Quality Engineer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Quality Engineer to join our Naval Engineering department, reporting to the Engineering Manager. This role is critical in ensuring that our complex marine handling systems meet strict quality, safety, and compliance standards throughout the design, manufacturing, and delivery lifecycle.

The Quality Engineer will work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Project Management teams to embed quality assurance into every stage of the product lifecycle—from inspection planning and documentation through to testing, audits, and customer acceptance.

Due to security restrictions the successful candidate will be required to attain UK BPSS and SC Clearance with no caveats.

What you will be doing

• Produce and maintain welding and painting documentation in accordance with customer specifications, classification society requirements, and international standards.
• Support the creation and implementation of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs), including coordination of inspection points, hold/witness stages, and sign-off processes.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Project Management to ensure quality requirements are defined and integrated throughout the design and production lifecycle.
• Support the Non-Conformance Report (NCR) process, including assisting with root cause analysis and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions using structured problem-solving methods (e.g. 8D, 5 Whys).
• Act as a quality representative during Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), customer inspections, and third-party verification activities.
• Analyse quality performance data to identify trends, support continuous improvement initiatives, and escalate risks or issues where appropriate.
• Support compliance with the KONGSBERG Business Management System (BMS) and promote alignment with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HS&E) standards and procedures.
• Support BOM Creation.
• Support Gated Design Reviews and the Product Introduction Processes.

We think you should have

• Degree in Engineering, Quality Assurance, or a related technical field.
• Experience in Quality Assurance or Quality Engineering within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Good understanding of engineering and manufacturing processes, ideally in marine, defence, or high-integrity sectors.
• Familiarity with standards including ISO 9001, AQAP-2110/2015, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
• Knowledge of ship classification society rules and their application to marine systems.
• Competency in quality tools and techniques (e.g. 8D, 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams).
• Experience with audit processes and quality management systems (e.g. DRACAS, PLM platforms).
• Certified ISO 9001 Internal Auditor or willingness to become certified.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Experience with Replenishment at Sea (RAS) systems or other mechanical/marine handling equipment.
• Exposure to defence industry standards, inspections, and customer compliance protocols.
• Familiarity with LEAN, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience supporting engineering-led quality processes (e.g. design assurance, validation testing).

Key Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to collaborate effectively with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Project Management teams.
• Detail-oriented and highly organised, with a structured approach to documentation and inspection activities.
• Proactive mindset with a strong aptitude for problem-solving and supporting root cause analysis.
• A professional and customer-focused attitude, particularly during inspections, FATs, and external audits.
• Self-motivated and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic engineering environment.

Why join us

• An exciting and important position working for the world-leading supplier of maritime solutions
• Be part of a diverse team spread across several countries, embracing collaboration and cultural diversity.
• Competitive pay and benefits, including attractive insurance policies and pension schemes.
• We offer hybrid working arrangement.

Where you will be working
Gateshead, NE11 0QD

Interested in knowing more? Contact
Craig Clarke, Engineering Manager

Kongsberg Maritime is a technology pioneer, enabling a more sustainable future for our oceans. Our zero-emission integrated technologies advance the maritime industry and solve our customers' toughest problems. With unmatched competence, domain knowledge, innovation, and market reach, we are the trusted maritime partner. Headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, the company has manufacturing, sales and service facilities in 35 countries.

Our Propulsion and Handling division delivers world class products for propulsion, handling systems, motion control and waterjet for all marine industry sectors including merchant, offshore and naval. Our products enhance operational efficiency and deliver safe, secure, reliable and sustainable products to our valued customers.

KONGSBERG is a leading global technology group. Throughout our proud two hundred year history, we have continuously advanced, applying innovative solutions to the needs of our customers, partners and society at large. We believe diversity is our strength. By fostering an inclusive and diverse culture we nurture and ensure space for different perspectives and ideas. We are determined in our work to mature and improve our ability to utilize our diversity and culture of differences to create positive business results.

Protechting people and planet