Senior Quality Assurance Engineer

MERITUS are recruiting for a Senior Quality Assurance Engineer to join our large aerospace client on an initial 12 month contract as part of their quality team.

SENIOR QUALITY ASSURANCE ENGINEER – INSIDE IR35 – £36 PER HOUR – 12 MONTHS – PORTSMOUTH – ONE STAGE INTERVIEW PROCESS – SECTOR: AEROSPACE

Role Overview

• Define and execute Quality Assurance (QA) activities to ensure procedures and processes are correctly implemented and product quality meets specified requirements
• Lead prevention activities and quality improvement initiatives within Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) processes
• Manage corrective and preventative actions through to closure
• Drive effective management of non-conformance and reduction of Cost of Non-Quality

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a Quality Surveillance Plan (QSP) in line with project requirements
• Produce detailed instructions defining inspection processes and checks; request additional inspections when required (e.g. in response to technical warning notices)
• Chair project gate reviews as agreed (e.g. Manufacturing Readiness Review, Integration Readiness Review, Test Readiness Review, Delivery Review Board, Pre-Shipment Review, Shipment Readiness Review) and ensure all associated actions are completed
• Create and manage the Key Inspection Plan and support the Mandatory Inspection Plan
• Prepare incoming inspection plans and checklists
• Review AIT work instructions for technical integrity, ensuring alignment with product quality requirements, including inspection and verification points and configuration status
• Manage Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) within AIT scope using structured problem-solving tools; confirm non-conformances and ensure robust closure using PPS techniques where root causes are unclear
• Chair Internal Review Boards (IRB) and establish functional teams when PPS tools are applied
• Ensure implementation of lessons learned and near-miss actions
• Support performance management processes (e.g. SQCDP), including schedule tracking, daily priorities, KPIs, and achievement monitoring
• Provide reports to functional and project management as required
• Deliver monthly reporting on Quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Act as the QA focal point for critical movements within the production environment

Skills & Experience

Essential

• HND in a relevant field
• Experience in Quality Assurance
• Experience within defence and aerospace

Desirable

• Degree in a relevant field