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- Tasks: Lead quality engineering activities and mentor a dynamic team in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace and defence company committed to quality excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative environment with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality processes in a high-stakes industry.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in quality roles with expertise in AS9100 and NADCAP standards.
The Principal Quality Engineer is responsible for overseeing the execution and continuous improvement of quality processes to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal standards, particularly AS9100, ITAR, and NADCAP. This role provides technical leadership in quality engineering, supports strategic quality initiatives, and mentors the wider quality team to uphold rigorous standards in aerospace and defence gear manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership and Oversight: Lead day-to-day quality engineering activities and provide mentorship to other Quality Engineers and Inspectors. Act as deputy to the Quality Manager where appropriate and support high-level decision-making on quality matters. Represent the Quality function in internal project teams, customer quality meetings, and regulatory audits.
- Compliance and Systems Management: Ensure ongoing compliance with AS9100, NADCAP, ISO 9001, ITAR, and customer-specific requirements. Drive maintenance and continual improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring documentation, records, and procedures are fully aligned with certification standards. Support preparation and execution of external audits (certification, NADCAP, customer, and regulatory).
- Technical Quality Engineering: Lead or coordinate advanced quality planning activities including APQP, PPAP, control plans, FMEAs, and FAIRs (AS9102). Ensure robust inspection and test methods are in place for gear manufacturing processes (e.g. hobbing, grinding, heat treatment, NDT). Champion the use of risk-based thinking and structured problem-solving methodologies.
- NADCAP and Special Processes: Oversee compliance and audit readiness for NADCAP-accredited processes (e.g. heat treatment, NDT, coatings). Liaise with special process owners to ensure qualification and requalification activities meet NADCAP requirements.
- ITAR and Export Compliance: Ensure quality activities, data handling, and document control meet ITAR and UK Export Control requirements. Act as quality liaison for defence contracts requiring export licensing and controlled technical data.
- Root Cause and Continuous Improvement: Lead high-priority root cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (RCA/CAPA). Drive cross-functional initiatives for process capability improvement, yield enhancement, and defect reduction. Monitor and report on key quality metrics (KPIs), using data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Expert knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ITAR, and ISO 9001 standards.
- Proven leadership in Quality engineering within aerospace or defence sectors, including training and mentoring.
- Experience with gear manufacturing processes and associated quality challenges.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (8D, DMAIC, 5 Whys, Fishbone).
- Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, specifications, and GD&T.
- Familiarity with quality tools: SPC, MSA, FMEA, APQP, PPAP, FAIRs.
- Comfortable working in regulated environments with strong attention to detail and compliance.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Degree or HND/HNC in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Quality (or equivalent).
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in quality roles within aerospace/defence.
- Trained AS9100 and NADCAP internal auditor.
- Demonstrable experience managing NADCAP-accredited special processes.
- Knowledge of ITAR and UK Export Control compliance in a manufacturing context.
- Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification (desirable).
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working toward (desirable).
Benefits:
- Employer pension contribution (6%)
- Annual bonus
- 25+ days holiday
- Training and development funding
- Life assurance
Principal Quality Engineer employer: Davall Gears Ltd
Contact Detail:
Davall Gears Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Quality Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, and ITAR standards. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles. We want you to showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. Think of specific situations where you led quality initiatives or improved processes. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can drive continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Quality Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience with AS9100, NADCAP, and ITAR compliance, as well as any leadership roles you've held in quality engineering. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality engineering in aerospace and defence. Share specific examples of how you've led quality initiatives or mentored teams, and let us know why you want to join StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise! Mention your familiarity with quality tools like SPC, FMEA, and APQP. We love seeing candidates who can interpret complex technical drawings and have hands-on experience with gear manufacturing processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload your tailored CV and cover letter directly. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Davall Gears Ltd
✨Know Your Standards
Make sure you brush up on AS9100, NADCAP, and ITAR standards before the interview. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with them but can also apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led quality engineering teams or mentored others in your previous roles. Highlight specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in high-pressure environments like aerospace and defence.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect to dive deep into quality engineering methodologies like APQP, PPAP, and FMEAs. Brush up on your problem-solving techniques too, as they might ask you to walk through a root cause analysis or corrective action plan.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of instances where you’ve driven process improvements or enhanced quality metrics. Be prepared to discuss how you used data to identify trends and implement changes, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on continuous improvement.