Industrial Placement - Quality Engineering

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology. 

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defence industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers’ problems and requirements and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.  

At our Kilkeel Facility, we manufacture aircraft interior seating for global customers. To support our existing business and enable future growth we are offering a 12-month Industrial Placement opportunity to join the Quality Engineering department. The role will be based on site at Kilkeel, Northern Ireland. 

What you will do:  

Supported by our experienced team you will: 

• Work alongside manufacturing to improve operational performance 

• Support quality policies and procedures that are followed throughout the business that contribute to consistent high-class performance in all areas 

• Represent the business with customers with the objective of inspiring confidence and enabling positive cooperation in the quality of products and services provided 

• Ensure the identification and control of all non-conforming products 

• Develop, promote and lead continuous improvement activities 

• Provide support and assistance to manufacturing in development and execution of corrective actions 

• Develop and monitor production line/business unit performance metrics and initiate improvement plans when appropriate 

• Contribute and participate in Material Review Boards 

• Support internal and customer new product launch meetings ensuring that quality requirements are clearly defined  

• Build professional relationships with suppliers 

• Potential for some travel (on occasion at short notice) in line with business requirements 

What you will learn: 

During your placement you will learn to support the planning and coordination of manufacturing quality activities and improvement programmes to ensure that all products are manufactured to relevant international standard(s) and meet or exceed the expectations of all stakeholders. 

Skills and Experience Required:  

This Industrial Placement opportunity is suited to you if you are passionate about a career in Quality Engineering within the aerospace industry. We will delight in training and supporting you during your placement which means you need to be a willing learner and committed to achieving both business and personal results whilst working as part of a team.   

Essential Criteria: 

In addition to the above, you will be studying towards a relevant degree (or integrated Masters degree) in Quality, Engineering or other relevant technical discipline and be available to complete a 12-month placement commencing in June/July 2026. 

You will be proficient in Microsoft Office, possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and have experience working within a team environment. You will demonstrate strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently under pressure to meet deadlines within a regulated and safety-critical environment. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Demonstrable and substantial experience working within a manufacturing environment  

• Understanding of quality management principles (e.g., root cause analysis, continuous improvement, non-conformance handling) 

• Familiarity with quality standards or regulated industries (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) would be advantageous 

What We Offer:  

In return we offer a benefits package which includes a competitive base salary as well as 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. In addition, there is an Employee Assistance Programme, employee discounts, a fantastic pension scheme, discounted gym membership and much, much more.   

Many of our graduates commenced their time with us on Industrial Placements and have both enjoyed the work and demonstrated great potential.  If this is you then you may have the opportunity to join our Graduate Development Programme.  Then?  Well, like our products, the sky’s the limit!