strong understanding of Quality Assurance and Quality Control across engineering, procurement, manufacturing, construction and commissioning. Knowledge of the nuclear sector (preferably new build) and familiarity with Licence Conditions LC6, LC17 and ONR TAG 077 is desirable. Clear understanding of quality management best practice for deployment in large, complex, contract-led organisations. Confident communicator with strong presentation skills, comfortable engaging with individuals, small groups and large audiences. Experience ensuring compliance with national and international standards such as GS‑R‑3, ISO 9001, ISO 19443, ISO 3834 and EN10204. Proven ability to plan and conduct internal and supplier audits. Able to carry out unsupervised inspections to appropriate standards (e.g., pressurised systems). Experienced in reviewing quality records (e.g., material certification, CFSI) and analysing quality data across an organisation. Experience managing people or leading teams. Strong influencing and stakeholder‑engagement skills, able to constructively challenge and build relationships with internal teams, suppliers and wider project stakeholders. Fluent in written and spoken English; French or another second language is an advantage. Experience interacting with regulators such as the ONR is desirable. Knowledge of improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma is desirable. Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and tactical levels.

Qualifications

Member or Chartered Member of the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) is desirable. Minimum of an HNC/HND, Diploma or equivalent (preferably engineering discipline). Formal qualification in Quality (e.g., Diploma in Quality). IRCA Registered Lead Auditor (role‑specific requirement). AS(phone number removed)D problem‑solving or Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher) is desirable.

Additional Information

Join Assystem and be part of the energy transition, working on one of the most significant nuclear projects in the world. You’ll gain valuable experience, collaborate with international teams, and play a crucial role in shaping the future of energy engineering.

Benefits include:

• Hybrid Working Opportunity
• Flexible working hours - 2/3 days per week in the Bristol office
• Market Leading Pension scheme (8% company contribution / 4% personal contribution)
• 25 days’ paid annual leave + bank holidays + option to buy or sell days
• Professional fees reimbursed
• Employee referral scheme
• Competitive Sick Pay – Support when you need it
• Income Protection & 3x Salary Death-in-Service Cover
• Free Digital Gym Access – Expert-led fitness classes
• 24/7 Employee Support Line – Mental health, financial & legal help

Join us to shape the future of energy engineering with a global leader in nuclear projects. 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.