Manufacturing Quality Engineer

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd in Cambourne is seeking a Manufacturing Quality Engineer to join a focused quality team. You will be the first point of contact for production quality issues and support supplier performance, manufacturing excellence, and customer outcomes.

The role requires hands-on problem solving, CAPA/8D experience, strong data analysis, and collaboration with engineering and supplier development to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience in Quality Engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong CAPA, PDCA and root cause analysis knowledge.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and engineering documentation.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills; able to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary quality contact on the factory floor for production-related quality issues.
• Investigate non-conformities and lead corrective actions using 8D, RCA, and structured problem-solving.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality standards and manufacturing processes.
• Inspect and evaluate materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure specifications are met.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify recurring quality concerns and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyse rejected components, repair data, and supplier feedback to identify trends and opportunities.
• Raise and manage supplier quality complaints and support supplier performance improvement activities.
• Work closely with Supplier Development and Engineering teams to address quality non-conformities.
• Participate in internal and supplier audits to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support Customer Perfect Order (CPO) initiatives and quality improvement projects.

Skills

Quality Engineering

Quality Assurance

CAPA

PDCA

Root Cause Analysis

Data Analysis

Excel

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Job description

Manufacturing Quality Engineer Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd | Cambourne | Full-Time | Permanent Are you an experienced Quality Engineer who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving continuous improvement? At Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd, we are passionate about delivering world-class electron microscopy solutions that meet the exceptional standards associated with the ZEISS brand. We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated Manufacturing Quality Engineer to join our team in Cambourne and play a key role in supporting product quality, supplier performance, and manufacturing excellence.

About the Role Working within a small, collaborative quality team, you will be the first point of contact for quality-related issues within production, helping to ensure that incoming materials, manufacturing processes, and finished products consistently meet the highest standards. This is a varied and hands-on position, requiring a structured and disciplined approach to problem solving, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary quality support contact on the factory floor for production-related quality issues.
• Investigate non-conformities and lead corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality standards and manufacturing processes.
• Inspect and evaluate materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify recurring quality concerns and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyse rejected components, repair data, and supplier feedback to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Raise and manage supplier quality complaints and support supplier performance improvement activities.
• Work closely with Supplier Development and Engineering teams to address quality non-conformities.
• Participate in internal and supplier audits, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support Customer Perfect Order (CPO) initiatives and quality improvement projects.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills Significant experience within a Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Assurance role. Strong understanding of quality improvement methodologies including CAPA, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques. Experience working within a manufacturing or engineering environment. Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation. Strong communication skills, able to influence stakeholders at all levels. Experience using Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools. A proactive, self-motivated approach with a continuous improvement mindset.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of SAP and Power BI.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Experience within high-precision manufacturing, instrumentation, medical devices, scientific equipment, or advanced engineering environments.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of electronics, electro-mechanical assembly, cleanroom environments, vacuum technology, or microscopy products.

About the Team

You will join a specialist team focused on maintaining and improving quality standards across the manufacturing operation, working closely with Quality Engineers, Supplier Development specialists, Production, and Engineering teams.

Why Join ZEISS?

ZEISS is a global technology leader renowned for innovation, precision, and quality. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge microscopy products while contributing directly to manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement initiatives. If you are passionate about quality, enjoy solving technical challenges, and want to make a real impact within a world-class engineering environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, philosophy of life, disability, age, sexual orientation or identity.