JOB DESCRIPTION:

At Leonardo, we are at the forefront of aerospace, defence, and security technologies. As a leading innovator in radar systems, we are excited to offer an opportunity for a Principal Quality Engineer within our ECRS MK2 Radar Quality Assurance Team in Edinburgh. This role presents an excellent opportunity to join a dynamic team, contribute to the growth of our Edinburgh operations, and be part of delivering cutting-edge radar solutions to our customers.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Educational Background: Ideally a Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related field. Experience in Defence Electronics or a similarly complex industry is highly desirable.
• Quality Governance Expertise: Proven knowledge of governance frameworks, particularly AS9100, ISO9001, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Quality Tools Proficiency: Strong experience with quality tools such as Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA), Pattern Fault Lifecycle, Process Mapping, Verification, and First Article Inspection.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to analyze complex data and derive practical solutions that support business goals, presenting them in a clear and actionable manner.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams and communicate clearly with stakeholders at all levels.
• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated experience in working with diverse stakeholders, including customers and suppliers, to ensure alignment with quality requirements.
• Team Leadership: Experience working within high-functioning quality teams, with the ability to mentor, coach, and develop team members to achieve excellence.

As a Principal Quality Engineer, your primary focus will be to ensure the effective delivery of quality assurance processes, managing risks, and resolving non-conformance issues, while supporting programme objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Risk, Threat & Opportunity Management: Collaborate with Programme and Project Managers to identify and manage specific risks, threats, and opportunities, ensuring alignment with the Project Assurance Plans (PAP).
• Project Assurance Plans (PAP): Develop and maintain PAPs that define project assurance activities, aligned with risk, opportunity, and improvement within the programme, in compliance with the Operational Framework.
• Non-Conformance & Failure Leadership: Lead the resolution of non-conformance and failure instances on behalf of the IPT, ensuring that root causes are identified and appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Team Guidance & Leadership: Provide guidance to the Assurance Team to ensure that all programme and IPT objectives are met. Mentor and coach team members to foster quality excellence within the Quality Team and IPT.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and execution of assurance function improvement plans across all stages of the Programme, Product, and Project Lifecycles.
• Reporting & Data Management: Deliver comprehensive reports and relevant data to the Project Assurance Manager, Quality Manager, and Project Managers to track quality assurance activities and progress.
• Deputise for Senior Leadership: As required, deputise for the Quality Team Leader and Project Assurance Manager, ensuring continuity in leadership and support for ongoing projects.