Senior Principal Quality Engineer

Assystem GmbH; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - GBP 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm seeks a Senior Principal Quality Engineer to manage supplier development and inspection activities. The role requires extensive experience in nuclear industries, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to quality and safety culture. Key responsibilities include overseeing multi-disciplinary teams, defining inspection programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The position offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive pension scheme and employee support services.

Benefits

Hybrid Working Opportunity

Market Leading Pension scheme

25 days’ paid annual leave

Professional fees reimbursed

Competitive Sick Pay

Income Protection

Free Digital Gym Access

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in nuclear or similarly regulated industries.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 19443, ISO 9001, IAEA GS-R requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership of technical quality teams in complex project environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team of SQEP inspectors, quality engineers.
• Provide oversight of supplier activities and third-party inspection bodies.
• Maintain clear reporting, dashboards, and audit trails for regulatory requirements.

Skills

Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills

Risk-informed decision making

Clear communication

Commitment to nuclear safety culture

Job description

Our Vacancy# Senior Principal Quality Engineer* Nuclear* Permanent /* Bristol* United Kingdom* 09/02/26* On site* Share## Job DescriptionThis role is delivered under our organisation’s Senior Principal Quality Engineer (SPQE) , with the SPQE deployed to fulfil the Supplier Development & Inspection Team Manager function on behalf of the Client. You will be working direct report to the Quality Function management structure within the Client Project Team and as such will fulfil a key role to ensure compliance and maintenance with quality arrangements across all aspects of project execution.**Role Purpose**The Supplier Development & Inspection Team Manager is responsible for leading supplier development, inspection, and risk-based surveillance activities across complex, regulated programmes. The role ensures that suppliers and the supply chain consistently meet contractual, regulatory, and nuclear safety requirements, acting as an Intelligent Customer on behalf of the Client.**Key Responsibilities*** Lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team of SQEP inspectors, quality engineers, and supplier development specialists.* Define and deliver risk-based inspection and surveillance programmes aligned to project milestones.* Provide Intelligent Customer oversight of supplier activities and third-party inspection bodies.* Lead supplier qualification, capability assessments, audits, and targeted development interventions.* Ensure effective control of manufacturing quality, including MIT plans, inspection activities, and quality records.* Oversee non-conformance management, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventative actions.* Maintain clear reporting, dashboards, and audit trails to support regulatory and governance requirements.* Interface effectively with engineering, procurement, programme teams, suppliers, and external stakeholders.**Experience & Knowledge*** Extensive experience in nuclear or similarly regulated industries.* Strong knowledge of ISO 19443, ISO 9001, IAEA GS-R requirements, and nuclear licence conditions.* Proven experience in supplier development, manufacturing inspection, surveillance, and audit.* Demonstrated leadership of technical quality teams in complex project environments.* Experience engaging with regulators, inspection bodies, and senior stakeholders.* Background in welding, NDT, manufacturing process control, and supplier assessment.**Key Competencies*** Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.* Risk-informed decision making and sound technical judgement.* Clear communicator with the ability to challenge constructively.* Commitment to nuclear safety culture, quality, and continuous improvement.**Benefits include:** Hybrid Working Opportunity Flexible working hours – 2/3 days per week in the Bristol office Market Leading Pension scheme (8% company contribution / 4% personal contribution) 25 days’ paid annual leave + bank holidays + option to buy or sell days Professional fees reimbursed Employee referral scheme Competitive Sick Pay – Support when you need it Income Protection & 3x Salary Death-in-Service Cover Free Digital Gym Access – Expert-led fitness classes 24/7 Employee Support Line – Mental health, financial & legal helpWe 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.* Work on a **landmark project*** International exposure and collaboration* Influence quality strategy at scale* High-impact role within a global supply chain* Opportunity to leave a lasting legacy