At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality strategy for safety-critical projects and ensure compliance from prototype to production.
- Company: Join a leader in regulated manufacturing with a strong safety culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Take ownership of quality in high-stakes environments and mentor future engineers.
- Qualifications: Experience in APQP, PPAP, and regulated sectors like aerospace or nuclear.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on responsibilities and cross-functional collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
This isn’t your standard quality role. This isn’t just oversight. This is principal-level ownership of quality across New Product Introduction and major, safety-critical projects. If you’re a senior professional who thrives in regulated, high-integrity manufacturing, lives and breathes APQP and PPAP, and wants authority and impact at the highest level—this role is for you.
Your Mission
As Principal Quality Engineer, you’ll be the technical quality leader across multiple projects, embedded within engineering and manufacturing teams. Your influence ensures that products are delivered right first time, fully compliant, and traceable from prototype to volume production.
- Lead NPI and major project quality strategy
- Oversee APQP delivery from concept through production
- Own PPAP readiness, submission, and customer approval
- Direct non-conformance investigations, containment, and corrective actions
- Mentor and guide other engineers in quality execution
- Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory compliance, and accreditation standards
- Shape cross-functional teams with quality best practice and technical authority
What You Must Have Owned
This is hands-on, accountable, end-to-end ownership:
- Full APQP lifecycle leadership across complex projects
- PPAP compilation, submission, and regulatory approval (typically Level 3)
- NPI quality delivery from prototype to volume production
- Non-conformance management, root cause investigation, and corrective action
- Internal, external, and supplier audits
Hands-On Expertise
You have practical mastery of:
- Core quality tools: FMEA, MSA, SPC, capability studies
- Statistical validation and analysis
- Lifetime records, traceability, and material certification
- Special processes (welding, NDE, coatings)
- Engineering vs manufacturing controls in regulated environments
Ideal Sector Background
You’ve operated in regulated, high-integrity sectors, such as:
- Nuclear
- Aerospace
- Defence
- Pressure equipment
- Safety-critical industries
A strong safety culture, regulatory mindset, and nuclear or high-integrity experience is essential.
This Role Is Not For
- Supplier quality roles without APQP leadership
- Low-regulation or unregulated manufacturing
- Theoretical APQP knowledge without proven project delivery
Principal Quality Engineer in Abingdon employer: Reevr
Contact Detail:
Reevr Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Quality Engineer in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work in regulated sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, don’t just talk about your experience—bring examples of your work. Whether it’s a project you led or a problem you solved, let your achievements do the talking.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the company’s projects and values. Tailor your responses to show how your skills in APQP and PPAP align with their needs. This shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search—so go ahead and hit that 'Apply Now' button!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Quality Engineer in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Quality: Let us see your enthusiasm for quality engineering! In your application, highlight specific experiences where you’ve taken ownership of quality processes, especially in regulated environments. We want to know how you’ve made an impact!
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your background, focus on the APQP and PPAP processes. Share concrete examples of projects you've led or contributed to, particularly in safety-critical sectors. This helps us understand your hands-on expertise.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use similar language and keywords that we’ve included, like 'NPI', 'non-conformance management', and 'regulatory compliance'. This shows us you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best experience. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, it’s a great way to show your interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reevr
✨Know Your APQP and PPAP Inside Out
Make sure you can discuss the full APQP lifecycle and PPAP processes in detail. Be prepared to share specific examples from your past experiences where you led these processes successfully, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise and understanding of quality management.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've handled non-conformance issues in the past. Bring examples of root cause investigations you've led and the corrective actions you implemented. This will highlight your ability to manage quality challenges effectively.
✨Emphasise Your Regulatory Knowledge
Since this role is in a regulated environment, be ready to discuss your experience with safety and regulatory compliance. Mention any audits you've conducted or participated in, and how you ensured adherence to standards throughout your projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship
As a Principal Quality Engineer, you'll need to guide others. Share instances where you've mentored junior engineers or shaped cross-functional teams. This will show that you not only have the technical skills but also the leadership qualities needed for the role.