Senior Quality Engineer High-Performance Engineering SME Defence, Medical, Oil & Gas
Are you an experienced Quality Engineer who’s ready to step out of the background and genuinely shape how quality is delivered?
This is an opportunity to join a highly respected SME engineering business where quality is not just a function — it’s central to reputation, customer trust, and product performance in some of the most demanding environments in the world.
If you’re looking for autonomy, influence, and a clear route into a future Quality Manager position within around 2 years, this role has been built for you.
Why this role stands out
You won’t be a cog in a large corporate machine here.
Instead, you’ll take ownership of quality across production and supply chain operations, working directly with engineering and leadership teams to improve how things are done — not just monitor them.
You’ll also have the opportunity to mentor and develop a junior team member, with scope to grow and shape a wider quality function as the business expands.
About the business
This is a specialist UK engineering manufacturer producing robust, high-reliability transport solutions used in a range of demanding technical and regulated environments.
Their products are designed for use in situations where durability, consistency, and performance are critical, often operating in challenging or mission‑critical conditions. As a result, quality and precision are embedded into every stage of design and manufacture.
What you’ll be doing
This is a hands‑on, influential role covering inspection, compliance, problem‑solving, and continuous improvement:
- Owning in‑process and final inspection of components and finished assemblies
- Working from engineering drawings, CAD data, and technical specifications
- Using precision measuring equipment to verify tolerances and build quality
- Making clear decisions on product acceptance and non‑conformance
- Driving ISO 9001:2015 compliance and supporting audit activity
- Leading root cause investigations and implementing CAPA activity
- Improving manufacturing processes to reduce defects and improve reliability
- Analysing quality trends to prevent recurring issues
- Supporting and developing supplier quality performance
- Maintaining accurate quality records, reports, and traceability data
What makes someone successful here
We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just “check quality” — but improves it.
You’ll likely be someone who has:
- Experience in a Quality Engineer / Quality Inspector / Manufacturing Quality role
- Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical data
- Confidence using precision measurement tools (gauges, calipers, micrometers, etc.)
- Solid understanding of ISO 9001 environments
- A structured, methodical approach to problem solving
- Experience with root cause analysis tools (e.g. 5 Whys, Ishikawa)
- Strong attention to detail and ownership mindset
Bonus experience (not essential)
- Defence, aerospace, or rugged/industrial manufacturing background
- Exposure to RoHS / REACH / IP‑rated product environments
- Six Sigma or continuous improvement methodologies
- ERP/MRP quality systems experience
What’s on offer
- A genuinely influential role in a growing SME engineering business
- Real autonomy to improve systems, processes, and quality standards
- Opportunity to mentor and develop others
- Clear progression pathway into Quality Manager (circa 2 years)
- Competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 25 days holiday bank holidays
- Company pension
- Ongoing training and development support
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