At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality activities for aerospace components and ensure compliance at every production stage.
- Company: Join Magellan Aerospace, a global leader in aerospace solutions with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, mental health support, bonuses, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth and a commitment to continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace quality engineering and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 8-12 years of aerospace quality engineering experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Magellan Aerospace has an exciting opportunity for a NPI Lead Quality Engineer. This is a full-time, permanent position (39 hours per week) located in Llay, Wrexham, LL12 0PB. The NPI Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for leading and governing all quality activities in alignment with the Airbus Work Transfer (WT) / Gated Work Transfer Process for new and transferred work packages involving machined aluminium structural aerospace components. This role ensures quality, compliance, risk mitigation, and process capability are achieved at each gate from initial industrialisation through serial production and sustained operational handover.
The NPI Lead Quality Engineer leads a team of NPI Quality Engineers and acts as the primary quality interface with Airbus and internal senior stakeholders. The position operates within a multi-functional team (MFT/IPT) environment, working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrialisation, Supply Chain, Programs, and Operations to meet Airbus quality, maturity, and readiness requirements.
Perks and Benefits:
- A company culture that promotes work-life balance
- Access to mental health support
- Business performance related bonus
- Career development opportunities
- Commitment to continued learning and development
- Long Service Awards
- Enhanced Holiday Entitlement based on length of service
- Free parking
- 25% off local gym membership
Essential Responsibilities:
- Quality Strategy & Industrialisation Leadership: Define and deploy NPI quality strategy aligned to Airbus WT, AS9145/APQP, and internal quality systems. Ensure quality deliverables are clearly defined, resourced, and achieved at each WT gate. Govern industrial maturity assessments (process capability, inspection readiness, risk status). Ensure Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) progression is supported by robust quality evidence.
- Airbus Work Transfer (WT) & Gate Governance: Own quality readiness and approval for Airbus WT gate progression. Represent Quality in gate reviews, escalation forums, and recovery planning. Ensure objective evidence supports gate exit decisions and risk acceptance.
- Machining Quality - Aluminium Structural Parts: Provide technical leadership and oversight for CNC machining of aluminium structural components, including thin-wall and monolithic structures. Ensure effective deployment of PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams, critical characteristics, GD&T requirements, and inspection strategies (CMM, scanning, in-process inspection). Ensure machining processes comply with Airbus and AIPI standards.
- First Article & Validation Governance: Define and approve FAI strategy in accordance with EN/AS9102 and Airbus requirements. Ensure right-first-time FAI performance and robust validation prior to serial release. Ensure completion of gate-required validation including dimensional conformity, material and special process validation, and documentation completeness.
- Supplier & Work Transfer Quality Management: Govern quality readiness of internal and external suppliers involved in work transfer. Ensure supplier quality deliverables (FAI, capability data, control plans) meet Airbus WT requirements. Partner with Supplier Quality to mitigate risks associated with new or transferred suppliers.
- Risk Management & Non-conformance Resolution: Own quality risk registers for NPI and work transfer programs. Lead escalation and resolution of quality risks impacting cost, schedule, or compliance. Ensure robust root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented using 8D/RCCA. Ensure effective containment and corrective action prior to serial production release.
- Compliance & Audit Support: Ensure compliance with AS9100/EN9100, Airbus customer requirements, and internal quality procedures. Act as quality lead for Airbus, internal, and regulatory audits related to NPI and work transfer. Ensure maintenance of accurate, auditable quality records supporting gate decisions.
- Continuous Improvement & Lessons Learned: Capture and deploy lessons learned from Airbus WT programs into standard NPI processes. Sponsor continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect prevention, reduced industrial risk during ramp-up, and improved FAI and gate success rates. Attend daily/weekly sessions to update on progress and support the NPI process as and when required.
Position Requirements:
- Academic: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace or Quality Engineering.
- Experience: 8-12+ years of quality engineering experience in aerospace manufacturing. Demonstrated leadership experience managing quality teams or programs. Strong experience supporting NPI, industrialisation, or work transfer activities. In-depth knowledge of AS9100 / EN9100 and EN/AS9102. Direct experience working with Airbus programs or Airbus supplier networks. Proven experience leading Airbus Work Transfer / Quality Gate activities. Experience with AS914S (APQP for Aerospace). Strong background in machining aluminium structural parts. Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent preferred.
- Key Competencies: Strong leadership and stakeholder management in gated, milestone-driven environments. Ability to challenge gate readiness and risk acceptance using objective evidence. Structured, risk-based decision-making aligned with aerospace ways of working. Executive-level communication with customers and senior leadership. High accountability, attention to detail, and documentation discipline.
About us: Magellan Aerospace is a global, integrated aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, defence and space agencies worldwide. The organization officially adopted the name 'Magellan Aerospace Corporation' in 1996; deriving it from the intrepid explorer Ferdinand Magellan. His global exploits at the turn of the 15th century established a number of firsts, so the company's vision has been to carry this same legacy into the future of the aerospace industry. At Magellan, we have over 80 years of collective knowledge and experience in the aerospace industry, and believe one truth: People create value. Employees are our greatest resource in working towards a successful future, and together we build professional relationships that thrive. We know that personal development is fundamental to the success of every individual, and every individual is fundamental to the success of our business, so we invest in our employees and provide excellent career progression opportunities. When you are part of Magellan, you are part of the team!
Note: Magellan may use an approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) note-taking tool to support the initial screening stage of its recruitment and selection process. All AI use is performed in accordance with Magellan's privacy policies. Personal information associated with any job application will not be shared with or retained by any third party. Magellan has the ultimate discretion to determine which applications proceed through the initial screening process.
Confidentiality: Magellan Aerospace respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by candidates and shall not disclose to any external parties unless legislated.
Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity. This document is intended to provide the reader with information and is not a contractual document. Some of the material therefore may be subject to change.
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
City: Llay
Province: Wales
Country: United Kingdom
Locations
NPI Lead Quality Engineer in Wales, Wrexham employer: Magellan Aerospace
Magellan Aerospace is an exceptional employer located in Llay, Wrexham, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises work-life balance and mental health. With a strong commitment to employee development, the company provides numerous career growth opportunities, enhanced holiday entitlements, and a business performance-related bonus, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the aerospace industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land NPI Lead Quality Engineer in Wales, Wrexham
✨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 Magellan Aerospace for a NPI 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 NPI Lead Quality Engineer in Wales, Wrexham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Magellan Aerospace, 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 Magellan Aerospace, 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 Magellan Aerospace
✨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 Magellan Aerospace.
✨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 Magellan Aerospace. 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 Magellan Aerospace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
