Principal Quality Inspector - Inspection (Dimensional Control)

Matchtech; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Matchtech is recruiting an experienced Quality Inspector for a major submarine programme based in Barrow. You will conduct specialist inspections, use calibrated measuring tools, and drive non-conformance investigations to support continuous improvement.

The role requires knowledge of ISO 9001/EN9100, strong drawing interpretation, and the ability to coach junior team members while partnering with engineering, manufacturing and customer stakeholders. 4 days on-site, Barrow site.

Qualifications

• Experience in Quality Inspection within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, marine or defence sectors.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or EN9100 quality standards.
• Specialist quality discipline with understanding of broader quality functions.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, procedures and contractual requirements.
• Experience using calibrated measuring equipment and inspection tools.
• Strong non-conformance management and continuous improvement knowledge.
• Familiar with root cause analysis techniques (5 Whys, Fishbone, etc.).
• Excellent stakeholder management and cross-functional communication.
• Understanding of Business Management Systems and Operational Assurance.
• Knowledge of ITAR export control is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Undertake product inspections during build activities per approved ITPs.
• Carry out specialist inspections across disciplines such as NDE, radiography, dimensional control, and more.
• Utilise calibrated measuring equipment to assess tolerances and identify non-conformances.
• Lead verification of non-conformances and support investigations for root causes.
• Conduct customer walk-rounds, conditions management, and quality audits.
• Record and report inspection results and identify trends for improvement.
• Support development and maintenance of quality processes and methodologies.
• Provide coaching to junior Quality team members in your discipline.
• Build strong relationships with engineering, manufacturing, programme and customer stakeholders.
• Represent Quality at reviews and drive best practice and further improvement.
• Support Lessons from Experience activities and programme enhancement.
• Promote a strong SHE culture across all activities.

Skills

Quality Inspection

Dimensional Control

NDE

Root Cause Analysis

Stakeholder Management

Engineering Drawings

Inspection Tools

Education

NC or HNC in engineering/technical discipline

Time-served apprenticeship in engineering

Tools

Calibrated measuring equipment

Job description

Our client, a leading organisation in the defence and security sector, is seeking an experienced Quality Inspector to support a major submarine programme in Barrow. This role offers the opportunity to undertake specialist inspection activities across complex engineering products and systems, ensuring the highest standards of quality are maintained throughout the build process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Undertake product inspections during build activities in accordance with approved Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs)
• Carry out complex and specialist quality inspection activities within your area of expertise, including disciplines such as Dimensional Control, Electrical, Paint, Pipe/Mechanical, Radiography, Structural/Steelwork, Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), Receipt Inspection, Sheet Metalwork, and Acoustic Tiling
• Utilise calibrated measuring equipment to assess product tolerances and identify any non-conformances
• Lead the verification of non-conformances and support quality investigations to determine root causes and corrective actions
• Conduct customer walk-rounds, conditions management activities, and quality audits
• Record and report inspection results using agreed systems and processes, identifying trends to support continuous improvement initiatives
• Support the development, maintenance, and improvement of quality processes, procedures, and inspection methodologies
• Provide coaching and mentoring to junior members of the Quality team within your specialist discipline
• Build effective working relationships with engineering, manufacturing, programme, and customer stakeholders
• Represent the Quality function at reviews and meetings, influencing quality objectives and driving best practice
• Support Lessons from Experience (LfE) activities and contribute to ongoing programme improvement
• Promote a strong Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) culture across all activities

Job Requirements:

• Experience within a Quality Inspection role in a manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, marine, or defence environment
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or EN9100 quality standards
• Subject Matter Expertise within a specialist quality discipline, with a broad understanding of wider quality functions
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, procedures, and contractual requirements
• Experience using calibrated measuring equipment and inspection tools
• Strong understanding of non-conformance management, quality investigations, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Working knowledge of Root Cause Analysis techniques such as 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagrams, Relationship Diagrams, and Six Sigma principles
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams
• Understanding of Business Management Systems, Operational Frameworks, and Operational Assurance processes
• Knowledge of product safety and export control requirements such as ITAR would be advantageous

Qualifications:

• NC or HNC qualification in a relevant engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent experience
• Time-served apprenticeship or trade background within a relevant engineering discipline is highly desirable

Role Details:

• Based in Barrow
• 37 hours per week
• 4 days a week onsite supporting a critical submarine programme
• Opportunity to work across a range of specialist quality disciplines and advanced engineering technologies