Quality Inspector
Lower Dicker, East Sussex | Full-time | Permanent | Salary dependent on experience
Are you an experienced Quality Inspector with a background in precision engineering or manufacturing?
Our client is looking for a skilled Quality Inspector to join its team in Lower Dicker. You will inspect complex components and sub-assemblies, manage supplier quality concerns and help maintain a right-first-time approach across the business and its supply chain.
This is a hands-on position involving detailed inspection work, supplier communication, root-cause analysis and continuous improvement.
What You'll Be Doing
- Inspecting components and sub-assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications
- Using CMM, Faro Arm and other precision metrology equipment
- Working with tight tolerances, datum points and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
- Identifying and recording deviations and non-conformances
- Raising NCRs and clearly communicating quality issues to suppliers
- Investigating non-conformances through root-cause analysis
- Ensuring corrective actions are completed and properly documented
- Acting as the main point of contact between the shop floor and suppliers regarding quality concerns
- Building strong working relationships with suppliers to achieve timely resolutions
- Reviewing supplier performance, quality KPIs and purchased-product data
- Supporting supplier audits when required
- Applying the appropriate AQL inspection plans based on supplier performance, product criticality and risk
- Managing quality red-flag controls within the company's ERP system
- Updating inspection requirements and quality information within the ERP system
- Supporting Initial Sample Inspection Reports and First Article Inspection Reports
- Promoting continuous improvement and a right-first-time culture across the supply chain
- Travelling occasionally to supplier or client sites, with reasonable expenses covered
What We're Looking For
- At least three years' experience within a machine shop, precision engineering or similar manufacturing environment
- Experience working within an ISO 9001:2015 quality-management system
- Practical experience using CMM or Faro Arm equipment
- Confidence using a range of precision measuring and metrology equipment
- The ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering specifications
- A strong understanding of tight tolerances, datums and geometric tolerancing
- Experience working with suppliers to resolve complex quality issues
- Knowledge of quality and process-management tools such as SPC and AQL
- Experience of non-conformance reporting, root-cause analysis and corrective actions
- An understanding of ISO 2859-1 sampling procedures
Qualifications
- Degree, HNC or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline
Relevant practical experience may also be considered.
It Would Be an Advantage If You Have
- Knowledge of welding and fabrication processes
- Previous experience within the vacuum industry
- Experience completing ISIR or FAIR documentation
- Experience supporting supplier audits and producing supplier-quality KPIs
About You
You'll be someone who takes ownership of their work and has a sharp eye for detail. You will be comfortable working independently, communicating clearly with suppliers and challenging quality issues constructively.
You'll also be motivated by improving processes, preventing repeat problems and helping the wider business get things right the first time.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a specialist engineering and manufacturing environment where quality genuinely matters. You'll work with technically complex components, have direct involvement with supplier performance and play an important role in improving standards across the business.