At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead APQP processes in aerospace, ensuring quality from concept to production.
- Company: Join Safran, a leader in aerospace with a focus on people and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, competitive salary, early finishes, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with professional development and a culture of quality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace quality and drive product excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in aerospace quality and strong knowledge of APQP methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Looking after the people who make Safran great is our priority. We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you—both in and out of work, including:
- Early finish on Fridays
- Competitive salary and annual bonus and pay review
- 25 days' holiday + bank holidays (option to buy/sell)
- Strong pension scheme and life assurance
- Professional development, ongoing training, mentoring
- Onsite amenities: parking, restaurant, bicycle storage, showers
- Family-friendly and accessible workplace policies
Your Role
As APQP Lead, you will be responsible for leading and deploying Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) processes across aerospace programmes, ensuring robust product realisation from concept through to production. You will play a critical role in delivering on‑time, on‑quality product launches while ensuring compliance with aerospace quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory obligations.
Working across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Program Management, you will drive risk mitigation, defect prevention, and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle. You will also act as the subject matter expert for APQP, championing best practice and embedding a culture of quality across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the implementation and standardisation of APQP methodology in line with AS9145
- Supporting new product introductions, product transfers, and major change programmes
- Overseeing PPAP submissions and acting as the primary customer quality interface for APQP‑related matters
- Facilitating cross‑functional APQP core team activities and phase gate reviews
- Ensuring supplier APQP compliance and readiness for critical components
- Developing training materials and coaching teams in quality planning tools and methodologies
What You'll Bring
- Significant experience in aerospace or automotive quality, manufacturing, or programme quality roles
- Proven track record of implementing APQP within an aerospace or automotive environment
- Strong knowledge of APQP tools and methodologies, including PFMEA, DFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams
- Excellent cross‑functional leadership, communication, and influencing skills
- Risk‑based thinking with strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
- Knowledge of AS9100 and AS9145 standards
- Degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related discipline
APQP Lead in Cwmbran employer: Safran companies
At Safran, we prioritise our people and offer a supportive work environment that fosters professional growth and development. As an APQP Lead, you will benefit from a competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a family-friendly workplace culture, all while working in a state-of-the-art facility with excellent onsite amenities. Join us to be part of a team that champions quality and innovation in the aerospace industry, ensuring your contributions lead to meaningful and rewarding outcomes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land APQP Lead in Cwmbran
✨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 Safran companies for a APQP Lead. 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 APQP Lead in Cwmbran
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran companies, 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 Safran companies, 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 Safran companies
✨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 Safran companies.
✨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 Safran companies. 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 Safran companies love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
