Job Description
Quality Engineer - Confidential ProjectUp to £57,000 | Long-term contract | Site-based role
We’re hiring a Lead Quality Engineer for a high-profile, confidential engineering programme.
This is a complex new build — first of its kind — and we need someone who can confidently take the lead on quality from day one. You’ll be embedded on-site, supporting the engineering and assembly teams, and acting as the point of accountability for quality, documentation, and compliance throughout the build.
This is not a junior role, or one with hand-holding — it needs someone who knows how to work through technical drawings, understands how complex mechanical assemblies come together, and isn’t afraid to challenge or support the team when things aren’t up to standard.
This project involves complex mechanical assemblies — high-value equipment with multiple moving parts and strict traceability requirements. If you’ve worked with rotating equipment, pumps, power transmission systems, or similar, you’ll understand the attention to detail and discipline required to get this right.
What’s essential?
* Solid background in quality engineering or quality assurance in mechanical/precision/regulated engineering.
* Experience with complex assemblies involving rotating components, such as power transmission systems, drive units, pumps, compressors, or similar.
* Experience working on complex builds where traceability, compliance, and documentation are critical.
* Confident in reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings and turning them into practical, on-the-ground quality processes.
* Strong communicator who can work independently, take ownership, and hold others accountable.
* Able to travel for onboarding and training (accommodation/travel covered), then be based on-site full-time at Barrow-In-Furness.
What you’ll be doing
* Act as the on-site lead for all things quality.
* Own and manage documentation, inspection records, and build traceability.
* Support the team through technical interpretation and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
* Get involved in inspections, issue resolution, root cause analysis, and compliance checks.
* Be the voice of quality on a highly visible and critical project.
* During the onboarding period, you’ll be required to work away from home a few days a week to get fully up to speed with the build and processes. All travel and accommodation expenses will be fully covered.
Why it’s worth your time
* Be part of a technically ambitious, confidential programme from day one
* Fixed Term contract. 18-24 month project duration with contingency up to 3 years.
* A chance to take real ownership and be part of something significant
If you’re someone who gets stuck in, takes responsibility, and knows what "right first time" looks like, this one’s for you.
Please note: Due to security clearance requirements, this role is open only to UK nationals without dual citizenship.