Position Summary

Magellan Aerospace has an exciting opportunity for a NPI 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 Quality Engineer is responsible for leading and executing quality activities in alignment with the Airbus Work Transfer process for new and transferred work packages involving machined aluminium structural aerospace components. This role ensures that quality, compliance, and process capability are embedded from initial industrialisation through serial production, supporting successful gate progression and on-time transfer to Operations.

The position works within a multi-functional team (MFT/IPT) environment, partnering closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrialisation, Supply Chain, and Program teams 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
• Perkbox - includes monthly treats and discounts from selected restaurants, cinemas, shops etc
• Long Service Awards
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement based on length of service
• Free parking
• 25 off local gym membership
  
  

Essential Responsibilities

Quality Planning & Industrialisation

• Lead quality planning activities in line with AS9145 / APQP principles, mapped to Airbus WT milestones
• Contribute to industrial maturity assessments (process capability, inspection readiness, risk status)
• Support Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) progression for machining processes

Machining Quality – Aluminium Structural Parts

• Review engineering data (drawings, models, specifications) with focus on:
  • GD&T compliance
  • Critical characteristics
  • Lead or support
  • PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams
  • Definition of inspection methods (CMM, scanning, in-process inspection)
  • Ensure machining processes are to AIPI standards and compliance

First Article & Validation

• Plan, execute, and approve First Article Inspection (FAI) in accordance with EN/AS9102 and Airbus requirements
• Ensure all gate-required validation activities are completed, including:
  • Dimensional conformity
  • Material and special process validation
  • Documentation completeness
  • Support closure of open points prior to gate approval

Supplier & Work Transfer Quality

• Support quality readiness of internal and external machine shops involved in work transfer
• Review supplier quality deliverables (FAI, capability data, control plans) as part of GWT readiness
• Coordinate with Supplier Quality to mitigate risks related to transferred or new suppliers

Risk Management & Non-conformance Resolution

• Identify and manage quality risks affecting gate progression (process instability, inspection gaps, special process issues)
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for NPI and work transfer issues using 8D/RCCA
• Ensure robust containment and corrective actions are implemented prior to serial release

Compliance & Audit Support

• Ensure compliance with:
  • AS9100
  • Airbus customer requirements
  • Internal quality procedures
• Support Airbus, internal, and regulatory audits related to NPI and work transfer
• Maintain accurate, auditable quality records supporting gate decisions

Continuous Improvement & Lessons Learned

• Capture lessons learned during GWT and feed back into standard NPI and machining quality processes
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on defect prevention, right-first-time FAIs, and reduced industrial risk

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:

• 3-7 years of quality engineering experience in aerospace manufacturing
• Experience supporting NPI, industrialisation, or work transfer activities
• Strong understanding of CNC machining for aluminium structural parts
• Knowledge of AS9100 and AS9102
• Direct experience working with Airbus programs or Airbus suppliers
• Familiarity with Airbus Gated Work Transfer, Quality Gates, or MFT/IPT environments
• Experience with AS9145 (APQP for Aerospace)
• Knowledge of aluminium alloys used in aircraft structures (e.g., 2024, 7050, 7075)
• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent

Key Competencies:

• Strong stakeholder management in a gated, milestone-driven environment
• Ability to challenge gate readiness using data and objective evidence
• Structured, risk-based thinking aligned with Aerospace ways of working
• Excellent communication across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain
• High 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!

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.