Quality Engineering Lead

About the role

We are seeking a Quality Engineering Lead to join a market‑leading defence and aerospace company in Ampthill. The role will own New Product Introduction (NPI) quality processes and drive continuous improvement across highly regulated manufacturing operations.

Key responsibilities

• Own and manage the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for the Quality function.
• Lead and develop the Quality Engineering team across both business areas.
• Maintain and regularly update quality engineering documentation such as non‑conformance reports, control plans and quarantine procedures.
• Act as the point of contact for quality engineering metric corrective actions and drive their resolution.
• Identify training needs, up‑skill the team and deliver relevant training programmes.
• Promote lean and continuous‑improvement initiatives to optimise processes.

Required profile

• Significant experience in quality engineering within aerospace, defence or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of quality management systems, root‑cause analysis and corrective‑action processes.
• Proven ability to support NPI and product‑lifecycle quality activities.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Relevant qualifications – degree in Engineering, Quality or Manufacturing, Lead or Internal Auditor certification, Lean or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) preferred.

Required skills

• SAP
• ERP systems
• Lean methodology
• Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Quality Management Systems
• Root Cause Analysis
• Corrective Action handling
• Auditing (Lead/Internal)

What we offer

• Permanent contract based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.
• Competitive salary up to £70,000 per year.
• Opportunity to work with a leading defence and aerospace organisation.
• Professional development and training in continuous‑improvement techniques.