Quality Engineering Manager

UK CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: Yes

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE TYPE: UK-Security Check (SC)

TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the Time

Salary: £49,100 - £73,700

Role

The primary purpose of this job is for a highly experienced and technically proficient Quality Engineering Manager to lead NG’s Programme Quality Engineering function within our Defence Operating Unit (DOU). This is a pivotal role, which involves managing the team responsible for end-to-end Programme Assurance, Supplier Quality, and the strategic implementation of advanced quality processes across our complex Defence programs, ensuring strict adherence to NG’s Integrated Management Systems (IMS) and UK MOD and NATO standards.

Team Leadership and Management

• Lead and mentor a team of Programme Quality Engineers, providing technical guidance, performance management, and career development.
• Allocate team resources effectively across all programmes, prioritising efforts based on risk and programme phase.
• Drive a culture of quality ownership, continuous improvement, and technical excellence within the Design, Engineering and Manufacturing teams.

Programme and Product Assurance Oversight

• Oversee Quality Assurance activities for programmes across MS UK, providing independent oversight to ensure compliance with all required external standards, internal command media and contractual requirements
• Serve as the senior technical quality lead for multiple concurrent defence programmes, providing strategic direction for assurance activities and feedback to the PMO.
• Review and approve key programme quality deliverables, including quality plans, inspection strategies, and validation reports.
• Oversee Programme Assurance Product Audits to verify product compliance and process adherence prior to delivery.
• Ensure the team effectively performs critical electronic and mechanical inspection/witnessing activities, verifying compliance with standards like IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620.
• Customer engagement and Point of Contact (POC) for Quality Matters.
• Host DQAFF MOD Audit and other customer visits and audits.

Strategic Quality Systems and Improvement

• Own the application and maturity of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and the Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) across the entire organisation's supply chain manufacturing processes.
• Establish and manage a robust Lessons Learned framework, ensuring feedback from programmes, non-conformances, and audits is systematically captured and integrated into design, engineering, and process improvements.
• Manage the system for identifying, investigating, and resolving major non-conformances, ensuring effective Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and sustainable corrective actions.

Reporting and Stakeholder Management

• Report directly to the Head of Department on the overall health and maturity of quality engineering and programme quality performance.
• Provide high-level, data-driven insights to Programme Directors and Senior Management on quality metrics, risks, and strategic initiatives.

Required Skills and Knowledge

• Proven experience in managing, mentoring, and developing a team of Quality or Engineering professionals in a high-tech or defence environment.
• Expert knowledge and demonstrable experience managing operations under ISO 9001 / AS9100.
• Deep expertise in developing and deploying APQP and PPAP principles at an organisational level.
• Strong working knowledge of UK MOD and NATO assurance requirements, including AQAP 2110, Def Stan 05-57, and the application of IEC 61508 principles.
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610 and IPC/WHMA-A-620 standards and their application in manufacturing inspection and audit.
• Fabrication, welding, dimensioning and tolerancing, surface coatings experience.
• Extensive experience conducting and leading technical audits (Product, Process, and Supplier Audits).
• Exceptional skills in problem-solving, risk management, and statistical analysis (e.g., Six Sigma methodologies).
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Proficient IT skills, specifically in MS Office tools
• Very good customer orientation
• Excellent attention to detail

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Quality) or a related technical field.
• Significant experience in a senior Quality Engineering or Quality Management role within the Defence, Aerospace, or Automotive sectors.
• Certified Lead Auditor (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive significant cultural and process change.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally if required to supplier and customer sites.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce, and encourages individuals from all backgrounds and all abilities to apply and consider becoming a part of our diverse and inclusive workforce.