Description

Quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) engineers are accountable to ensure the quality of the products and services offered by their business. They supervise the production of products and they are involved in each stage of the process from development and manufacturing through packaging.

Engineers in QA/QC must ensure that their product is compliant with the standards of industry set by federal and state law and the requirements of the business for which they are working. A further responsibility is to ensure that the equipment and processes or the materials used in making their products are also secure for employees. If there is any type of quality problem they have to take the necessary steps to correct the issue even if it requires stopping production. They attempt to resolve any issues that might occur during development however, they should be prepared to deal with any problems that arise in production. The QA/QC engineers monitor production and usually work under the supervision of the operating manager or a production manager. They usually work in the factories or the plants where products are manufactured, but they may also have offices too. Their hours of work are usually depending on the time of day when their business is in production. Certain companies operate only during "regular" working hours, from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Some companies operate all day long and 7 days a week.

The requirements for this job differ from one company to the next. Certain companies require an undergraduate or even a master's degree that focuses on the kinds of products they manufacture. For instance, an aeronautical engineering degree to those who work in the manufacturing of military aircraft in the company of Lockheed Martin. Some companies don't require a degree from a college and prefer an high school diploma and some years of experience working in the manufacturing sector.

The role of QA/QC engineers is crucial to all to ensure that consumers get safe and quality products to use and consume. If this position were not taken care of over, the many products available are today likely to cause customer disappointment, injuries or even death.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Quality Assurance QA / Quality Control QC Engineer with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibility include:

  • Conducting rigorous testing to ensure software/system quality and functionality meets specified requirements and standards.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a QA/QC Engineer Job Role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control principles to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
  • Proficiency in testing methodologies and tools to conduct thorough testing of software applications, identifying defects and ensuring their resolution.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to analyze testing results, investigate issues, and propose effective solutions to improve product quality.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers and project managers, in order to ensure smooth and efficient testing processes.

Essential Skills For Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Engineer

1

Auditing

2

Six Sigma Management

3

Process Management

4

Quality Management

5

Designing

6

ISO

Skills That Affect Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Engineer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Process Management

1%

Career Prospects

The role of a Quality Assurance QA / Quality Control QC Engineer is crucial for ensuring product quality and compliance. For professionals with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, here are following alternative roles to consider:

  • Validation Engineer: This role involves designing and executing validation protocols to ensure that manufacturing processes and equipment meet regulatory and quality standards.
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist: A position focused on ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and standards, managing documentation, and supporting regulatory submissions.
  • Process Improvement Engineer: This role involves identifying and implementing process improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce defects, and increase efficiency.
  • Supplier Quality Engineer: A position focused on ensuring the quality of components and materials sourced from suppliers, conducting audits, implementing quality control measures, and resolving supplier-related issues.

How to Learn

The Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) Engineer role in the United Kingdom is projected to experience significant growth in the market. According to a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities for this position are expected to rise steadily. Recent data points from Google indicate a strong demand for QA/QC Engineers across various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and engineering. The role is vital for ensuring product quality and compliance with industry standards, making it essential in today's highly competitive market. With the increasing need for quality control and efficient production processes, the future looks promising for individuals pursuing a career as a QA/QC Engineer in the United Kingdom.