Lead Quality Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Lead Quality Engineer to join a market‑leading defence and aerospace manufacturer in Ampthill. You will shape the quality strategy across multiple projects, align quality targets with business KPIs and drive continuous improvement across processes, tools and people.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the quality strategy for defence projects.
• Align quality objectives with KPIs such as yield, cost‑of‑quality and on‑time delivery.
• Report team performance and programme quality metrics accurately.
• Manage a quality team to meet project requirements.
• Own end‑to‑end quality assurance and control of products.
• Develop and maintain an audit schedule, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.

Required profile

• Experience in a highly regulated manufacturing environment (defence, aerospace, etc.).
• Previous leadership or management experience within a quality function.
• Proven ability to lead teams and meet quality and business KPIs.
• Experience managing quality activities across complex projects or programmes.

Required skills

• Quality Management Plans (QMPs)
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• FAIR / AS9102
• Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)
• Internal and external auditing
• Microsoft Office applications
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Certified Internal Auditor
• SAP QM or equivalent ERP
• Supplier Quality Management
• Digital or AI‑enabled quality tools
• AS9100 quality management system knowledge

What we offer

• Competitive salary up to £70,000 per year.
• Permanent contract with opportunities for professional growth.
• Exposure to high‑profile defence and aerospace projects.
• Supportive environment focused on continuous improvement.