Quality Engineer

Maxwell Consultancy is working exclusively with a Tier 1 supplier to the Aerospace industry in their search for a Quality Engineer. This is a full-time permanent position working in their state of the art workshop. The Group is a leading precision engineering organisation supporting aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing customers. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement, they invest heavily in their people, processes, and technology to deliver world-class manufacturing solutions across the UK and Europe. Role Overview We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Quality Engineer to support quality assurance and continuous improvement activities at the Basildon site. Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring compliance with customer, regulatory, and internal standards. You will support both existing production and new product introduction (NPI), working cross-functionally to improve Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) performance. This is an excellent opportunity for a quality professional looking to develop within a high-performance aerospace manufacturing environment. Key Responsibilities Quality Assurance & Compliance Conduct internal audits in line with AS9100, NADCAP, and other applicable standards Support and host external audits, customer visits, and regulatory inspections Raise, manage, and support closure of non-conformance reports (NCRs) and corrective actions Ensure compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS) across all activities Production & Workshop Support Lead Material Review Board (MRB) activities, including disposition of non-conforming product Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and standards Maintain and update route cards and associated documentation Provide hands-on support to manufacturing to ensure quality requirements are met Supplier Quality Support supplier audits, surveillance, and performance monitoring Manage supplier non-conformance and complaint resolution Support supplier selection and approval processes Maintain and update the Approved Supplier List (ASL) New Product Introduction (NPI) Lead all quality activities relating to NPI Apply core quality tools such as PPAP, FMEA, APQP Produce and review First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) Support customer communication and issue resolution during product launch Create and maintain supporting documentation including route cards Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence Actively participate in the Lean Operating System, including tiered meetings and performance boards Monitor and analyse key KPIs such as COPQ, NCR trends, scrap, rework, and Right First Time (RFT) Identify and remove operational constraints affecting quality and delivery Lead and support improvement initiatives using Lean Six Sigma and root cause analysis tools Drive sustainable corrective actions through cross-functional collaboration Customer Quality & Problem Resolution Lead customer complaint resolution using structured methodologies (e.g. 8D) Perform root cause analysis and implement effective corrective actions Maintain clear, professional communication with customers on quality issues QMS & Systems Support ongoing development and improvement of the Quality Management System Ensure documentation, processes, and records are maintained to required standards Skills & Attributes * Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with the ability to influence at all levels * Excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative approach * Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capability * Proven ability to apply root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools * High level of accountability, ownership, and integrity * Results-driven with a proactive and improvement-focused mindset Qualifications & Experience Essential * Degree in Engineering, Quality, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) * Experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment * Strong understanding of quality tools and methodologies (8D, RCA, FMEA etc.) Desirable * Experience within aerospace, defence, or highly regulated manufacturing * Familiarity with AS9100 and/or NADCAP requirements * Exposure to Lean / Six Sigma methodologies Benefits * Competitive salary (dependent on experience) * Private medical insurance * Company pension * Life assurance / death in service benefit * Employee retail discounts * Free on-site parking * Canteen facilities * 33 days holiday (including Christmas shutdown) * Strong opportunities for career development within a growing organisation Eligibility Due to the nature of our work in aerospace and defence, you must: * Have the right to work in the UK * Be eligible for security screening where required