Principal Quality Engineer

⚡️💡 About Assystem

At Assystem, we are on a mission to accelerate the energy transition worldwide. Our 7,750 Switchers combine world-class engineering expertise with digital innovation to drive this change. As one of the top three largest nuclear engineering companies globally, we are at the forefront of shaping the future of energy.

🤝 Why Join the Community of Switchers?

Join a powerhouse in nuclear engineering! At Assystem, you'll be part of one of the world’s top three nuclear engineering companies, contributing to some of the most exciting and impactful projects in the industry. We offer career progression, continuous learning, and the opportunity to work alongside industry leaders.

🚀 The Job Mission

⚡️ This role supports nuclear client projects through expert leadership in quality assurance and control.
You will work within multi-disciplinary teams based in Bridgwater, supporting our UK and international delivery environments. The role ensures consistent application of quality standards, compliance, and nuclear safety requirements. This includes:

• Lead quality delivery across UK and international sites, including subcontractor facilities
• Ensure client and supply chain meet contractual quality requirements
• Implement and monitor project-wide and project-specific quality arrangements
• Oversee MIT plans, LTQRs, NCR processes, audits, and root cause analysis
• Act as the Intelligent Customer, directing quality governance and strategy
• Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and delivery teams to assure product quality
• Support supplier assessments, surveillance, and risk-based quality planning
• Ensure alignment with ONR, ISO, and other international nuclear standards

⚡️ Within this role you will be embedded in major client programmes to drive consistent, compliant, and efficient quality delivery. You will lead the development and implementation of quality systems across all project phases.
This includes:

• Oversight of assurance plans, inspections, records, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the definition and deployment of project-specific quality arrangements
• Approve Project Quality Plans and Manufacturing Inspection & Test (MIT) Plans
• Direct or perform inspections and surveillance at client or subcontractor facilities
• Guide teams on acceptability criteria to ensure product quality is maintained
• Analyse quality data and contribute to performance and compliance reporting
• Oversee non-conformance processes and drive preventative action across the programme
• Plan and lead cross-project audits and quality assurance work streams
• Provide leadership and oversight to quality practitioners and related budget responsibilities

🛠 Essential Skills and Qualifications

• HNC/HND or degree in engineering or quality-related discipline
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 19443 and EN 10204
• IRCA Registered Lead Auditor and CQI Chartered Member status
• CSWIP 3.2 Senior Welding Inspector certification
• Leadership experience with 5+ years managing quality teams
• Hands-on expertise in 8D, RCA, PDCA and DMAIC techniques
• Skilled in supplier assessments and surveillance programme setup
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills in quality performance

✔️ Desired Skills

• Experience in nuclear projects or similar high-consequence industries
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in quality within complex, regulated projects
• Experience working under ONR TAG 077 and Licence Conditions LC6/17
• NEBOSH Certificate and/or formal management qualifications
• Fluency in French or second language preferred

🌟 Join a world-leading nuclear engineering business where you’ll shape vital UK infrastructure while developing your quality leadership career. Work with passionate professionals in your future team to ensure excellence in every mission.

🌟 Your Benefits Package
🏠 Hybrid Working – Flexibility to work from home and the office
🏖️ 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
🔄 Buy & Sell Holiday – Make your time off work for you
💰 8% Company Pension Contributions
🛡️ Income Protection & 3x Salary Death-in-Service Cover
🤒 Competitive Sick Pay – Support when you need it
🏥 Healthcare Cash Plan – Claim back on dental, optical & more
💪 Free Digital Gym Access – Expert-led fitness classes
🎁 Exclusive Discounts – Restaurants, days out & top brands
📞 24/7 Employee Support Line – Mental health, financial & legal help
🚴 Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money & go green
💉 Free Flu Jabs & Eye Test Vouchers
🧾 Paid Professional Membership Fees
❤️ Volunteer Days – Make a difference on company time

We are committed to equal treatment of candidates and promote, as well as foster all forms of diversity within our company. We believe that bringing together people with different backgrounds and perspectives is essential for creating innovative and impactful solutions. Skills, talent, and our people’s ability to dare are the only things that matter !. Bring your unique contributions and help us shape the future.