Lead CMM & Metrology Engineer

HQW Aerospace UK Ltd; West Alvington; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

25 days holiday

Professional Development

Subsidised Canteen

Engagement platform discounts

Free Parking

Job summary

HQW Aerospace UK Ltd in Plymouth (PL6 7LH) is seeking a hands-on Lead Metrology Engineer to develop and drive measurement capability across the business, while mentoring peers and aligning with production and engineering teams.

You will design robust inspection strategies, lead CMM programming with Zeiss Calypso, and champion standardised metrology practices to improve quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Degree in STEM or equivalent engineering experience.
• Minimum 5 years in dimensional inspection of precision components.
• Proficient with CMM and conventional measurement equipment.
• CMM programming experience using Zeiss Calypso.
• Strong GD&T understanding.
• Knowledge of PPAP requirements and MSA.
• Proactive problem solver with adaptability.
• Committed to continuous improvement and standardised ways of working.
• Strong communication and coaching across departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, standardisation and continuous improvement of metrology processes across the business.
• Develop inspection methods, measurement strategies, fixturing solutions and work instructions to improve quality and efficiency.
• Remain hands-on with dimensional inspection activities to support production and engineering.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing during new product introduction to validate machining processes and provide measurement expertise.
• Programme and optimise CMM routines to improve repeatability and inspection capability.
• Research, evaluate and introduce new metrology technologies and industry best practice.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to the metrology team.
• Support MSA activities including Gauge R&R, bias and linearity studies.
• Prepare and support dimensional documentation for FAIR and PPAP submissions.
• Ensure all measurement activities meet customer, regulatory and internal quality requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives across the department.

Skills

Dimensional inspection

CMM programming

GD&T knowledge

Mentoring

Continuous improvement

Education

STEM degree or equivalent

Tools

Zeiss Calypso

SolidWorks

Job description

Lead CMM & Metrology Engineer Location: Plymouth (PL6 7LH), onsite role Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

HQW Aerospace HQW Aerospace is a world-renowned manufacturer of super precision bearings, pushing the boundaries of innovation and precision engineering for over 75 years. We're committed to nurturing talent. Situated in the vibrant city of Plymouth, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, we offer not only a stimulating work environment but also a lifestyle that blends work with leisure seamlessly. With stunning beaches, vibrant culinary scenes, and a wealth of social and sporting activities, Plymouth and its surroundings provide an exceptional backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and excellence, continually investing in the latest technologies to support our customers across the aerospace and precision engineering sectors.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Salary
• 25 days paid holiday, plus bank holidays
• Professional Development Investment from Day 1
• Subsidised Canteen with free tea and coffee
• Engagement and Rewards Platform, with access to discounts at over 100 retailers
• Free Parking

Please Note

• HQW Aerospace currently does not hold a sponsorship licence. Therefore, all candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
• Due to the nature of our business, security clearance may be required.

Job Description

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Lead Metrology Engineer to become our technical expert in dimensional measurement. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys remaining hands-on while leading the development of measurement capability across the business.

You'll work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality teams to develop robust measurement strategies, support new product introduction and drive continuous improvement across our metrology processes. You'll also play a key role in mentoring colleagues, introducing new technologies and helping to standardise best practice throughout the organisation.

If you're someone who enjoys solving complex measurement challenges, embracing new technology and making a real impact on manufacturing excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, standardisation and continuous improvement of metrology processes across the business.
• Develop inspection methods, measurement strategies, fixturing solutions and work instructions to improve quality and efficiency.
• Remain hands-on with dimensional inspection activities, supporting production and engineering with complex measurement requirements.
• Work alongside Manufacturing Engineers during new product introduction to validate machining processes and provide measurement expertise.
• Programme and optimise CMM routines to improve repeatability, efficiency and inspection capability.
• Research, evaluate and introduce new metrology technologies, equipment and industry best practice.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring to the metrology team, promoting consistent working methods and continuous development.
• Support Measurement System Analysis (MSA) activities including Gauge R&R, bias and linearity studies.
• Prepare and support dimensional documentation for FAIR and PPAP submissions.
• Ensure all measurement activities meet customer, regulatory and internal quality requirements.
• Promote continuous improvement initiatives across the department.

Candidate Requirements

• Degree qualified in a STEM discipline or equivalent practical engineering experience.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience within dimensional inspection of precision engineered components.
• Strong experience using both Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) and conventional measurement equipment.
• Proven CMM programming experience, ideally using Zeiss Calypso software.
• Excellent understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Knowledge of dimensional measurement standards, PPAP requirements and Measurement System Analysis (MSA).
• A proactive approach with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under changing priorities.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and developing standardised ways of working.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coach and influence colleagues across multiple departments.

Desirable

• Experience within aerospace, precision engineering or bearing manufacture.
• Knowledge of turning, grinding or bearing design.
• Experience using 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks.

Join Our Team

Join us today and become part of our mission to redefine the future of high-precision aerospace engineering. This is an opportunity to shape the future of metrology within a growing manufacturing business while remaining at the forefront of measurement technology.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At HQW Aerospace UK, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values and respects the diversity of all individuals. We believe that embracing equality, diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for driving innovation, creativity and success in our future endeavours.

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