Quality Engineer

Job Description

The opportunity

We have an opportunity for a Principal Quality Engineer to join our team and be part of an exciting Multinational initiative.

We are seeking a Principal Quality Engineer to join our team on the Global Combat Air Programme. (GCAP) The Global Combat Air Programme is a Multinational Initiative led by the UK, Japan and Italy to jointly develop a sixth generation stealth fighter.

We are looking for someone with a robust background in quality engineering, preferably in the aerospace or defence sector, and experience with APQP.

If you are passionate about quality, innovation, and ready to take on exciting challenges, we want to hear from you. This is your chance to be part of a forward-thinking team that is setting new standards in quality excellence from the ground up. Join us and help shape the future of the GCAP program through your dedication and expertise. Apply now and take your career to new heights!

What You Will Do As a Principal Quality Engineer

As a Principal Quality Engineer, you will interact at Integrated Project Team (IPT) level. Working in partnership with the Operations team / IPT to

• Champion the Implementation of APQP Take the lead in driving the adoption of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) methodologies, setting the standard for excellence and ensuring all quality benchmarks are met throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support Early-Stage LCM Gates Be at the forefront of quality assurance during early-stage Life Cycle Management (LCM) gates, ensuring every deliverable meets the quality standards before moving forward.
• Customer and Stakeholder Engagement Act as the dynamic primary point of contact for quality-related matters with customers and key stakeholders, ensuring their requirements and expectations are fully understood and exceeded.
• Support Regulatory Compliance Ensure all quality activities are in full compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, including those specific to the defence and aerospace industries.
• Interface with Cross-Functional Teams Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including design, engineering, and program management, to integrate quality considerations into every aspect of the project.
• Lead Quality Audits Plan and execute rigorous internal and external quality audits to assess compliance with quality standards, identifying areas for improvement and driving excellence.
• Collaboration with International Domain Partners Engage proactively with international domain partners, ensuring a unified approach to quality management, sharing best practices, and aligning quality standards on a global scale.
• Software Quality Assurance Ensure the appropriate level of Software Quality assurance is applied.
  
  

What You Really Must Have

Demonstrated experience in quality engineering, preferably within the aerospace or defence industry, and practitioner experience with APQP.

• Extensive experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is particularly critical, as you will be championing its implementation across all project phases.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, standards (e.g., AS9100, ISO 9001), and regulatory requirements.
• Expertise in APQP methodologies and tools, New Product Introduction, and familiarity with risk assessment and root cause analysis techniques.
• Proven ability to take initiative and lead quality initiatives, with a particular emphasis on APQP. Experience in training and mentoring team members on APQP practices and standards.
• Awareness of Software specific Quality requirements and understanding of the methodologies for Software development, e.g. Sprints.
  
  

It would be nice if you had

• Demonstrated experience in quality engineering, preferably within the aerospace or defence industry.
  
  

Security Clearance

You must be eligible for full security clearance. For more information and guidance please visit https //www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Life at Leonardo

With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.

• Flexible Working Flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part time opportunities, please talk to us
• Company funded flexible benefits Access to private healthcare, dental schemes, Workplace ISA, Go Green Car Scheme, technology and lifestyle options (£500 annual allowance)
• Holidays 25 days plus bank holidays, option to buy/sell leave and to accrue up to 12 additional flexi leave days per year
• Pension Award winning pension scheme (up to 15% employer contribution
• Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme with access to free mental health support, financial wellbeing support and network groups to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to diversity & inclusion (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Reservists, Carers)
• Lifestyle Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work scheme
• Training Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera
• Referral Incentive You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family member
• Bonus Scheme in place for all employees at management level and below
  
  

For a full list of our Company benefits please visit our website.

Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 8,000 are based at 8 sites throughout the UK.

At Leonardo UK, we believe that a diverse and inclusive work environment unlocks our people’s full potential and drives innovation and creativity. We work hard to offer a welcoming, accessible and inclusive place to work for all of our people, creating a culture where everyone can thrive, feel safe and have a sense of belonging and connection.

This is a great opportunity to bring your talents and form an integral part of Leonardo’s future. We can help you develop your skills and offer great opportunities to develop and grow, so why not join us.

Primary Location

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

Contract Type

Hybrid Working

Hybrid