Principal Quality Engineer

Job Description:

Are you ready to make a significant impact on the future of aerospace and defence? We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Principal Quality Engineer to join our team on the Global Combat Air Programme. This is not just another quality engineering position; it's an opportunity to lead the implementation of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and drive quality excellence from the early stages of our next generation projects.

What you will do as a Principal Quality Engineer:

Your role will be diverse and challenging, involving comprehensive de-risking exercises, in-depth root cause analysis, and the creation of meticulous quality documentation. You will be instrumental in implementing the Quality system to ensure our high standards are met from the outset.

This is a collaborative position where you will engage with international partners across the ISANKE and ICS domains, fostering a unified approach to quality management and sharing best practices globally. Your ability to inspire team members on quality principles will be crucial in building a strong, quality-focused culture within our team.

We are looking for someone with a robust background in quality engineering, preferably in the aerospace or defence sector, and practitioner experience with APQP. Your technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and unwavering attention to detail will be key in driving continuous improvement and operational excellence from the earliest stages of our projects.

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 we need from you:

Experience in Quality Engineering : Demonstrated experience in quality engineering, preferably within the aerospace or defence industry. Extensive experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) is particularly critical, as you will be championing its implementation across all project phases.Technical Expertise : 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.Collaboration Skills : Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, manufacturing, and procurement. Experience working with international partners a plus.Problem-Solving Ability : Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues, analyse data, and develop effective solutions. Ability to lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to ensure product quality.Communication Skills : Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to convey complex quality concepts to diverse audiences, including customers, stakeholders, and team members.Leadership and Initiative : 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.Attention to Detail : Keen attention to detail to ensure precision in quality documentation, audits, and compliance activities, with a specific focus on APQP documentation and deliverables.Software Assurance.

Awareness of Software specific Quality requirements and understanding of the methodologies for Software development, e.g. Sprints.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 usCompany 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 yearPension:

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, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity)Lifestyle:

Discounted Gym membership, Cycle to work schemeTraining:

Free access to more than 4000 online courses via Coursera and Linkedin LearningReferral Incentive:

You can earn a reward for successfully referring a friend or family memberBonus:

Scheme in place for all employees at management level and belowFor a full list of our company benefits please our website here .

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.

Primary Location:GB - Southampton

Contract Type:

Hybrid Working:HybridTPBN1_UKTJ