Quality Inspector

Forward Assist Recruitment; Nelson; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Assist Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Quality Inspector for a precision engineering business in Nelson, Lancashire. The role focuses on inspecting precision components to AS9100 standards and ensuring compliance with customer specifications.

You will programme and operate CMMs, interpret complex drawings, and prepare FAIRs/PPAP documentation while supporting production teams and quality audits. A strong attention to detail is essential.

Qualifications

• Able to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience with precision inspection and measurement techniques.
• Familiar with AS9100 or equivalent quality standards is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Carry out first-off, in-process and final inspections of precision components.
• Programme and operate CMMs to verify accuracy against specifications.
• Interpret drawings, dimensions and tolerances to ensure customer requirements are met.
• Prepare FAIRs and PPAP documentation.
• Identify and resolve non-conformances with production teams and suppliers.
• Organise inspection workloads to align with production schedules and deadlines.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and calibration documentation.
• Assist audits and ensure compliance with quality procedures.

Skills

Reading drawings

CMM operation

Precision inspection

Attention to detail

Documentation skills

Tools

CMM equipment

ERP systems

Job description

Quality Inspector – Precision Engineering / Aerospace

Location: Nelson, Lancashire

Salary: £35,000–£45,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

Forward Assist Recruitment is looking for an experienced Quality Inspector to join an established precision engineering business based in Nelson, Lancashire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented engineering professional who takes pride in ensuring components meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy and compliance.

Working within a busy precision manufacturing environment, you'll play an important role in maintaining quality standards, supporting production teams and ensuring manufactured components meet customer specifications and AS9100 requirements.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with aerospace, defence or high-precision manufacturing experience, and a competitive salary is available for individuals who bring strong technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out first-off, in-process and final inspections of precision-engineered components.
• Programme and operate Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) to verify component accuracy against technical specifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, dimensions and tolerances to ensure products meet customer requirements.
• Prepare First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) documentation.
• Identify, document and support the resolution of non-conformances, liaising with production teams, customers and suppliers.
• Organise and prioritise inspection workloads in line with production schedules and delivery deadlines.
• Maintain accurate inspection records, material traceability and quality documentation.
• Support internal, customer and external audits in accordance with AS9100 and company quality procedures.
• Maintain calibration records and support the effective management of measuring equipment.
• Work closely with production and management teams to identify quality concerns and support continuous improvement.
• Assist with customer quality questionnaires, certification requests and compliance documentation.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Previous quality inspection experience within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and modern inspection techniques.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tolerances and component quality requirements.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
• Good organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confident communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with production and management teams.
• Good general IT skills.

Highly Desirable

• Experience within aerospace, defence or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience programming and operating CMM equipment.
• Knowledge of AS9100 and ISO 9001 quality standards.
• Experience preparing FAIRs, PPAPs and non-conformance documentation.
• Familiarity with internal audits, calibration systems and material traceability.
• Experience using manufacturing ERP systems.

What's on Offer?

Competitive salary of £35,000–£45,000, depending on experience and technical capability.

The opportunity to work within an established precision engineering business.

A varied position combining hands-on inspection, technical problem-solving and quality assurance.

Exposure to demanding engineering and manufacturing standards.

Opportunities to develop technical knowledge and contribute to ongoing quality improvements.

A permanent role within a specialist manufacturing environment.

We recognise the value of highly skilled quality professionals, particularly those with aerospace manufacturing experience, and the salary offered will reflect the expertise of the successful candidate.