Lead Quality Engineer
Independent Forgings and Alloys (IFA) is expanding and looking to recruit a Lead Quality Engineer to join its Sheffield-based team.
This role operates across Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering and Metallurgy functions, playing a key role in driving product quality, process capability and compliance across one of the most technically advanced forging operations in Europe.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support investigation of internal manufacturing non-conformances and quality issues
- Conduct root cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventive actions
- Drive improvements in product quality, process capability and manufacturing performance
- Support and lead quality engineering activities across aerospace manufacturing processes
- Analyse quality data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities
- Support process validation, control plans and FMEA activities
- Work closely with Production, Engineering and Metallurgy teams to ensure compliance with customer, aerospace and regulatory requirements
- Support internal, customer and third‑party audits, including ISO 9001, AS9100 and NADCAP assessments
- Develop and maintain quality documentation, procedures and technical standards
- Support new product introduction and manufacturing readiness activities
- Lead problem‑solving activities using structured methodologies such as 8D and RCCA
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
- Provide technical support and guidance to production teams on quality‑related issues
- Participate in risk assessments and quality planning activities
- Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Materials or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
- Previous experience in a Quality Engineer or Senior Quality Engineer role within aerospace or regulated manufacturing
- Experience investigating non-conformances and leading corrective action activities
- Strong root cause analysis and structured problem-solving skills
- Experience working with engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation
- Knowledge of quality tools such as 8D, FMEA, PFMEA, SPC, APQP and RCCA
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably forging, metals, machining or special alloys
- Experience supporting internal and external audits
- Excellent communication, analytical and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive quality improvements
- Lead Auditor qualification or auditing experience would be highly advantageous
Salary Information
- Starting salary between £45,000 - £50,000, depending on experience
- Permanent position with long‑term career opportunities
- Training and professional development support
- Opportunity to work within an advanced aerospace manufacturing environment
- 33 days holiday
- Pension scheme with employer contribution
- Bonus scheme and Westfield cash plan
- On‑site parking available
