Lead Design QA Engineer in Pitstone

Published 08.20.2026

Company: Safran Electrical & Power

Job field: Quality

Location: Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom

Contract type: Permanent

Contract duration: Full-time

Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager

Job Description

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 engages effectively with all involved regulatory bodies.

Lead engineer is responsible for planning and delivery of design assurance oversight in line with Part 21J airworthiness requirements and Design Organization Handbook (DOH) requirements applicable to the customer products, responsible for achieving 100% compliance with airworthiness.

Lead engineer will engage 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.

• Lead Design Quality Assurance activities in accordance with EASA/CAA Part 21J airworthiness requirements and the Design Organisation Handbook (DOH).
• Develop and implement quality strategies, performance measures, and KPIs to ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and business requirements.
• Act as the primary quality escalation point for customers, project teams, and regulatory authorities, maintaining continued airworthiness and product compliance.
• Lead design reviews, including PDR, CDR, and development programme milestones, ensuring quality, safety, reliability, and producibility are embedded throughout the design lifecycle.
• Drive defect prevention, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement activities through RCCA, FRACA, and corrective action programmes.
• Review and validate technical documentation, design changes, and compliance evidence to support certification and customer requirements.
• Lead technical and process audits, oversee non-conformance management, and approve corrective action closure activities.
• Define quality support requirements for NPI programmes and work closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Supplier Quality, and Programme teams to achieve programme objectives.
• Coach, mentor, and develop Design Quality Assurance Engineers while identifying training needs and opportunities for process improvement.
• Influence operational leaders to ensure quality assurance processes and best practices are effectively deployed across production environments.
• Represent the business in customer and regulatory meetings, providing quality leadership, performance reporting, and compliance updates.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring

• 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, lead auditor trained preferred.
• APQP Specialist with demonstrated proficiency in PPAP, FMEA and MSA.
• Problem solving proficient. 8D, RCCA, FRACA with Six Sigma DMAIC Black Belt being desired.
• 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, complex issues effectively.
• Ability to solve complex problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Experience with working in a new production environment.
• Demonstrated coaching and development skills.

Here, we craft excellence together.

If you're ready to take your career to new heights and be part of a company that's crafting the future of flight, today.

At Safran, we understand that diversity and inclusion make teams stronger and more effective, and as an organisation, we are committed to fair and equitable employment practices for everyone and are proudly a Disability Confident Employer.

We also know that some candidates may be put off applying for jobs where they don't meet 100% of the criteria outlined in the advert, however, we encourage anybody to apply if you can demonstrate a variety of skills and experience relevant to the requirements of this role.

We will consider all applicants who meet the minimum essential requirements regardless of their identity or background.

Please let us know in your cover letter if you would like to discuss any reasonable adjustments to the application or hiring process that may better facilitate your participation. We will make every effort to respond to your request for assistance as soon as possible – including guaranteed interviews under the Disability Confident Scheme for those that qualify.

Get involved:

We also have a number of groups and forums onsite that you can get involved with, including Women at Safran, STEM ambassadors, Employee Forum, Charity Partnerships and Wellbeing Programs.

Our Wellbeing Program in Pitstone aims to place employee wellbeing at the heart of our business, and we integrate it within all that we do. The program is made up of four wellbeing committees; Healthy Minds, Physical, Social & Financial. Our enhanced family friendly policies reinforce our commitment to providing a workplace that is both diverse and inclusive.

But what else? (advantages, specific features, etc.)

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:

• 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

Company Information

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), 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. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.

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.

Locate your future workplace: Westfield Road LU7 9RH Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom