PRINCIPAL QUALITY ENGINEER
High-Integrity, Regulated Manufacturing NPI & Major Projects Safety-Critical
This isn’t your standard quality role.
This isn’t just oversight.
This is principal-level ownership of quality across New Product Introduction and major, safety-critical projects.
If you’re a senior professional who thrives in regulated, high-integrity manufacturing, lives and breathes APQP and PPAP, and wants authority and impact at the highest level—this role is for you.
Your MissionAs Principal Quality Engineer, you’ll be the technical quality leader across multiple projects, embedded within engineering and manufacturing teams. Your influence ensures that products are delivered right first time, fully compliant, and traceable from prototype to volume production.
You’ll:
Lead NPI and major project quality strategy
Oversee APQP delivery from concept through production
Own PPAP readiness, submission, and customer approval
Direct non-conformance investigations, containment, and corrective actions
Mentor and guide other engineers in quality execution
Ensure adherence to safety, regulatory compliance, and accreditation standards
Shape cross-functional teams with quality best practice and technical authority
What You Must Have OwnedThis is hands-on, accountable, end-to-end ownership:
Full APQP lifecycle leadership across complex projects
PPAP compilation, submission, and regulatory approval (typically Level 3)
NPI quality delivery from prototype to volume production
Non-conformance management, root cause investigation, and corrective action
Internal, external, and supplier audits
Hands-On ExpertiseYou have practical mastery of:
Core quality tools: FMEA, MSA, SPC, capability studies
Statistical validation and analysis
Lifetime records, traceability, and material certification
Special processes (welding, NDE, coatings)
Engineering vs manufacturing controls in regulated environments
Ideal Sector BackgroundYou’ve operated in regulated, high-integrity sectors, such as:
Nuclear
Aerospace
Defence
Pressure equipment
Safety-critical industries
A strong safety culture, regulatory mindset, and nuclear or high-integrity experience is essential.
This Role Is Not For
Supplier quality roles without APQP leadership
Low-regulation or unregulated manufacturing
Theoretical APQP knowledge without proven project delivery
HIT "APPLY NOW