Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Colchester Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Ensure product quality meets customer requirements and conduct audits and inspections.
  • Company: Woods Air Movement designs and manufactures axial fans for various industrial applications.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a supportive work culture with perks.
  • Why this job: Join a motivated team in defence, contributing to quality assurance and continuous improvement.
  • Qualifications: HNC/Degree in Engineering or relevant QA experience; welding certification preferred.
  • Other info: Must pass Baseline Personnel Security Standard; equal opportunities employer.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Overview

Job Title: Quality Engineer
Department: Defence
Location: Colchester

Woods Air Movement specialises in the design, test, certification and manufacture of axial fans for a wide range of industrial and life applications. We offer one of the largest certified axial ranges in the world and pride ourselves on a highly customisable product and service offering to deliver maximum value to customers and end users.

Main Purpose of Role

Woods Air Movement has an exciting opportunity for a high-calibre Quality Engineer, reporting to the MoD Business Unit Leader. This role sits within a dedicated and motivated team delivering on strategic defence contracts, forming a core part of our defence business pillar.

The Quality Engineer will play a key role in supporting both in-house and supplier quality, with accountability for quality assurance activities that align with both internal and customer requirements. The role requires experience in defence and/or highly regulated industries, and the ability to operate in accordance with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) frameworks.

Candidates with welding experience are highly desirable-specifically those with CSWIP 3.2 or AWS welding inspector certification, which will support our commitment to delivering quality welded products under strict defence requirements.

The successful candidate will be a proactive team player with strong communication skills and a drive to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and zero-defect delivery.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

  • Ensure product quality meets customer and project-specific requirements, including defence compliance
  • Monitor the quality of both internally and externally manufactured components
  • Conduct audits and inspections aligned with APQP quality planning principles
  • Lead internal and customer 8D investigations and reports
  • Liaise with suppliers and customers to address and resolve quality concerns
  • Conduct supplier visits to review and enhance quality performance
  • Develop and maintain inspection and control plans
  • Maintain and act on supplier scorecard data
  • Contribute to NPI, APQP, and FMEA activities
  • Facilitate external audits and customer inspections for special process\’s
  • Collaborate across departments to promote continuous improvement initiatives
  • Support process audits related to welding and fabrication (if qualified)

Person Specification / Profile

  • HNC/Degree in an Engineering Discipline, relevant QA qualification, or equivalent experience
  • Proven background in Quality Assurance within a manufacturing or defence environment
  • Understanding of APQP processes and quality planning tools
  • Awareness of ISO 9001 and quality management frameworks
  • Experience with 8D, FMEA, and root cause analysis techniques
  • Welding experience preferred – ideally with CSWIP Level 3.2 or AWS certification
  • Internal auditor qualified or willing to undertake training
  • Strong analytical and documentation skills
  • Confident communicator and team player with strong interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement tools
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and work independently

Please note: For this position, you must be able to pass an initial Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
  • Hybrid working
  • Christmas shutdown
  • 4% pension scheme
  • Life assurance scheme
  • Company sick pay
  • Enhanced family-friendly benefits
  • Employee discount scheme
  • Holiday purchase scheme
  • Free tea & coffee
  • Early finish on Fridays
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Woods Sports & Social Club
  • Long service awards
  • Free car parking
  • Employee Assistance Programme & mental health support
  • Learning and development opportunities

Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer, recruiting individuals on their suitability for the role, qualifications and experience. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds.

Due to limits on sponsorship allocations, we are not currently in a position to offer sponsorship for this position. Therefore, applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK, and/or require visa sponsorship in order to continue working in the UK, cannot be considered for this role.

No recruitment agencies please

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Quality Engineer employer: Woods Air Movement

Woods Air Movement is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Colchester where innovation meets dedication. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits including hybrid working, and a culture that champions continuous improvement, we empower our Quality Engineers to excel in their roles while contributing to vital defence projects. Join us to be part of a team that values quality, collaboration, and personal development.
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Contact Detail:

Woods Air Movement Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with APQP processes and quality planning tools, as these are crucial for the Quality Engineer role. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance.

✨Tip Number 2

If you have welding experience, make sure to highlight it during your discussions. Specifically mention any certifications like CSWIP 3.2 or AWS, as these are highly desirable for this position and can set you apart from other candidates.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with 8D investigations and root cause analysis techniques. Being able to articulate how you've successfully resolved quality issues in the past will showcase your problem-solving skills and fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with professionals in the defence and manufacturing sectors. Engaging with industry contacts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing an interview with us at Woods Air Movement.

We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer

Quality Assurance
APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning)
Welding Inspection (CSWIP 3.2 or AWS certification)
ISO 9001 Knowledge
8D Problem Solving
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
Root Cause Analysis
Internal Auditing
Analytical Skills
Documentation Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Lean Manufacturing Principles
Continuous Improvement Tools
Supplier Quality Management
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality assurance, particularly within manufacturing or defence environments. Emphasise any experience with APQP processes, ISO 9001, and specific tools like 8D and FMEA.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Quality Engineer role at Woods Air Movement. Mention your welding experience if applicable, and how your skills align with their commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, such as HNC/Degree in Engineering or relevant QA certifications. If you have CSWIP or AWS welding inspector certification, make sure to mention it prominently.

Showcase Soft Skills: Woods Air Movement values strong communication and teamwork. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

How to prepare for a job interview at Woods Air Movement

✨Understand APQP Frameworks

Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) frameworks. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these principles in your previous roles, especially in defence or regulated industries.

✨Showcase Your Welding Knowledge

If you have welding experience, particularly with CSWIP 3.2 or AWS certification, highlight this during the interview. Discuss specific projects where your welding skills contributed to quality assurance and compliance.

✨Prepare for Quality Assurance Scenarios

Anticipate questions related to quality assurance activities, such as conducting audits, inspections, and leading 8D investigations. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

✨Emphasise Team Collaboration

Woods Air Movement values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams to promote continuous improvement initiatives. Highlight your communication skills and ability to work effectively with others.

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