Quality Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading precision manufacturing company is seeking a Quality Engineer to ensure all products meet quality standards. You will develop and maintain quality management systems, conduct inspections and audits, and drive continuous improvement projects in a collaborative team environment. Ideal candidates possess a related degree and experience in precision manufacturing, with strong knowledge of quality assurance processes.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience in precision manufacturing or advanced materials.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and internal auditor training is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve Quality Management Systems (QMS) according to ISO 9001.
• Perform inspections and audits of components.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Skills

ISO 9001 knowledge

Root cause analysis

Statistical process control (SPC)

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Materials Science or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

ERP/QMS systems

Job description

Overview

Our client manufactures precision parts for a variety of industries. They have been around for over 50 years, employing over 60 staff and continuing to grow. They are looking to add a Quality Engineer to the team.

Role Purpose

The Quality Engineer will ensure that all precision machined parts meet customer requirements, internal quality standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines. This role will be central to developing, implementing, and maintaining quality assurance systems and processes to drive continuous improvement across manufacturing, materials, and customer-facing operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve Quality Management Systems (QMS) in line with ISO 9001 and other relevant standards.
• Perform inspections, audits, and testing of ceramic components and assemblies to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Investigate non-conformances, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to ensure design and process controls are in place.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) with quality planning, FMEAs, control plans, and first article inspections.
• Ensure calibration and maintenance of measurement and test equipment.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure incoming material quality, conducting audits where necessary.
• Prepare and maintain quality documentation, including inspection reports, certificates of conformity, and audit findings.
• Champion continuous improvement projects (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen) to improve product quality, yield, and process efficiency.
• Train and support colleagues in quality procedures and best practices.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Experience working in a precision manufacturing or advanced materials environment.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 (or equivalent standards); internal auditor training desirable.
• Hands-on experience with root cause analysis, statistical process control (SPC), and problem-solving methodologies (8D, DMAIC).
• Familiarity with advanced measurement techniques (CMM, microscopy, surface analysis).
• Strong report writing, documentation, and communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP/QMS systems.
• Analytical thinker with excellent attention to detail.

Desirable Attributes

• Green Belt or Black Belt Six Sigma certification.
• Knowledge of aerospace, medical device, or high-tech manufacturing quality standards.
• Experience in supplier quality management.
• Practical mindset with the ability to work hands-on in a production environment.

Performance Measures

• Product quality (scrap/rework rates, customer complaints, on-time delivery of quality documentation).
• Effectiveness of corrective and preventive actions.
• Audit results and compliance with ISO standards.
• Contribution to continuous improvement initiatives.