At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure product quality and compliance in a dynamic defence environment.
- Company: Join Saab UK, a leader in defence innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and opportunities for personal fulfilment.
- Other info: Exciting role with travel opportunities and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the defence sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 5+ years in quality management required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Saab UK is part of Scandinavia's largest defence company, bringing together the best of Swedish and British innovation. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security to keep people and society safe. Our UK presence has been growing at pace, meaning we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. We currently employ over 600 people across nine sites in the UK, and our specialisations include software engineering, underwater robotics, radars, AI, and armed forces training.
This role is part of our Sensor Systems Business Unit in Fareham. The Production Quality Engineer role requires experience in quality management within regulated industries, preferably defence or aerospace. The Quality Engineer will ensure compliance with quality standards, manage supplier audits, and support continuous improvement activities. Strong analytical and communication skills, along with knowledge of quality tools and regulations are essential.
Key Responsibilities:- Internal Quality Requirements:
- Working knowledge of EN9100 / ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Experience supporting internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Proven ability to perform root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and fault tree analysis.
- Experience managing nonconformances, deviations, concessions, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).
- Ability to review and approve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and inspection plans to ensure quality requirements are met.
- Experience with First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102 or equivalent standards.
- Preferably knowledge of configuration management, drawing control, and change management (ECR/ECO).
- Strong understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, and specifications.
- Ability to support production, engineering, and test teams to resolve quality issues and reduce defect escape.
- Supplier Quality Requirements:
- Experience qualifying, auditing, and monitoring suppliers and subcontractors.
- Ability to conduct supplier audits, including process audits and quality system assessments.
- Experience managing supplier corrective actions (SCARs) and driving timely, effective resolution.
- Knowledge of supplier risk management, including critical supplier identification and performance metrics.
- Experience reviewing and approving supplier documentation such as inspection reports, material certifications, FAIRs, and CoCs.
- Ability to work with suppliers to improve process capability, yield, and compliance.
- Familiarity with flow-down of defence and customer quality requirements to suppliers.
- Compliance & Regulatory Requirements:
- Understanding of defence industry regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and customer-specific requirements.
- Experience ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory, and customer quality requirements.
- Ability to support customer audits, source inspections, and government quality representatives as required.
- Bachelor's degree/HND in Engineering (Preferable) in a Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Quality, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in Product Quality, Manufacturing Quality, or Supplier Quality within a regulated industry (preferably defence, aerospace, automotive, medical devices, or similar).
- Experience working in a defence or aerospace environment with controlled products and strict compliance requirements preferred.
- Experience with Quality tools and software (e.g., SPC, MSA, PFMEA, control plans).
- Experience in ERP/MRP systems and electronic quality management systems (eQMS).
- Strong data analysis skills using Excel or similar tools.
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams.
- Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.
- Willingness to travel to supplier sites as required.
As a National Security Vetting clearance is required for this role, applicants will be required to hold National Security Vetting clearance to SC level, or have the ability to gain it.
Product Quality Engineer - Fareham in Bursledon employer: Saab UK
At Saab UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Fareham that fosters innovation and personal growth. Our commitment to employee development is matched by our collaborative culture, where every team member's contribution is valued, and opportunities for advancement are abundant. With a focus on cutting-edge technology in the defence sector, we provide a unique chance to work on impactful projects while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that prioritises work-life balance and professional fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Quality Engineer - Fareham in Bursledon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the defence and aerospace sectors, especially those who work at Saab or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your quality management knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools like 8D and 5 Whys. We want to see how you tackle real-world problems, so have some examples up your sleeve!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Bring data-driven examples of how you've improved processes or resolved quality issues in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to make a tangible impact in our fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Saab.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Quality Engineer - Fareham in Bursledon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Product Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience in quality management, especially in regulated industries like defence or aerospace. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; showcase your analytical and communication skills. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed quality issues or conducted audits. This helps us see your problem-solving abilities in action!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points for key achievements and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saab UK
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Make sure you brush up on EN9100 and ISO 9001 quality management systems. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous roles, especially in regulated industries like defence or aerospace.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your experience with root cause analysis tools like 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagrams. Have specific examples ready that highlight how you've used these methods to resolve quality issues.
✨Supplier Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience with supplier audits and corrective actions. Think of instances where you've improved supplier performance or managed nonconformances effectively.
✨Communication is Key
Since this role requires strong communication skills, practice explaining complex quality concepts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to present a technical report, so being articulate will definitely work in your favour.
