Senior Quality Engineer

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

If you’re ready to take ownership, influence change, and step into leadership — this is where that path starts, hit "APPLY NOW"