Quality Assurance Engineer

Location 
 Ampthill About the role 
 The Quality Assurance Engineer is responsible for ensuring products and processes meet customer, regulatory, and business requirements throughout the product lifecycle. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams, the role supports quality planning, non-conformance management, root cause investigations, and continuous improvement activities within an AS9100-regulated environment.

Generate and maintain Control Plans from engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements for parts and assemblies. Review engineering drawings and technical documentation to identify critical quality characteristics and inspection requirements. Manage the non-conformance process, including containment, quarantine, investigation, disposition, and closure. Lead Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) activities using structured problem-solving tools including 8D, 5 Whys, and Fishbone analysis. Participate in design reviews and drawing reviews to ensure quality requirements are effectively incorporated into product designs. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities by defining and implementing quality requirements and controls. Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing teams to resolve product and process quality issues. Analyse quality data and metrics to identify trends, drive corrective actions, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Support internal, customer, and third-party audits and ensure compliance with AS9100 quality management system requirements. Maintain quality documentation, procedures, inspection plans, and records in line with company and customer requirements Required skills, qualifications and experience 
 Essential Strong understanding of quality assurance principles, non-conformance management, and root cause analysis techniques. Experience working within an AS9100-regulated manufacturing environment. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing documentation. Experience with Control Plans, RCCA, and quality problem-solving methodologies. Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams. Desirable Experience within Aerospace or Defence manufacturing. Knowledge of AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements. SAP experience or familiarity with similar ERP systems. Understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement tools. Engineering, Manufacturing, or Quality-related qualification (HNC/HND, Degree, or equivalent).