Quality Engineer

Reports to: Head of QHSE UK&I

Location: London - Heathrow

Contract Type: Permanent

Introduction to role

Vanderlande is a global leader in logistics process automation across the airports, and parcel sectors. The UK& Ireland Airports Quality, Health Safety and Environment department forms part of our global organisation with a focus on the projects being delivered in the UK and Ireland region. 

As a Quality Engineer, you will play a key role in delivering complex engineering projects in a collaborative and supportive environment. You will collaborate with colleagues across engineering project management, customers, and partners to ensure high-quality technical solutions are delivered safely, sustainably, and on time. This role offers the opportunity to develop while contributing to projects with real‑world impact.  

Vanderlande values different perspectives and supports ongoing learning and career development and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences as we build a diverse engineering team 

The Quality Engineer is responsible for assuring zero-defect, audit-ready mechanical and electrical installations across project sites, acting as the quality gatekeeper from installation through pre-commissioning and handover. The role validates benchmark mock-ups, conducts inspections and visual audits, and ensures all tests, checklists, snag/defect resolution, and as-built records are complete, accurate, and compliant with approved designs, standards, and customer requirements. The position identifies and classifies non-conformities, leads root-cause analysis, drives corrective actions and continuous improvement, and supports training needs to strengthen site quality culture. Working closely with clients, consultants, contractors, engineering, and site teams, the Quality Engineer facilitates approvals and has the authority to challenge or stop non-compliant activities, escalating as required. Candidates should have an NVQ/City & Guilds Level 3+ in an electrical or mechanical discipline, strong drawing interpretation skills, and significant experience in live operational installation/commissioning/quality environments; ISO 9001 auditing and relevant electrical inspection/testing certifications are advantageous. Are you driven by the challenge of delivering zero-defect and audit-ready installations that meet the highest standards of quality, reliability and compliance, and do you thrive in dynamic project onsite environments where precision, discipline, and proactive leadership are key to success? 

Role Responsibilities

 We are seeking a Quality Engineer with a strong foundation in mechatronics or electrical engineering. 

The ideal candidate is hands-on, proactive, pragmatic and takes ownership of installation quality. They should be able to interpret technical drawings and resolve snags on-site. Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, and the ability to work on project sites around Heathrow Airport.  

You will serve as the quality gatekeeper, verifying that every installation is executed in accordance with approved designs, benchmark standards and adhering to customer requirements throughout the project life cycle. You will ensure the correct execution of all required tests and checklists, confirm that installations are snag-free, and uphold the highest standards of quality. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining complete, accurate, and compliant documentation, ensuring the project always remains audit ready.  

 In this role, you will also be responsible for executing and supporting the pre-commissioning phase, helping to ensure that all equipment is correctly installed, thoroughly tested, validated, and fully prepared for functional commissioning—delivered on time, with zero defects, full compliance, and ready for audit at any moment. 

Your work will directly impact client satisfaction, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance, setting the benchmark for excellence in our industry. 

Your responsibilities and activities will include:

• Support and promote a safety‑first culture 

• Validate benchmark mock-ups with site supervisors and installation contractor. 

• Ensure mechanical and electrical installations meet approved design and standards. 

• Verify completeness and accessibility of installation files, specifications, and quality documents. 

• Conduct visual audits and review inspection reports to ensure documentation is compliant and audit-ready for client and consultant approvals. 

• Audit As-Built documentation and defect lists. 

• Identify non-conformities, conduct root cause analysis, and ensure timely resolution. 

• Analyse recurring issues and recommend process enhancements. 

• Identify training needs and contribute to installer performance reviews. 

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project delivery, sharing knowledge and supporting the wider project community. 

• Ensure pre-commissioning of the installation and readiness for functional commissioning. 

• Participate in final walkthroughs and confirm defect-free handover. 

• Work closely with clients, consultants, installation contractor, engineering and site teams. 

• Facilitate smoother approvals and signatory processes. 

• Authority to challenge and stop non-compliant installation activities, with escalation to project leadership where required 

Role Qualification and Skills

• City & Guilds or NVQ Level 3 (or above) in Electrical or Mechanical discipline  

• Proven experience in installation, commissioning, or quality within automated, manufacturing, or materials handling environments  

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a live operational environment  

• Strong understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, installation standards, and testing procedures 

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and design documentation  

• Hands-on experience resolving installation issues and site snags  

• Familiarity with quality standards, documentation protocols, and installation workflows  

• Experience conducting inspections, audits, and managing defect / snagging processes 

Desirable 

• ISO 9001 Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor  

• 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)  

• Inspection & Testing qualification (e.g. City & Guilds 2391)  

• HNC / HND in Electrical, Electronic or Mechatronic Engineering  

• Six Sigma (Green Belt) or equivalent continuous improvement training  

• Experience in FMCG, logistics automation, or highly automated environments  

• Experience in training, coaching, or leading site teams  

• Maintains high standards and follows procedures rigorously. 

• Self-Starter, able to work as part of a team and takes initiative and responsibility for quality outcomes. 

• Balances strict quality enforcement with effective stakeholder management. 

• Enjoy working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders 

• Communicate clearly and confidently, both verbally and in writing 

• Comfortable with travel and dynamic site environments. 

• Guides teams toward quality excellence and fosters a proactive mindset. 

What we offer

• 28 days annual leave (excluding public holidays)

• Bupa Medical Cover
• YuLife – Wellbeing membership with fast access to GP appointments, promotion of health and wellbeing along with daily quests to gain Yucoins that can be swapped for shopping vouchers
• A challenging work environment with lots of opportunities of career progression.
• Cycle to work scheme
• Yellow Nest is a salary exchange scheme that reduces childcare costs for parents and employers
• Pension with Aviva
• Access to Achievers an award-winning recognition platform that inspires to recognise your coworkers Where points are awarded that can be exchanged for a range of goods and discounts.

Diversity & Inclusion

Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age marital status or disability status. If you feel there is a barrier that potentially prevents you from applying, we are always happy to discuss or explore, any reasonable adjustments can be made to support your application.