OPERATIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE ENGINEERQA Engineer | Aerospace | Spacecraft Production | InspectionInitial 6-Month Contract (Likely Extension)£32 per hour (via Umbrella)On-site – StevenageBPSS Clearance RequiredPotential Shift / On-Call WorkABOUT THE CLIENTOur client operates within the space and defence sector, delivering highly specialised spacecraft manufacturing and engineering programmes. Their Quality Assurance team plays a critical role in ensuring customer requirements are met across manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing, maintaining the highest standards in a complex and safety-critical environment.THE QA ENGINEER ROLEAs an Operational QA Engineer, you will be fully responsible for managing quality across spacecraft production work areas, ensuring compliance with strict standards and driving a strong quality-first culture. You will play a key role in inspection, non-conformance management, and continuous improvement, working closely with engineering and production teams to maintain product integrity and performance.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPerform critical inspections and witness key production operationsLead the prevention and management of non-conformancesDrive cost of non-quality reduction initiativesConduct quality surveillance across production areasManage and track open actions and build reconciliationsSupport root cause analysis (PPS) and internal review boards (IRB)Review and improve quality processes, documentation, and proceduresCarry out process audits where requiredReview production work instructions and ensure technical integrityCollaborate with manufacturing teams to resolve quality issuesESSENTIAL SKILLSRecognised engineering apprenticeship and/or relevant qualificationMinimum 3 years’ experience in Production, Quality, or Engineering within Aerospace or DefenceStrong understanding of Quality Assurance / Product Assurance principlesSolid hardware inspection experienceExcellent communication skills – able to influence and drive quality improvementsStrong teamwork and stakeholder engagement skillsWillingness to work shifts, on-call, or off-site when requiredDESIRABLE EXPERIENCEKnowledge of space quality standardsLean / Continuous Improvement qualificationsESA experience or qualificationsExperience with 3D drawings (Catia, 3DX)Knowledge of composites / carbon materialsTO BE CONSIDEREDPlease either apply via this advert or email your CV directly to . For further information, please call 07719 051875. By applying for this role, you give express consent for us to process and submit (subject to required skills) your application to our client in conjunction with this vacancy only.