Group Senior Quality Engineer- Aerospace in Thatcham

Job Title: Group Senior Quality Engineer - Aerospace

Reporting to: Quality Compliance Manager

Location: Thatcham-UK or Milton Keynes-UK or Jois-Austria (Hybrid)

Xtrac is the world's leading design and manufacture of specialist transmissions. Our customers include the top motorsports racing series including Formula One, Le Mans, IndyCar and NASCAR and we also supply transmissions for the most exclusive high-performance cars in the world. We are at the forefront of a once-in-a-generation opportunity as the automotive industry transitions from internal combustion to electric and hybrid and our experienced and dedicated teams are using the latest cutting-edge technology to achieve this transition.

Xtrac also has a new partnership with Zoerkler, a specialist in gear manufacture and precision engineering. This strategic venture marks a significant step forward in our ambitious growth plans and reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class transmission components and systems to our customers.

The Role

The Group Senior Quality Engineer - Aerospace owns the group's aerospace quality and accreditation framework and is accountable for making sure no aerospace opportunity is lost and no existing certification is put at risk. Reporting to the Quality Compliance Manager, the role is the group's technical authority on AS9100 Rev D and EN 9100:2018 and the AS91xx family that sits around them and drives the certification and surveillance programme at the sites doing aerospace work - principally Zoerkler at Jois and Helix at Milton Keynes, with Thatcham and New Eagle as scope grows.

The role works alongside the site Quality Managers rather than a direct team and holds influence without line authority. It directs and supports the Industrial Operations and Engineering & R&D Councils on EASA/CAA/FAA Part 21 applicability and approval, supports Engineering on aerospace functional safety requirements, and gives the business an authoritative position on aerospace quality capability, certification status and realistic timescales to close any gap. The post holder sits on the Quality & Accreditation Council and reports aerospace accreditation status into the monthly Quality Performance Pack and is the authority Commercial relies on before answering a quality clause in an aerospace tender.

Day to Day

• Commission and manage AS9100 Rev D and EN 9100:2018 gap assessments across the sites, then advise and facilitate the certification programme through to approval - quality plans, deliverable evidence, risk management, customer specific requirements, and audit readiness.
• Produce a costed, resourced, and prioritised view of what aerospace accreditation requires of the group, so that the business can decide where and when to invest and which opportunities it can credibly pursue.
• Determine whether EASA/CAA/FAA Part 21G (Production Organisation Approval) and Part 21J (Design Organisation Approval) apply across the sites, on the basis of a documented review of customer and programme requirements and bring a recommendation to Council within three months of appointment.
• Support Engineering on aerospace functional safety requirements, and on the capture, authorisation and retention of associated safety evidence
• Determine which special processes across the group - heat treatment, surface treatment, chemical processing, welding, non-destructive testing - require NADCAP or customer-specific approval.
• Support customer audits and supplier qualification submissions.
• Support the sites in closing identified gaps by standardising aerospace related processes, procedures and policies across the group.
• Responsible for preparing and facilitating external aerospace audits.
• Build internal auditor competence at the sites against the aerospace standards.
• Report aerospace accreditation gaps and contract-readiness status monthly into the Quality Performance Pack and to the Quality & Accreditation Council, escalating slippage early rather than absorbing it.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

Required Qualifications/ Experience

• Demonstrable experience implementing, maintaining or being assessed against AS9100 Rev D or EN 9100:2018 in a global aerospace supply chain.
• Auditor qualification against AS9100 / EN 9100 (AS9101 methodology), with aerospace sector auditing experience.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct structured gap analysis against a standard and translate the findings into a costed, resourced and credible closure plan.
• Evidence of delivering change across multiple sites or legal entities without direct line authority, and of holding certification bodies and internal stakeholders to a committed date.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to author clear procedures, determinations and audit reports that will stand up to external assessment.
• Right to work in the UK or the EU, and willingness to travel routinely between the UK, Austria and the USA.

Preferred Qualifications/ Experience

• EASA Part 21G or 21J approval experience.
• AS9115 or wider software quality assurance in an aerospace context; DO-178C awareness.
• Experience operating across jurisdictions EASA, CAA & FAA
• Special process control experience in a manufacturing environment, with NADCAP accreditation or audit exposure.
• Formal root cause and problem-solving qualification such as Six Sigma.
• Working level German, for the Jois site.

About Xtrac

Here at Xtrac, we are one of the world's leading manufacturers of Motorsport and High-Performance Automotive Transmission Solutions. Our products are used internationally across the most prestigious motorsport events so naturally we have a passion for winning and continuously improving, whether that be our products, our people, or our business. Our vision is to transform into a world class high performance automotive supplier whilst retaining our position as a world leader in motorsport, so now is the time to join our journey, make an impact and contribute to the success of our future.

What makes us who we are is our people. We share behaviours and values to ensure Xtrac remain world class and have a culture that delivers!

We are…

• Accountable
• Externally Focused
• Yearn to Learn

If you're looking for an exciting new opportunity, you could be just what Xtrac are looking for.

DEI Statement

Xtrac believe that diversity is not only a fundamental value but also a key driver of innovation, growth and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

We celebrate diversity in all its forms, including to but not limited to race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion disability and veteran status. We recognise that diverse teams are more creative, collaborative and effective in solving complex problems and driving positive change.

Xtrac are dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential. We actively promote diversity and inclusion through recruitment, training and development, and advancement opportunities for all employees. By embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, we not only strengthen our organisation but enrich the experience of our employees and the communities we serve.

Join us at Xtrac and be part of a diverse and inclusive team that values and celebrates the unique contributions of every individual. Together we will drive innovation, excellence and success.

Company benefits include

• Pension Contribution
• Life Assurance
• Private Health Care
• Eye Care Assistance
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company Events
• On-site Parking
• Reward & Recognition Incentives
• Flexible Working for Some Roles
• Salary Sacrifice Electric Car Scheme
• Free Safety Workwear