Lead FAIR Engineer

Job Title: LeadFAIR Engineer

Reporting to: Head of Quality

Direct Reports: FAIR Engineer, Trainee FAIR Engineer                      

Purpose of Role: 

The Lead FAIR Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end management of First Article Inspect Reports (FAIRs) for the new implementation of new products and changes to existing products, materials and manufacturing processes.  Ensuring compliance with the AS9102 standard that establishes documentation requirements for FAIRs in the Aerospace Industry, this role leads, manages and develops the FAIR Engineers team, coordinates actions required by internal teams and liaises with external customer contacts to progress FAIRs to final approval and sign off.  Responsible for the accuracy and detailed completion, control and review of all necessary documentation it is essential for the job holder to have a detailed, organised and methodical approach to their work.

Key stakeholders in the FAIR process include Quality and Engineering, and the Lead FAIR Engineer will have frequent contact with these teams as well as liaising with our key customers’ technical / engineering contacts. The ability to understand and clearly communicate technical led information, be customer focused and commercially aware is essential, as is the ability to influence others to deliver on actions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the end-to-end management of the First Article Inspection Reports’ (FAIRs) process
• Manage the FAIR team’s day to day activities to meet agreed timelines.
• Maintenance and oversight of a structured FAIR register. 
• Overall responsibility for the timely preparation and submission of FAIRs in full compliance with the AS9102 standard.
• Documentation completion, control and quality management, update and review to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards.
• Stakeholder management (internal and external) to manage FAIR progression through to completion.  Complete customer visits as required.
• Approval authority for FAIRs ensuring final validation and release.
• Ensure lessons learned and continuous improvement actions are documented and updated within Quality procedures.
• Provide FAIRs data for reporting purposes on request from the Head of Quality
• Assist in Quality engineering functions as required.

Key Requirements:

Essential

• Experience working in a manufacturing company, preferably within an Aerospace or Automotive environment
• Line management experience
• Experience of end-to-end FAIRs’ management including approval sign off
• Strong technical understanding of Engineering drawings, including GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & tolerancing).
• An understanding of the processes and procedures involved in the day-to-day operation of Engineering and Quality departments
• Self-motivated with excellent organisation, planning and prioritisation skills
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to influence stakeholders
• Computer literate including MS Office

Desirable

• An Engineering qualification such as BTEC Level III, HND, HNC, Degree or Proven experience in Aerospace or Automotive manufacturing sector related to FAIRs/Quality functions
• Working knowledge of Net-Inspect
• Working knowledge of MRP systems, preferably Syspro
• Knowledge of aerospace procedures and technical documentation  
• Understanding and experience of Aerospace specifications and approvals

Company Statement: This job description is not intended to establish a total definition of a job but outline duties. This job description will be amended at the discretion of management.