Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure product quality meets safety and customer standards while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace company with a commitment to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, private medical cover, and generous holiday options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and safety in a dynamic production environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality engineering and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor junior engineers for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
The Lead Production Quality Engineer ensures that products leaving the production line meet all safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. This role requires technical aptitude to provide governance that ensures quality standards are met, to drive continuous improvement in production processes, and to act as the primary quality interface between operations, manufacturing engineering, and engineering functions. The Lead supports the broader quality culture on the shop floor, sits within the Internal Manufacturing Quality team, partners closely with Supplier Quality and Customer Quality, and requires regular presence on the manufacturing/production shop floor.
Key Interfaces
- Production Supervisors
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Design Engineers
- Supplier Quality
- Maintenance
- Materials/Logistics
- Customer Quality
- Materials Engineering
- Project Engineering
- Programmes
Key Responsibilities
- Production Quality Ownership
- Own product quality for assigned production lines, cells, or value streams from incoming material through final shipment
- Monitor and improve key quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, first pass yield, scrap, rework, escapes, customer complaints)
- Lead response to quality issues on the shop floor, including immediate containment, root cause analysis, and implementation of robust corrective actions
- Approve or support disposition of nonconforming material (NC), ensuring compliance with Customer Requirements
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Lead cross‑functional investigations (Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance) using structured problem‑solving tools (e.g., 5‑Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone, 8‑D, FMEA) and FLIGHTDECK tools
- Document and track corrective actions and verify effectiveness through data and process audits
- Prevent recurrence by improving standards, work instructions and error‑proofing
- Quality Systems & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to Part 21, Part 145, AS9100 & AS9102
- Maintain and improve Quality Management System (QMS) documentation related to production
- Support internal and external audits (customer, third‑party, regulatory), including preparation, hosting, and closure of findings
- Ensure traceability, records, and data integrity in line with internal and regulatory expectations
- Process Control & Continuous Improvement
- Develop, implement, and maintain process control plans, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria
- Utilize statistical methods (SPC, capability studies, DOE) to monitor and improve process performance
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to validate and qualify processes and equipment (e.g., PPAP, FAI, process capability)
- Identify and drive continuous improvement projects to reduce defects, scrap, and rework, and to improve throughput and cost
- Quality Mentality & Coaching
- Mentor junior quality engineers and support their development in quality tools, data analysis, and problem solving
- Lead or participate in daily operations reviews (tier meetings), presenting quality performance and priorities
- Promote a strong quality culture on the shop floor, reinforcing right‑first‑time behaviors and standard work
- Internal Collaboration
- Support customer quality activities including complaints management, investigations, and communication of corrective actions
- Collaborate with Supplier Quality to address incoming material issues impacting production
- Support Tollgate Reviews/IPT Reviews to ensure Quality standards are considered
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience in quality, manufacturing, or process engineering, with significant experience in a production environment
- Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (SPC, FMEA, MSA, control plans, PPAP/FAI as applicable)
- Working knowledge of GD&T
- Experience in a highly regulated environment
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab or similar) and ERP/MES/QMS systems
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or related field) or equivalent experience
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence cross‑functional teams
- Proven track record leading root cause investigations and implementing durable corrective actions
Key Competencies
- Quality Mindset – Champions product and process quality, working towards Zero Defects, prioritises safety and compliance
- Analytical Thinking – Uses data and structured methods to diagnose and solve complex problems
- Leadership – Influences without authority, leads teams through change and improvement
- Collaboration – Works effectively with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Suppliers
- Accountability – Takes ownership for issues and follows through to sustainable closure
- Continuous Improvement – Identifies waste and opportunities; drives standardisation and simplification
Flexible Working
GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.
Total Reward
At GE Aviation we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.
Benefits
- Non‑contributory Pension
- Life Assurance
- Group income protection
- Private medical cover
- Holiday – hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell
Security Clearance
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.
Right to Work
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.
For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Additional Information
Relocation Assistance Provided: No
Lead Product Quality Engineer in Gloucester employer: Dowty, a GE Aerospace company
Contact Detail:
Dowty, a GE Aerospace company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Product Quality Engineer in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to quality engineering. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest can keep you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product Quality Engineer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in quality engineering and production processes. We want to see how your skills align with the Lead Product Quality Engineer role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills: Since this role involves a lot of root cause analysis and problem-solving, include specific examples of how you've tackled quality issues in the past. We love seeing structured approaches like 5-Why or Fishbone diagrams in action!
Highlight Your Technical Know-How: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with quality tools and methodologies, especially if you’ve worked in regulated environments. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their proficiency with data analysis tools and quality management systems.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dowty, a GE Aerospace company
✨Know Your Quality Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality tools and methodologies like SPC, FMEA, and control plans. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles, as this will show your technical aptitude and understanding of the quality landscape.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to share specific examples of how you've led root cause investigations and implemented corrective actions. Use structured problem-solving tools like 5-Why or Ishikawa diagrams to illustrate your approach, as this will demonstrate your analytical thinking and leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the Production Environment
Familiarise yourself with the production processes relevant to the role. Being able to speak about your experience in a production environment and how you've contributed to continuous improvement will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work cross-functionally with teams such as Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain. Share examples of how you've influenced without authority and fostered a strong quality culture, as this is key for the Lead Product Quality Engineer position.