Overview
The Lead Production Quality Engineer ensures that products leaving the production line meet all safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. This role requires technical aptitude to provide governance that ensures quality standards are met, to drive continuous improvement in production processes, and to act as the primary quality interface between operations, manufacturing engineering, and engineering functions. The Lead supports the broader quality culture on the shop floor, sits within the Internal Manufacturing Quality team, partners closely with Supplier Quality and Customer Quality, and requires regular presence on the manufacturing/production shop floor.
Key Interfaces
- Production Supervisors
- Manufacturing Engineers
- Design Engineers
- Supplier Quality
- Maintenance
- Materials/Logistics
- Customer Quality
- Materials Engineering
- Project Engineering
- Programmes
Key Responsibilities
- Production Quality Ownership
- Own product quality for assigned production lines, cells, or value streams from incoming material through final shipment
- Monitor and improve key quality metrics (e.g., defect rates, first pass yield, scrap, rework, escapes, customer complaints)
- Lead response to quality issues on the shop floor, including immediate containment, root cause analysis, and implementation of robust corrective actions
- Approve or support disposition of nonconforming material (NC), ensuring compliance with Customer Requirements
- Problem Solving & Root Cause Analysis
- Lead cross‑functional investigations (Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance) using structured problem‑solving tools (e.g., 5‑Why, Ishikawa/Fishbone, 8‑D, FMEA) and FLIGHTDECK tools
- Document and track corrective actions and verify effectiveness through data and process audits
- Prevent recurrence by improving standards, work instructions and error‑proofing
- Quality Systems & Compliance
- Ensure adherence to Part 21, Part 145, AS9100 & AS9102
- Maintain and improve Quality Management System (QMS) documentation related to production
- Support internal and external audits (customer, third‑party, regulatory), including preparation, hosting, and closure of findings
- Ensure traceability, records, and data integrity in line with internal and regulatory expectations
- Process Control & Continuous Improvement
- Develop, implement, and maintain process control plans, inspection plans, and acceptance criteria
- Utilize statistical methods (SPC, capability studies, DOE) to monitor and improve process performance
- Partner with Manufacturing Engineering to validate and qualify processes and equipment (e.g., PPAP, FAI, process capability)
- Identify and drive continuous improvement projects to reduce defects, scrap, and rework, and to improve throughput and cost
- Quality Mentality & Coaching
- Mentor junior quality engineers and support their development in quality tools, data analysis, and problem solving
- Lead or participate in daily operations reviews (tier meetings), presenting quality performance and priorities
- Promote a strong quality culture on the shop floor, reinforcing right‑first‑time behaviors and standard work
- Internal Collaboration
- Support customer quality activities including complaints management, investigations, and communication of corrective actions
- Collaborate with Supplier Quality to address incoming material issues impacting production
- Support Tollgate Reviews/IPT Reviews to ensure Quality standards are considered
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrable experience in quality, manufacturing, or process engineering, with significant experience in a production environment
- Strong knowledge of quality tools and methodologies (SPC, FMEA, MSA, control plans, PPAP/FAI as applicable)
- Working knowledge of GD&T
- Experience in a highly regulated environment
- Proficiency with data analysis tools (Excel, Minitab or similar) and ERP/MES/QMS systems
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Aerospace, or related field) or equivalent experience
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence cross‑functional teams
- Proven track record leading root cause investigations and implementing durable corrective actions
Key Competencies
- Quality Mindset – Champions product and process quality, working towards Zero Defects, prioritises safety and compliance
- Analytical Thinking – Uses data and structured methods to diagnose and solve complex problems
- Leadership – Influences without authority, leads teams through change and improvement
- Collaboration – Works effectively with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Suppliers
- Accountability – Takes ownership for issues and follows through to sustainable closure
- Continuous Improvement – Identifies waste and opportunities; drives standardisation and simplification
Flexible Working
GE supports and encourages flexible working arrangements, where possible, and recognises the benefits to employees of having a positive work‑life balance.
Total Reward
At GE Aviation we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.
Benefits
- Non‑contributory Pension
- Life Assurance
- Group income protection
- Private medical cover
- Holiday – hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell
Security Clearance
Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security.
Right to Work
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Additional Information
Relocation Assistance Provided: No
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