At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure quality standards for space flight hardware and documentation in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join the Science and Technology Facilities Council, a leader in scientific exploration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, flexible hours, and a great pension scheme.
- Other info: Work with world-class experts and explore your curiosity in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking projects like the first space-based gravitational wave observatory.
- Qualifications: STEM degree or equivalent experience in quality management and engineering standards.
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: Band D (S1) £46,444 per annum
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Contract Type: Open-Ended
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh.
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it is sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.
Come and discover how much you can achieve when you are surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity.
About the Role
We have a friendly and flexible work environment, on a beautiful site combining the historic Royal Observatory Edinburgh architecture with a high-tech engineering facility including modern laboratories and cleanrooms. We are currently seeking a Quality Engineer (QA) to support the development and delivery of a key subsystem for the world’s first space based gravitational wave observatory. Core to the role is ensuring that the project deliverable items, which include space flight hardware and associated documentation, conform to the agreed quality standards. There will also be scope to engage with other projects at the UKATC.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement quality control processes and procedures, with particular focus on Assembly, Integration and Test of flight hardware.
- Conduct thorough quality inspections on both incoming and outgoing hardware.
- Ensure adherence of built products to processes and applicable standards including European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) requirements.
- Document creation and formatting, proper archive usage including accurate Metadata entry, application of the Configuration Management process.
- Change Request processes, Configuration Item Data List (CIDL) management, Review document submissions, drawing management.
- Non-conformance management.
- Ensure process adherence in line with in-house and project quality standards.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support process improvements.
Shortlisting Criteria
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a STEM subject, or a strong record of equivalent professional development.
- An understanding of manufacturing drawings, specifications, and instructions, with a working knowledge of engineering standards (ideally ECSS or ISO).
- Knowledge and experience of quality management, quality control methods and tools, gained within a formal quality management system meeting the requirements of ECSS, ISO or industry equivalent.
- Knowledge and experience of configuration management and/or change management within a structured engineering system.
- Good people skills including organising own work and overseeing the work of others.
- Experience of creating technical work and reviewing the work produced by other people to defined requirements and/or the review of Project or Product conformance documentation.
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication in English.
Employee Benefits
We are offering an open-ended contract with a whole host of benefits including:
- 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
- Flexible working hours
- An excellent average salary pension scheme
- Employee shopping/travel discounts
- Learning and development opportunities
We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business-support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager.
Quality Assurance in Edinburgh employer: Science and Technology Facilities Council
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, Oxfordshire. With a strong focus on employee well-being, STFC provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes 30 days of annual leave, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth alongside world-class experts. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values curiosity and innovation, making a meaningful impact on society through cutting-edge research.
Contact Details:
Science and Technology Facilities Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance in Edinburgh
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Quality Assurance role you’re after at Science and Technology Facilities Council.
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✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Science and Technology Facilities Council.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Quality Assurance at Science and Technology Facilities Council, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Quality Assurance, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Science and Technology Facilities Council a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Science and Technology Facilities Council specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science and Technology Facilities Council
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Science and Technology Facilities Council, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Science and Technology Facilities Council want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
