At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality engineering activities and drive improvements in aerospace manufacturing.
- Company: Join IFA, a top aerospace forging and precision manufacturing company in Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term career opportunities, training, and 33 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace quality and work with cutting-edge manufacturing processes.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or related field; experience in aerospace quality engineering preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
As the Lead Quality Engineer, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing facility, taking ownership of key quality engineering activities across aerospace manufacturing operations. You will work closely with Production, Engineering and Metallurgy teams to ensure product conformity, resolve quality issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives. The role focuses on root cause analysis, non-conformance management, process capability improvement, audit support and ensuring compliance with aerospace customer and regulatory requirements. You will act as a key technical quality authority within the business, supporting both reactive problem‑solving and proactive quality improvement activities.
Responsibilities
- Lead and support investigation of internal manufacturing non‑conformances and quality issues
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions
- Drive improvements in product quality, process capability and manufacturing performance
- Support and lead quality engineering activities across aerospace manufacturing processes
- Analyse quality data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities
- Support process validation, control plans and FMEA activities
- Work closely with Production, Engineering and Metallurgy teams to ensure compliance with customer, aerospace and regulatory requirements
- Support internal, customer and third‑party audits, including ISO 9001, AS9100 and NADCAP assessments
- Develop and maintain quality documentation, procedures and technical standards
- Support new product introduction and manufacturing readiness activities
- Lead problem‑solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D and RCCA
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
- Provide technical support and guidance to production teams on quality‑related issues
- Participate in risk assessments and quality planning activities
Qualifications
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Materials or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
- Previous experience in a Quality Engineer or Senior Quality Engineer role within aerospace or regulated manufacturing
- Experience investigating non‑conformances and leading corrective action activities
- Strong root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving skills
- Experience working with engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation
- Knowledge of quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, PFMEA, SPC, APQP and RCCA
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably forging, metals, machining or special alloys
- Experience supporting internal and external audits
- Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive quality improvements
- Lead Auditor qualification or auditing experience would be highly advantageous
Benefits
- Starting salary between £45,000 - £50,000, depending on experience
- Permanent position with long‑term career opportunities
- Training and professional development support
- Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment
- 33 days holiday
- Pension scheme with employer contribution
- Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan
- On‑site parking available
About the Company
Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is one of Europe’s leading aerospace forging and precision manufacturing companies. IFA is the only single‑sited forge with open‑die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed‑die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. The company offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products, supporting a global aerospace sector with critically forged components for demanding applications. IFA operates to the highest standards of quality, compliance and manufacturing excellence.
Lead Quality Engineer in Bradford employer: Independent Forgings and Alloys
Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Sheffield manufacturing facility where you can take ownership of quality engineering in the aerospace sector. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and professional development, alongside competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance and a pension scheme, IFA fosters a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.
Contact Details:
Independent Forgings and Alloys Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Quality Engineer in Bradford
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Independent Forgings and Alloys for a Lead Quality Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Quality Engineer in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Independent Forgings and Alloys, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Independent Forgings and Alloys, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Independent Forgings and Alloys
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Independent Forgings and Alloys.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Independent Forgings and Alloys. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Independent Forgings and Alloys love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
