At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance in a high-tech manufacturing environment, ensuring top-notch product integrity.
- Company: Join GE Vernova, a leader in electrification systems for defence and aerospace.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible benefits, and 26 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values engineering judgement and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by defining and improving quality processes in critical engineering projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in quality leadership and technical expertise in complex manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
This is a senior technical leadership position at the heart of a low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing environment where bespoke engineering and exacting safety-critical standards define everything we do. As Lead Quality Assurance Engineer, you will serve as the primary technical authority for manufacturing quality within the RMR Quality team. This is not a process-administration role; you will provide hands-on operational leadership on the shop floor, drive the transition from reactive issue management to proactive defect prevention, and hold firm accountability for the quality integrity of high-value, bespoke equipment. You will be the operational anchor for the Quality function - the person who determines when our processes are truly production-ready, and who sets the standard for technical rigour across Manufacturing, Engineering, and Project Management. If you are an experienced quality leader ready for genuine technical ownership in a mission-critical engineering environment, we want to hear from you.
Operational Quality Leadership
- Direct daily Quality Engineering and inspection activities, aligning resource prioritisation with manufacturing schedules, customer commitments, and safety-critical compliance requirements.
- Act as the primary operational authority for the Quality function, interfacing directly with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Project Management to resolve technical bottlenecks.
- Lead daily operational reviews, monitor workload and technical risk, and ensure clear escalation of issues that threaten quality integrity.
Quality Engineering & Non-Conformance Management
- Provide hands-on leadership for NCR management, ensuring all investigations, dispositions, and corrective actions are technically sound and fully supported by empirical evidence.
- Lead high-stakes root cause investigations for complex product failures, driving permanent, systemic preventive actions rather than temporary containment measures.
- Enforce strict accountability for CAPA effectiveness across all functional owners, eliminating repeat defects through process-based solutions.
Quality Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Manage operational performance through advanced trend analysis (Pareto, defect rates, Cost of Poor Quality), translating data into targeted improvement initiatives.
- Champion the development and maintenance of manufacturing Control Plans and PFMEAs, working with Engineering to improve process capability and reduce variability across complex production lines.
- Facilitate structured improvement projects using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies to enhance quality systems, inspection efficiency, and digital process controls.
Quality Governance & Cross-Functional Alignment
- Ensure full compliance with ISO/AS9100 standards and customer specifications, maintaining the integrity of all quality records, inspection evidence, and non-conformance documentation.
- Lead operational preparation for internal, customer, and regulatory audits, ensuring follow-up actions are closed with technical rigour.
- Maintain clear functional boundaries, ensuring the Quality team provides expert assurance and technical support without diluting the accountability of Manufacturing and Engineering.
Proven technical leadership in a complex, highly regulated manufacturing environment
- Deep expertise in NCR management, structured root cause analysis (8D, Ishikawa), and CAPA effectiveness verification.
- Practical experience applying PFMEA, Control Plans, and APQP including PPAP.
- Strong technical literacy: ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, tolerances, GD&T, and detailed technical specifications.
- Demonstrated experience using SAP and digital QMS systems for quality data management and reporting.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills - able to translate complex technical quality issues into clear, actionable language for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proven ability to coach, develop and upskill quality and production teams, embedding a culture of continuous improvement and quality ownership at every level.
- Strong MS PowerPoint and Excel skills for analysis, reporting and presenting quality performance data to senior stakeholders.
- Sole British citizenship (UK passport holder) with the ability to obtain and maintain SC-level security clearance.
Desirable
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher, with a demonstrable track record of measurable process improvements.
- Experience in high-complexity sectors such as rotating electrical machines or heavy engineering.
- Experience leading customer-facing inspections, audits, and formal product documentation (e.g., AS9102 First Article Inspection).
- Familiarity with statistical process capability analysis (Cpk/Ppk) in manufacturing environments.
GE Vernova's Rotating Machines Rugby operation builds some of the most technically demanding equipment in defence, aerospace, and industrial power. When a product leaves our facility, it must perform - and the integrity of that performance starts here, on the shop floor.
Why GE Vernova, Rugby?
GE Vernova delivers the critical electrification systems that power the world. Our Rugby operation sits at the centre of this mission - producing some of the most technically demanding equipment in defence, aerospace, and industrial power. This is an environment where engineering judgement is valued, technical authority is respected, and the work you do directly underpins systems that matter. You will not simply follow existing processes - you will define, challenge, and improve them.
What We Offer At GE Vernova
We invest in your long-term success and wellbeing through a comprehensive and flexible benefits package. Our Total Reward package includes:
- Competitive base salary.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Flexible pension with 10% employer contribution.
- Employer-funded private health insurance.
- Income protection and life assurance.
- 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.
Through our Flex Choice programme, you can also access:
- Annual leave buying and selling.
- Cycle-to-work scheme.
- Financial planning services.
- Critical illness insurance and personal accident cover.
- Dental cover and travel insurance.
- The option to add family members to a private healthcare scheme.
Lead Quality Assurance Engineer in Kilsby employer: GE Vernova
GE Vernova is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its graduates through a comprehensive 24-month Graduate Engineering Training Programme. With a strong focus on mentorship, hands-on experience, and networking opportunities, employees are empowered to thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and excellence in the fields of software and automation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Quality Assurance Engineer in Kilsby
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like GE Vernova, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Quality Assurance Engineer in Kilsby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to GE Vernova specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at GE Vernova
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with GE Vernova, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like GE Vernova value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
