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- 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 to work on cutting-edge projects.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal fulfilment and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in national security while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality management within regulated industries, preferably defence or aerospace.
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.
Internal Quality Requirements:- Working knowledge of EN9100 / ISO 9001 quality management systems.
- Proven ability to perform root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone, and fault tree analysis.
- 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.
- Experience qualifying, auditing, and monitoring suppliers and subcontractors.
- Ability to conduct supplier audits, including process audits and quality system assessments.
- Knowledge of supplier risk management, including critical supplier identification and performance metrics.
- Familiarity with flow-down of defence and customer quality requirements to suppliers.
- 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., Experience in ERP/MRP systems and electronic quality management systems (eQMS).
~ Strong data analysis skills using Excel or similar tools.
~ Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams.
~ 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 (Permanent) in Southampton employer: Saab UK
Contact Detail:
Saab UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Quality Engineer (Permanent) in Southampton
✨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 insider info on job opportunities.
✨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, and how you've tackled quality issues in the past. We want to see your analytical skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your cross-functional teamwork! Highlight experiences where you've collaborated with engineering, manufacturing, or supply chain teams. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment like ours.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Saab UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Quality Engineer (Permanent) in Southampton
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!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; show us how you’ve used them! Use specific examples of how you've performed root cause analysis or managed supplier audits. This will help us see your practical experience in action.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about quality engineering and how you can contribute to our team at Saab UK. Keep it engaging and relevant to the job description.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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.
✨Master the Quality Tools
Familiarise yourself with root cause analysis tools such as 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone diagrams. Prepare examples of how you've used these tools to solve quality issues in past projects, as this will show your analytical skills in action.
✨Supplier Audits Are Key
Since supplier quality is crucial, be prepared to talk about your experience with qualifying and auditing suppliers. Highlight any specific audits you've conducted and the outcomes, as this demonstrates your hands-on experience in managing supplier quality.
✨Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with engineering, manufacturing, or supply chain teams to resolve quality issues. This will showcase your ability to work cross-functionally and your communication skills.