Senior Quality Engineer

I'm working on behalf of a client in the defence sector who is looking to appoint a Senior Quality Engineer at their facility in Dorset. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well respected and exciting engineering business that delivers complex, safety-critical systems.

The site is involved in the design and manufacture of high-performance components and subsystems. With decades of heritage and a strong reputation for innovation, the organisation continues to play a vital role in supporting aerospace programmes across the globe.

The Role As Senior Quality Engineer, you'll play a key role in ensuring customer and regulatory requirements are fully met across the product lifecycle. You’ll represent the voice of the customer internally, helping to maintain a high standard of quality assurance and driving a culture of continuous improvement.

You’ll work cross-functionally as part of an Integrated Product Team, taking ownership of quality processes from bid and design phase through to final product delivery.

Key Responsibilities: Provide Quality input during bids, proposals, and contract reviews

Create and implement quality plans in line with customer, business, and regulatory expectations

Lead investigations into non-conformances using structured problem-solving tools (8D, RCCA, etc.)

Manage customer audits, source inspections, and internal QMS compliance

Support First Article Inspections (AS9102) and new product introduction

Ensure full compliance with aerospace quality standards across manufacturing processes

Maintain accurate records of NCRs, concessions, FRACAs, and MRB activities

Track quality KPIs and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

Support final inspection, product release, and customer documentation sign-off

Contribute to a strong culture of safety and regulatory compliance on site

Your Profile: HNC/HND in Engineering or equivalent practical experience

Strong understanding of aerospace quality standards (e.g. AS9100, AS9110, EASA Part 21G, Part 145)

Hands-on experience with quality planning tools such as APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and FAIR

Confident managing audits, dealing with customers, and resolving quality issues

Skilled in root cause analysis and preventative action techniques (8D, 5-Why, etc.)

Comfortable operating within a regulated, high-integrity environment

Knowledge across one or more technical areas (mechanical, electrical, software, systems, composites, etc.)

Familiarity with civil or military aerospace compliance standards (e.g. FAA, CAA, ESA) would be advantageous

Additional Info: Due to the nature of the work, this role may require access to sensitive technical data. As such, applicants will need to meet certain nationality and security requirements.

What’s on Offer: This is a brilliant opportunity to join a specialist engineering team at a site known for its technical capabilities, stability, and long-term programme involvement. The company offers competitive benefits, a strong focus on professional development, and the chance to work on meaningful, real-world aerospace applications.

If you're interested in learning more or would like to apply, please reach out for a confidential conversation. (url removed)