NPI Lead Quality Engineer

Position Summary

Magellan Aerospace, has an exciting opportunity for a NPI Lead Quality Engineer.

• Full time, permanent position
• 39 hours per week
• Job location: Llay, Wrexham, LL12 0PB.
• Unionised site – works in partnership with Unite the Union.

The NPI Lead Quality Engineer is responsible for leading and governing all quality activities in alignment with the Airbus Work Transfer (WT) / Gated Work Transfer Process for new and transferred work packages involving machined aluminium structural aerospace components.

This role ensures quality, compliance, risk mitigation, and process capability are achieved at each gate from initial industrialisation through serial production and sustained operational handover. The NPI Lead Quality Engineer leads a team of NPI Quality Engineers and acts as the primary quality interface with Airbus and internal senior stakeholders.

The position operates within a multi-functional team (MFT/IPT) environment, working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrialisation, Supply Chain, Programs, and Operations to meet Airbus quality, maturity, and readiness requirements.

Perks and Benefits

• A company culture that promotes work life balance
• Access to mental health support
• Business performance related bonus
• Career development opportunities
• Commitment to continued learning and development
• Long Service Awards
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement based on length of service
• Free parking
• 25% off local gym membership

Essential Responsibilities

Quality Strategy & Industrialisation Leadership

• Define and deploy NPI quality strategy aligned to Airbus WT, AS9145/APQP, and internal quality systems.
• Ensure quality deliverables are clearly defined, resourced, and achieved at each WT gate.
• Govern industrial maturity assessments (process capability, inspection readiness, risk status).
• Ensure Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) progression is supported by robust quality evidence.

Airbus Work Transfer (WT) & Gate Governance

• Own quality readiness and approval for Airbus WT gate progression.
• Represent Quality in gate reviews, escalation forums, and recovery planning.
• Ensure objective evidence supports gate exit decisions and risk acceptance.

Machining Quality - Aluminium Structural Parts

• Provide technical leadership and oversight for CNC machining of aluminium structural components, including thin-wall and monolithic structures.
• Ensure effective deployment of;
  • PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams
  • Critial characteristics, GD&T requirements
  • Inspection strategies (CMM, scanning, in-process inspection)
• Ensure machining processes comply with Airbus and AIPI standards

First Article & Validation Governance

• Define and approve FAI strategy in accordance with EN/AS9102 and Airbus requirements.
• Ensure right-first-time FAI performance and robust validation prior to serial release.
• Ensure completion of gate-required validation including;
  • Dimensional conformity
  • Material and special process validation
  • Documentation Completeness

Supplier & Work Transfer Quality Management

• Govern quality readiness of internal and external suppliers involved in work transfer.
• Ensure supplier quality deliverables (FAI, capability data, control plans) meet Airbus WT requirements.
• Partner with Supplier Quality to mitigate risks associated with new or transferred suppliers.

Risk Management & Non-conformance Resolution

• Own quality risk registers for NPI and work transfer programs.
• Lead escalation and resolution of quality risks impacting cost, schedule, or compliance.
• Ensure robust root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented using 8D/RCCA.
• Ensure effective containment and corrective action prior to serial production release.

Compliance & Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with;
  • AS9100/EN9100
  • Airbus customer requirements
  • Internal quality procedures
• Act as quality lead for Airbus, internal, and regulatory audits related to NPI and work transfer.
• Ensure maintenance of accurate, auditable quality records supporting gate decisions.

Continuous Improvement & Lessons Learned

• Capture and deploy lessons learned from Airbus WT programs into standard NPI processes.
• Sponsor continuous improvement initiatives focused on;
  • Defect prevention
  • Reduced industrial risk during ramp-up
  • Improved FAI and gate success rates

Attend daily/weekly sessions to update on progress

Support the NPI process as and when required.

Position Requirements

Academic:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Aerospace or Quality Engineering

Experience:

• 8-12+ years of quality engineering experience in aerospace manufacturing
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing quality teams or programs
• Strong experience supporting NPI, industrialisation, or work transfer activities
• In-depth knowledge of AS9100 / EN9100 and EN/AS9102
• Direct experience working with Airbus programs or Airbus supplier networks
• Proven experience leading Airbus Work Transfer / Quality Gate activities
• Experience with AS914S (APQP for Aerospace)
• Strong background in machining aluminium structural parts
• Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent preferred

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management in gated, milestone-driven environments
• Ability to challenge gate readiness and risk acceptance using objective evidence
• Structured, risk-based decision-making aligned with aerospace ways of working
• Executive-level communication with customers and senior leadership
• High accountability, attention to detail, and documentation discipline

About us

Magellan Aerospace is a global, integrated aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, defence and space agencies worldwide. The organization officially adopted the name “Magellan Aerospace Corporation” in 1996; deriving it from the intrepid explorer Ferdinand Magellan. His global exploits at the turn of the 15th century established a number of firsts, so the company’s vision has been to carry this same legacy into the future of the aerospace industry.

At Magellan, we have over 80 years of collective knowledge and experience in the aerospace industry, and believe one truth: People create value. Employees are our greatest resource in working towards a successful future, and together we build professional relationships that thrive. We know that personal development is fundamental to the success of every individual, and every individual is fundamental to the success of our business, so we invest in our employees and provide excellent career progression opportunities. When you are part of Magellan, you are part of the team!

Note

Magellan may use an approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) note-taking tool to support the initial screening stage of its recruitment and selection process. All AI use is performed in accordance with Magellan’s privacy policies. Personal information associated with any job application will not be shared with or retained by any third party. Magellan the ultimate discretion to determine which applications proceed through the initial screening process.

Confidentiality

Magellan Aerospace respects the privacy and confidentiality of personal information provided by candidates and shall not disclose to any external parties unless legislated.

Thank you for considering this exciting opportunity. This document is intended to provide the reader with information and is not a contractual document. Some of the material therefore may be subject to change.