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- Tasks: Lead quality assurance for new products, ensuring top-notch standards across the supply chain.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to supporting our Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering, quality management, and strong NPI knowledge required.
- Other info: Opportunities for international travel and career progression in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer to join our growing team, focusing on New Product Introduction (NPI) across our UK & international Supply Chain.
Salary: Circa £50,000 depending on experience
Dynamic (hybrid) working: 2-3 days per week on-site, due to workload classification.
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
- Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
- Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
- Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
- Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
- Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave - enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
- Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more
- Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more
The opportunity:
As a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer, you will have the ability to further develop as a quality professional, utilising experience by deploying the latest quality tools and techniques internationally, ensuring future continuity in supply chain. You will be a key interface for the applicable suppliers supporting the programme from a Quality perspective. The role will involve developing and implementing the supplier Quality strategy, establishing and maintaining the supplier Quality requirements and assuring the evolution of the supplier's product and processes. This will also include international travel, conducting proactive supplier Quality surveillance throughout the full lifecycle of the programme. In addition, supporting the identification and reduction of project risk or problem areas/issues associated with process application, process effectiveness and compliance across the applicable supply chain.
You will become a member of a well-established and value added team within a world leading Defence business, directly supporting the delivery of assured, complex weapons systems to both internal and external customers. Opportunities to develop personal, professional and behavioural skills to enable future further progression with the function and business.
What we're looking for from you:
- Engineer including supply chain or manufacturing experience (Ideally defence, automotive or aerospace experience)
- Quality professional, experienced in process-based integrated management systems & business improvement within engineering/manufacturing/supply chain environments
- Strong NPI & Product development experience
- APQP / PPAP or similar experience utilising product development frameworks
- Ability to review and influence DFMEA / PFMEA
- Understanding of product validation lifecycles
- Experienced in conducting Quality Audits & surveillance
- Familiarity with change control processes
- Experienced in Supplier Quality tools & processes
- Experience of quality management systems, techniques and processes
- Demonstrates Supplier Quality Management skills
- Demonstrates strong cross functional and soft skills
- Comfortable with travel to supplier sites
- Special Process knowledge
- Experience in First Article Inspection Requirements - AS9102
- Knowledge of key external standards - EN/AS9100
- Experienced in Quality Tools & Techniques (8D, Six Sigma, DMAIC, Kaizen).
- Strong experience in non-conformance management & leadership of Quality investigations
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Good planning and organising skills to ensure multiple tasks are prioritised and monitored to deliver set objectives
- Ability to communicate and influence effectively at all levels of the organisation
- Recognise and understand regulatory and certification requirements, and respond to them
- Ideally qualified as a minimum to HND or HNC
Our company:
Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Principal Quality Assurance Engineer employer: Mbda Uk
Contact Detail:
Mbda Uk Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Quality Assurance Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Principal Quality Assurance Engineer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how they fit into the supply chain. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to quality assurance and NPI. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to build your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe this shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which are key traits for a Principal Quality Assurance Engineer.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Quality Assurance Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Quality Assurance Engineer role. Highlight your NPI experience and any relevant quality tools you've used. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about quality assurance and how your background fits with our mission at MBDA. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or solved problems in previous roles. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s straightforward, and you’ll find all the details you need about the application process there. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mbda Uk
✨Know Your Quality Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of quality management systems and techniques like 8D, Six Sigma, and DMAIC. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these tools in past roles, especially in NPI or product development.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your experience in supply chain or manufacturing, particularly in defence, automotive, or aerospace. Highlight your role in developing and implementing supplier quality strategies and how you’ve influenced DFMEA or PFMEA processes.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
This role requires strong interpersonal skills, so be prepared to showcase your ability to communicate and influence at all levels. Think of examples where you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams or resolved conflicts.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with MBDA's mission and values, especially their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces. Show that you align with their goals and are enthusiastic about contributing to a company that values diversity and employee-led networks.
