Lead Quality Inspector

gforce employment + recruitment; Blackburn; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

G Force Recruitment are seeking an experienced Lead Quality Inspector for a 3-6 month contract in the Blackburn area. The role focuses on independent inspection of aerospace components to ensure compliance with drawings, methods and tolerances, including composite materials.

You will review specifications, identify non-conformances, compile snagging information and work closely with manufacturing and quality teams to sustain high standards. Immediate start available.

Qualifications

• ONC/HNC/NVQ L3 in Engineering/Aerospace/Manufacturing.
• Experience as Inspector in aerospace manufacturing.
• Experience inspecting aircraft body or structural components.
• Understanding of composite materials (glass fibre, carbon).
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach.
• Impartial, evidence-based decision making.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out dimensional and cosmetic inspections on aerospace components.
• Inspecting wet lay-up, glass fibre and carbon structural aircraft parts.
• Reviewing engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances.
• Identifying defects, discrepancies and areas requiring further investigation.
• Compiling snagging information and inspection findings.
• Ensuring inspection decisions are based on objective evidence and documented requirements.
• Supporting the transition and handover of inspection activities.
• Working closely with manufacturing and quality teams to maintain high standards.
• Helping demonstrate consistent and effective quality processes to customers.

Skills

Aerospace inspection

Dimensional inspection

Cosmetic inspection

Drawings interpretation

Non-conformance handling

Independent worker

Education

ONC/HNC/NVQ L3

Job description

Lead Quality Inspector - Contract

Location: Blackburn area

Rate: £35.00p/h - £40.00p/h DOE (outside IR35 - Limited co. suitable)

Contract: 3-6 months initial

Working pattern: Flexible Monday to Friday - days

G Force Recruitment are currently recruiting for an experienced Lead Inspector to join an established aerospace manufacturing business in the Blackburn area.

Our client is a long-standing Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace manufacturer supplying components and assemblies to the civil and defence sectors. The business specialises in composite structures, including carbon, glass fibre and aramid components, alongside sheet metal fabrications, machined parts and integrated assemblies.

This is an important role supporting quality assurance and inspection activities across structural aircraft components for a specific project, with a particular focus on providing robust, independent inspection to strengthen customer confidence.

The Role

As Lead Inspector, you will be responsible for carrying out independent inspections and confirming that aerospace components meet the required engineering specifications, drawings, methods and tolerances.

You will be expected to make clear, fact-based decisions, identify non-conformances and compile detailed snagging information where required.

Key responsibilities

• Carrying out dimensional and cosmetic inspections on aerospace components.
• Inspecting wet lay-up, glass fibre and carbon structural aircraft parts.
• Reviewing engineering drawings, specifications, methods and tolerances.
• Identifying defects, discrepancies and areas requiring further investigation.
• Compiling snagging information and inspection findings.
• Ensuring inspection decisions are based on objective evidence and documented requirements.
• Supporting the transition and handover of inspection activities.
• Working closely with manufacturing and quality teams to maintain high standards.
• Helping demonstrate consistent and effective quality processes to customers.

Candidate specification

The successful candidate will have strong experience in aerospace inspection, particularly involving structural aircraft components and composite materials.

You will need to be confident working independently, challenging non-conforming work when necessary and standing by your professional decisions based on facts, drawings and specifications.

Essential experience

• ONC/HNC/NVQ L3 - Engineering/Aerospace/Manufacturing
• Previous experience as an Inspector within aerospace manufacturing.
• Experience inspecting aircraft body or structural components.
• Ideally an understanding of composite materials, including glass fibre and carbon.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances.
• Experience carrying out dimensional and cosmetic inspections.
• A clear understanding of quality standards and inspection procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach.
• Ability to identify faults and make impartial, evidence-based decisions.

Additional Information

• Immediate start available
• Initial contract length of 3-6 months
• Flexible working pattern
• The role would suit an experienced aerospace inspector seeking a flexible contract assignment; however, our client would also consider a permanent position for the right candidate

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