At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance efforts for innovative rotary wing and UAS projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of aerospace technology.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a highly regulated environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and performance in cutting-edge aerospace systems.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality assurance and relevant engineering qualifications required.
Location: Hybrid - regular attendance at MOD Abbey Wood 2-3 days/week
Rate: Up to £550/day (Inside IR35)
Duration: ASAP - 31/03/2027
Deadline for Applications: 17/07/2026 at 11:30am
Clearance: Current SC Clearance required
Overview: This role sits within a dedicated Skill Group alongside other engineers working within the technical discipline of Quality Assurance. As a Quality Assurance Manager, you will manage others in the adherence to the Government Quality Assurance (GQA) framework, inform on risk management and contractor selection, provide independent assurance of supplier and supply chain capability, performance, and risk management, and promote continual improvement within the supply chain. The role will provide governance, assurance and continual improvement to Delivery Teams within the Rotary Wing and UAS directorate through the Safety and Engineering team, in support of safety and airworthiness services focusing on supplier and product performance.
Specialisms
- QA Governance: Planning for Acquisition
- QA Governance: Requirements Preparation
- QA Governance: Supplier Selection and Contract Award
- QA Assurance: Contract Execution
- QA Assurance: Delivery
- QA Improvement: Acquisition Conclusion
- Configuration Management Policy and Governance
- Anti-Counterfeiting Management
Key Responsibilities
- Requirements: Own the generation of technical quality requirements and documentation for the acquisition of systems, including the considerations to in-service support and associated costs and risks.
- Technical Data: Contribute to Quality investigations, root cause analysis, internal process performance improvement activities and supplier escalations/interventions to reduce acquisition risk.
- Legislation/Policy: Working in a highly regulated area, educate others with relevant legislation, regulation, policy, processes, and standards to deliver technical documentation for a system. This includes the essential relation to quality, safety, security, and sustainability, of the system, and the interoperability with other sub-systems.
- Risk: Ensures quality risks and opportunities are captured and actively managed.
- Design: Plan quality surveillance interventions and activities to best mitigate supplier and technical risk, which may involve implementing delivery surveillance activities and recommending allocation of resource to reflect priorities.
- Stakeholder Management: Provide comprehensive QA advice to a variety of different Teams and suppliers across multiple Themes, over quality requirements, and supplier compliance compromises, to maximise successful system implementation and delivery.
- V&V: Conduct and manage the delivery of QA surveillance in support of risk management, supplier oversight/assurance, test, verification, validation, evaluation, and acceptance.
- Support: Develop GQA strategies within medium to large project areas seeking innovative opportunities for effective and efficient deployment of GQA resources across the supply chain. This includes all areas of the CAMID Cycle.
- Assurance: Lead technical assurance activities.
- Disposal: Provide comprehensive QA advice and guidance to the decommissioning and disposal process.
- Technical Discipline: Authorise recommendations in relation to your technical area of knowledge and improved performance and GQA service delivery.
Essential Qualifications, Experience and Registrations
- Be registered with the CQI as Practitioner Grade (PCQI); and
- Applied knowledge of QA within the acquisition environment supported by expertise in multiple QA specialist areas including Configuration Management; and
- Breadth of industry/manufacturing and QA experience gained from involvement with multiple projects and technical environments including supply chain engagement; and
- As a minimum hold either: Engineering qualification at RQF Level 6; or be professionally registered with the Engineering Council as Engineering Technician (EngTech). Alternatives to RQF listed above (which cover England, Wales and Northern Ireland only) are the Scottish SCQF or international equivalent qualification backed up by a statement of comparability from UK ENIC.
Quality Assurance Manager - Rotary Wing & UAS in Stoke Gifford employer: Quast
As a leading defence organisation, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and compliance. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with three days at MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol and one day at General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, ensuring a balanced approach to work-life integration. We are committed to the professional growth of our employees, offering opportunities for training and development within a dynamic team dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions in the defence sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance Manager - Rotary Wing & UAS in Stoke Gifford
✨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 Quast for a Quality Assurance Manager - Rotary Wing & UAS. 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 Quality Assurance Manager - Rotary Wing & UAS in Stoke Gifford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Quast, 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 Quast, 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 Quast
✨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 Quast.
✨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 Quast. 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 Quast love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
