Chief Inspector

ICOMAT; Swindon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Stock options

Career growth opportunities

Innovation-focused culture

Job summary

iCOMAT is seeking a Chief Inspector to drive final product acceptance at our Gloucester or Swindon factories. This hands-on, IC role involves programming CMMs, performing visual and dimensional inspections, and signing off on parts that leave the building.

You'll lead the on-site inspection function, ensure AS9100 and ISO9001 compliance, and collaborate with production to improve first-time pass rates while supporting continuous improvement in a fast-growing aerospace and composites environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 NVQ in Engineering or related field.
• Solid quality control or inspection experience in a manufacturing environment.
• CMM programming and PC-DMIS software experience.
• Able to read technical drawings and GD&T.
• Experience with CAD models to extract inspection data.
• Familiarity with AS9100 and ISO 9001 QM systems.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Clear communication under production pressure.
• Proactive, problem-solving attitude.
• Willingness to work shifts and overtime.
• Fully on-site role at Gloucester or Swindon; travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Own inspection standards, methods and plans on site; ensure capacity keeps pace with production.
• Lead the inspection team across two sites.
• Program and operate CMMs; perform visual and dimensional inspections.
• Approve FAIR packs to AS9102 and Certificates of Conformity.
• Handle non-conformance, NCRs and root-cause actions.
• Run calibration programs for measurement tools across the site.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and ISO9001 and audits.
• Drive continuous improvement in inspection methods and first-pass rates.

Skills

CMM programming

GD&T

CAD data extraction

AS9100/ISO9001

Quality inspection

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem solving

Shift flexibility

Travel to sites

Education

Level 3 NVQ in Engineering

Equivalent industrial experience

Job description

Join ICOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!

iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect‑free curved‑fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.

We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale‑up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.

The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK (Gloucester and Swindon) and the US (Dayton, Ohio); a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.

As Chief Inspector you are the senior inspection authority at our Gloucester and Swindon factories. This is a hands‑on, individual contributor role: you own final product acceptance and put your name on every part that leaves the building, programming and operating CMMs yourself while setting the standard for how inspection is done as production scales. As the site grows, there is scope to build the inspection function around you. The role reports to the Director of Global Manufacturing Operations and is fully site‑based in Gloucester or Swindon – with regular traveling between sites.

What will you be doing?

Inspection Ownership

• Owning how inspection is done on site: the standards, methods and inspection plans. You make sure inspection capacity and capability keeps pace with production as we ramp, and you are the reference point for quality questions on the floor.

Leadership

• Lead the inspection team across both sites providing guidance and support on inspection techniques and processes to follow. Be the decision maker for the inspection team to support product acceptance.

Hands‑On Inspection

• Programming and operating CMMs, and carrying out visual and dimensional inspection of composite and metallic components: incoming raw materials, in‑process parts and finished products, all against drawings, CAD models and specifications.

Product Acceptance & Documentation

• Owning final sign‑off. You approve FAIR packs to AS9102, Certificates of Conformity and the documentation that accompanies every customer part, keep inspection records accurate and audit‑ready, and run Gauge R&R reporting.

Non‑Conformance & MRB

• First point of contact for non‑conformance. Containing non‑conforming product, completing Non‑Conformance reports, supporting root cause and corrective action, and feeding regular or systemic failures back so they get fixed at source.

Calibration & Measurement Equipment

• Running the calibration programme for measurement tools and equipment across the site, keeping everything traceable and in date.

Compliance

• Making sure inspection activity meets AS9100, ISO 9001 and customer requirements, and representing inspection in internal, customer and third‑party audits.

Continuous Improvement

• Improving inspection methods, cycle times and first‑time pass rates, and staying current with advances in composite materials and inspection techniques.

What do we need from you?

• A minimum of a Level 3 NVQ in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related field; equivalent industrial experience is welcome
• Solid quality control or inspection experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in composites or a related field
• CMM programming and operation, with a solid understanding of PC‑DMIS software
• Confident reading and interpreting technical drawings, specifications and GD&T
• Experience working with CAD models to extract inspection data
• Familiarity with standard metrology equipment (callipers, micrometres, CMMs)
• Working knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality management systems
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills
• Clear communication and the ability to hold the line on quality under production pressure
• A proactive, problem‑solving approach and a positive, can‑do attitude
• Flexibility to work shifts and overtime as needed
• This is a fully on‑site role at our Gloucester or Swindon factory & requires traveling between sites.

Nice to have

• Aerospace or composites manufacturing experience
• Experience holding delegated sign‑off or inspection stamp authority
• Root cause analysis training (8D, 5 Whys or similar)
• APQP & PPAP Knowledge & Experience

Our Values: Uncompromising Excellence

• Discipline over excuses. We commit. We follow through. We hold ourselves and each other to the highest standard, especially when the pressure is on.
• Push the edge. iCOMAT was built on a refusal to accept that curved fiber could not be manufactured at scale. We innovate where others hesitate.
• Aligned and accountable. Everyone owns their lane, communicates openly, and delivers without being chased. No silos. No ambiguity.

Why iCOMAT?

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success
• Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
• Innovation‑Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward‑thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
• Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide. Ready to be part of something big?