Principal Quality Engineer

Job Description:
At Leonardo we have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Quality Engineer to join the team at the Southampton site. The Infra-Red Sensing Business and the Integrated Communication Systems Business are based at the site, and this role is key to the continuing success of these activities.
In this role, you will collaborate closely with Programme and Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and work in partnership with the site Quality Team and Programme/Project Managers to deliver high-quality results in all phases of the programme lifecycle.
What You\’ll Do as a Principal Quality Engineer:
As a Principal Quality Engineer, your primary focus will be to ensure the effective delivery of quality assurance processes, managing risks, and resolving non-conformance issues, while supporting programme objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Your key responsibilities will include:

• Risk, Threat & Opportunity Management : Collaborate with Programme and Project Managers to identify and manage specific risks, threats, and opportunities, ensuring alignment with the Project Assurance Plans (PAP).
• Project Assurance Plans (PAP) : Develop and maintain PAPs that define project assurance activities, aligned with risk, opportunity, and improvement within the programme, in compliance with the Operational Framework.
• Non-Conformance & Failure Leadership : Lead the resolution of non-conformance and failure instances on behalf of the IPT, ensuring that root causes are identified, and appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Team Guidance & Leadership : Provide guidance to the Assurance Team to ensure that all programme and IPT objectives are met. Mentor and coach team members to foster quality excellence within the IPT.
• Continuous Improvement : Contribute to the development and execution of assurance function improvement plans across all stages of the Programme, Product, and Project Lifecycles.
• Reporting & Data Management : Deliver comprehensive reports and relevant data to the Project Assurance Manager, Quality Manager, and Project Managers to track quality assurance activities and progress.
• Deputise for Senior Leadership : As required, deputise for the Project Assurance Manager, ensuring continuity in leadership and support for ongoing projects.

What We Need from You:

• Educational Background : Ideally a Bachelor\’s Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field. Experience in Defence Electronics or a similarly complex industry is highly desirable.
• Quality Governance Expertise : Proven knowledge of governance frameworks, particularly AS9100, ISO9001, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Quality Tools Proficiency : Strong experience with quality tools such as Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), Pattern Fault Lifecycle, Process Mapping, Verification, and First Article Inspection.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills : Ability to analyse complex data and derive practical solutions that support business goals, presenting them in a clear and actionable manner.
• Stakeholder Management : Demonstrated experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including customers and suppliers, to ensure alignment with quality requirements.
• Team Leadership : Experience working within effective quality teams, with the ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members to achieve excellence.

Security Clearance
You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit : at Leonardo
With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working : Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits : We offer award-winning flexible benefits plan, having won the Best Flexible Working Policy Award, Best Flexible Benefits Strategy and Best Flexible Benefits Plan in 2023. These include; access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension : Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution)
• Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, access to Mental Health support, Financial wellbeing support, network groups (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle: Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training: Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive: You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus: Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below

For a full list of our Company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 7,000 are based in the UK.
At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people\’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.
This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo\’s future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.
Primary Location:
GB – Southampton
Contract Type:
Employee-Permanent
Hybrid Working:
Hybrid #J-18808-Ljbffr