About the Company
BAE Systems is a global leader in defense, security, and aerospace solutions, committed to delivering innovative and reliable products and services to customers worldwide. With a rich history of technological excellence and a focus on sustainability, BAE Systems supports military and civilian operations through advanced engineering, manufacturing, and support services. The company operates across multiple sectors, including naval ships, submarines, electronic systems, and cyber security, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. BAE Systems is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values collaboration, integrity, and excellence, making it an ideal environment for professionals seeking impactful careers in defense and technology.
About the Role
The Principal Quality Engineer role is a critical position within the Integrated Combat Systems Quality team at BAE Systems. Based at our southern sites, this role offers a hybrid working model with three days on-site and the flexibility to work remotely. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of quality across complex electromechanical systems, sub-systems, and equipment, supporting the development, manufacturing, and delivery processes. You will operate in diverse environments, including production, manufacturing, and office settings, often engaging directly with suppliers in the field.
Your proactive approach, excellent communication skills, and ability to work autonomously or collaboratively will enable you to monitor and measure project adherence to contractual quality management plans, participate in design reviews, and perform in-process inspections. This role also involves managing non-conformances, conducting source inspections, and supporting Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), ensuring right-first-time delivery and compliance with contractual and functional requirements. Your expertise and leadership will help maintain BAE Systems' ISO 9001 accreditation and uphold our reputation for quality excellence across all projects.
Qualifications
* Quality background, ideally in supplier quality management
* Educated to HND level or equivalent demonstrable experience
* Willingness to travel nationally on a regular basis
* Full valid UK driving license
* Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems in a manufacturing environment (desirable)
* Lead Audit trained and UKAS Certified (internal/external) (desirable)
* Defence industry experience (desirable)
* Electrical/Electronics manufacturing background (desirable)
Responsibilities
* Monitor and measure project and supplier adherence to contract quality management plans and quality assurance requirements
* Participate in subcontractor and internal design reviews to ensure compliance and process adherence throughout the contract lifecycle
* Conduct in-process inspections of complex electromechanical systems, sub-systems, and deliverables, including software and documentation, to achieve right-first-time manufacturing
* Perform source release, inspection, and Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) at supplier premises, reviewing and accepting supplier documentation
* Identify and raise non-conformances where right-first-time delivery is not achieved, managing corrective actions and root cause analyses to closure
* Support quality governance from design through to delivery, ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 standards
* Engage with suppliers and internal teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives
* Maintain accurate records and documentation related to quality inspections, audits, and non-conformance reports
Benefits
* Competitive pension scheme
* Employee share plans
* Flexible and discounted health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits
* Green car scheme
* Private health plans
* Shopping discounts
* Potential eligibility for annual incentives
Equal Opportunity
BAE Systems is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.