Lead Quality Engineer in Bedford, Bedfordshire

Lead Quality Engineer

Bedford (On-Site)
Permanent | 37.5 Hours per Week | 4-Day Working Week (Monday to Thursday)
£65,000 - £75,000 + Excellent Benefits
Current UK DV Clearance Essential

Lead Quality Engineer - Defence Sector

We are currently seeking an experienced Lead Quality Engineer to support critical defence programmes within a highly regulated engineering and manufacturing environment. This is an outstanding opportunity for a quality professional looking to take ownership of complex projects, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and influence quality strategy across the full product lifecycle. Based in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, the role offers a four-day working week and the chance to work on nationally significant programmes.

The Opportunity

As Lead Quality Engineer, you will act as the focal point for all quality-related activities across assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contractual, regulatory and business requirements. Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, programme management, supply chain and customer stakeholders, you will lead investigations, manage quality issues and drive improvements that enhance product performance, reliability and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all quality activities across assigned programmes and projects.
• Act as the primary point of contact for quality-related matters.
• Ensure compliance with customer, contractual and business quality requirements.
• Drive Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) and CAPA activities through to completion.
• Manage non-conformances and support Material Review Board activities.
• Review and approve quality documentation and technical deliverables.
• Participate in design reviews, providing quality assurance expertise.
• Support bids and proposals by advising on quality requirements and risk mitigation.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement across products, processes and suppliers.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maintain exceptional quality performance.

Essential Requirements

Security Clearance

• Current and transferable UK Developed Vetting (DV) Clearance is mandatory.
• Due to the nature of the work, candidates without active DV clearance cannot be considered.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a Quality Engineering or Lead Quality role within a manufacturing, engineering or defence environment.
• Strong experience conducting Root Cause Analysis and implementing corrective actions.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong decision-making capability and the confidence to drive issues through to resolution.
• Experience working within regulated Quality Management Systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Experience

• Defence, aerospace or highly regulated industry experience.
• Experience with SAP Quality Module.
• Knowledge of ISO quality standards and auditing processes.
• Background in CNC machining, manufacturing, materials engineering or low-volume/high-value production.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and CAD data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.