Senior Supplier Quality Engineer

Senior Supplier Quality Engineer Our Mission At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky. We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers. What to expect In this role, you’ll support a broad range of supplier quality activities across systems such as airframe, powertrain, battery, mechanical assemblies, avionics, and beyond. You will work cross-functionally with Procurement, Engineering, Programme, and Manufacturing teams to drive supplier readiness, qualification, and performance — all within a fast-paced, certification-driven environment. This is a hands-on role for someone who is comfortable wearing multiple hats and thrives in a start-up setting where adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration are key. What you'll do - Lead and support supplier quality assurance activities with a primary focus on Energy Storage Systems, while also providing cross-functional support to other commodity areas (e.g. EPU, avionics, mechanical parts) - Knowledge of battery manufacturing processes as well as NADCAP-controlled special processes is advantageous - Experience in NDI/NDT and incoming quality inspection is also considered a strong advantage - Onboard suppliers to ensure they can deliver quality products, and they have the capability to fulfil their scope of approval. - Conduct supplier audits and quality assessments in accordance with AS9100, CAA/EASA Part 21G, and customer-specific requirements - Manage the implementation of APQP, PPAP, FAI, NCR, 8D, and concession processes - Manage supplier performance, focusing on nonconformances and RCA - Support suppliers on inspections, reviewing FAIR and make sure the PFMEA is correctly applied - Verify the supplier measurement system and review metrology reports - Manage goods receiving controls and supplier quality records - Use KPI-driven data for supplier scorecards and process improvements - Communicate regularly with strategic suppliers to maintain relationships and review trends - Promote continual improvement and cost-effectiveness through supplier initiatives - Contribute to the development and implementation of internal quality systems and process improvements - Support cross-functional reviews including Design Reviews, MFTs, and Programme Milestone Gates - Serve as the quality voice in supplier development and early-stage production readiness reviews What you'll bring - Degree qualified preferred, experience may be taken in consideration - Experience with Energy Storage Systems. - Experience with APQP, PPAP, FMEA in a regulated environment (e.g. aerospace, defence, automotive) - Lead auditor accreditation for AS9100. - Experience in quality management systems (ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949) and familiarity with CAA/EASA regulations (Part 21G and/or Part 145) - Strong analytical skills and use of six sigma and quality tools such as PFMEA, 8D, 5Whys, process mapping - Proven experience auditing to ISO 9001:2015, AS9100, IATF 16949, or CAA/EASA Part 21G requirements - Competent in reading Engineering drawings or CAD models - Experience with ERP systems (Infor experience is a strong plus) - Proficiency in MS Office applications - A digitalisation and automation mindset, with strong proficiency in leveraging AI tools, is highly preferred. - Experience in a start-up or high-growth environment is a plus. - Effective communication and data presentation skills What can you e ... (truncated, view full listing at source)