At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design quality assurance to ensure safety and compliance in aerospace engineering.
- Company: Join Safran, a global leader in aerospace and defence innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days holiday, hybrid working, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and employee wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of flight with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in aerospace, strong problem-solving skills, and quality assurance experience.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace, space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated 31.3 billion in revenue in 2025.
As the world leader in aeronautical electrical systems, Safran Electrical & Power is a key player in the electrification of aircraft equipment and electric and hybrid propulsion. With expertise across the onboard energy chain, the company designs and delivers innovative, optimized and modular architectures and solutions.
The Lead Design QA Engineer ensures engineering designs meet safety, regulatory (EASA, CAA) and customer requirements before production commences, focusing on risk mitigation and process compliance and engaging effectively with all involved regulatory bodies.
Responsibilities include:
- Planning and delivery of design assurance oversight in line with Part 21J airworthiness requirements and Design Organization Handbook (DOH) requirements.
- Achieving 100% compliance with airworthiness.
- Engaging with heads of production, engineering, configuration and support functions defining strategy for defect prevention, root cause analysis and continuous improvement across the full product development lifecycle.
- Leading Design Quality Assurance activities in accordance with EASA/CAA Part 21J airworthiness requirements and the Design Organisation Handbook (DOH).
- Developing and implementing quality strategies, performance measures, and KPIs to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and business requirements.
- Acting as the primary quality escalation point for customers, project teams, and regulatory authorities.
- Leading design reviews, ensuring quality, safety, reliability, and producibility are embedded throughout the design lifecycle.
- Driving defect prevention, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities.
- Reviewing and validating technical documentation, design changes, and compliance evidence.
- Leading technical and process audits, overseeing non-conformance management.
- Defining quality support requirements for NPI programmes and working closely with various teams to achieve programme objectives.
- Coaching, mentoring, and developing Design Quality Assurance Engineers.
- Influencing operational leaders to ensure quality assurance processes and best practices are effectively deployed.
- Representing the business in customer and regulatory meetings.
Candidate skills & requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, science, or engineering highly desirable.
- 5 - 10 years' experience in aerospace industry or equivalent at engineering, design & development, or quality positions.
- Proficiency in ISO9001, AS9100 QMS standards deployment and implementation.
- Previous experience working with EASA/CAA part 21J.
- Experience in internal and external audit and auditing techniques.
- APQP Specialist with demonstrated proficiency in PPAP, FMEA and MSA.
- Problem solving proficient with 8D, RCCA, FRACA.
- Configuration and data management experience.
- Ability to interpret and explain engineering drawings, CAD models and technical specifications.
- Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate technical issues effectively.
- Ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of variables.
- Experience with working in a new production environment.
- Demonstrated coaching and development skills.
We offer a range of flexible benefits designed to support you—both in and out of work, including:
- Competitive salary, annual bonus and pay review
- Excellent Pension
- 33 Days Holiday
- Dental
- BUPA
- EV scheme
- Workplace nursery scheme
- Hybrid working with early finish on Fridays
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Wellbeing programme
- Employee assistance programme including health and finance
- Onsite subsidised canteen
At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone and are proudly a Disability Confident Employer.
Lead Design QA Engineer in London employer: Safran Group
At Safran, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in Burnley, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With flexible working hours, generous holiday allowances, and a strong commitment to training and career progression, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in our mission to innovate within the aerospace industry while enjoying unique benefits like corporate wellness memberships and a culture that celebrates diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Design QA Engineer in London
✨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 Group for a Lead Design QA Engineer. 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 Lead Design QA Engineer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Safran Group, 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 Group, 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 Group
✨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 Group.
✨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 Group. 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 Group love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
