Quality Engineer

As a Quality Engineer, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring our products, processes, and systems meet the highest quality standards and customer expectations.

You’ll lead root cause investigations, drive continuous improvement activities, and support compliance with industry standards, including AS9100 and our internal management systems.

Your contribution will be key to maintaining operational excellence and delivering customer satisfaction across our aerospace, defence, and industrial customer base.

£35,000 – £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About Us

R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions.

Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the‑art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights‑out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications.

We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.

• Lead investigations into product and process non‑conformities, identifying root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions
• Develop and maintain management system documentation including work instructions, control plans, FAIRs, inspection procedures, and audit reports
• Support the introduction of new customer parts and processes, ensuring quality requirements are defined and achieved
• Conduct internal and supplier audits to ensure compliance with AS9100 and other standards
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to improve manufacturing processes and reduce defects
• Analyse quality data and trends to identify opportunities for improvement
• Ensure compliance with customer‑specific requirements, regulatory standards, and internal policies
• Provide training and guidance on quality tools, standards, and best practices
• Participate in APQP, PPAP, and FMEA activities to support product and process validation
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, quality awareness, and safety

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Quality, or related discipline, or equivalent experience through apprenticeship or vocational route
• Proven experience in a quality engineering role within manufacturing or engineering
• Strong understanding of quality systems (AS9100, ISO 9001) and regulatory compliance
• Proficient in quality tools such as Root Cause Analysis, CAPA, and FMEA
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, and supplier quality management
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Skilled in data analysis and reporting using Excel and quality management software
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Valid UK driving licence (role may involve some travel)
• Internal auditor qualification for AS9100 or ISO 9001
• Six Sigma Green Belt or similar continuous improvement certification
• Experience in aerospace or precision engineering sector
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools (Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping)
• Understanding of cost of poor quality and its business impact

We Offer

• Competitive salary as advertised
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Life Assurance
• Bike2Work Scheme
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Business mileage allowance
• Company laptop and mobile phone provided
• On‑site parking at our modern facility
• Team building events