Principal Quality Assurance Engineer – Supply Chain

Location: Stevenage
Working pattern: Hybrid (2 days onsite, remainder remote or at supplier sites)
Contract: 6-month+ rolling contract
Rate: £45–£55 per hour
Security clearance: SC clearance required (UK Eyes Only)

The role

We’re looking for an experienced Principal Quality Assurance Engineer to join a busy Supply Chain Quality team, supporting assurance activities across a range of mechanical and electro-mechanical suppliers.

This role is heavily focused on supplier quality auditing and surveillance, ensuring that manufacturing processes, special processes and delivered hardware meet stringent regulatory, customer and internal quality requirements. You’ll work closely with suppliers, engineering, manufacturing and project quality teams to identify risks, drive corrective actions and support continuous improvement.

Regular UK and occasional international travel to supplier sites will be required.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and conduct supplier quality audits and surveillance activities using standardised tools

• Lead and support audits to AS9100, with a strong understanding of ISO 9001 principles

• Assess and assure special processes(e.g. heat treatment, coatings, welding, NDT), ensuring compliance and control

• Perform inspection and verification activities where required to support delivery of conforming hardware

• Identify, document and manage non-conformances and process deviations

• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to drive root cause analysis and corrective actions

• Provide clear reporting, analysis and quality status updates to senior stakeholders

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain

• Maintain accurate audit records and quality documentation

• Engage with project and supplier quality networks to share risk, status and lessons learned

What we’re looking for

• Trained and experienced AS9100 auditor – this is essential

• Strong background in supplier quality, auditing and surveillance

• Experience within mechanical, manufacturing or electronic engineering environments

• Good understanding of special processes and supplier process controls

• Proven quality experience within defence, aerospace or automotive supply chains

• Familiarity with GD&T and the use of metrology equipment (where applicable)

• Practical experience with quality problem-solving tools such as 8D, RCA, DMAIC

• Confident working across the full product lifecycle

• Strong analytical skills, including reporting using Excel and quality systems

• Able to communicate clearly and influence effectively with suppliers and internal teams

• Well organised, comfortable managing multiple suppliers and priorities

• Eligible for SC clearance and UK Eyes Only work

Experience with NADCAP is desirable but not essential.