Quality Inspector

Nicholas Associates; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Associates is seeking a Quality Inspector to help maintain product quality throughout manufacturing. You will conduct inspections, perform dimensional checks and ensure materials and finished components meet defined criteria.

Responsibilities include recording inspection results, using precision tools like micrometers and calipers, and supporting root-cause investigations and quality improvements across production teams. Applicants should have prior manufacturing QA experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in quality inspection in manufacturing.
• Able to read technical drawings and tolerances.
• Experience using measuring instruments.
• Accurate record keeping and reporting.
• Good communication and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine quality checks at production stages.
• Assess components against drawings and tolerances.
• Document findings and escalate deviations.
• Maintain inspection records and traceability.
• Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Assist with internal quality audits.

Skills

Quality inspection

Dimensional tolerances

Measuring instruments

Documentation

Communication

Problem solving

Time management

Tools

Micrometers

Vernier calipers

Dial indicators

Optical measuring systems

Inspection equipment

Job description

Role Overview

The purpose of this position is to help maintain product quality throughout the manufacturing process by conducting inspections, performing dimensional checks and ensuring that materials and finished components meet defined quality criteria. The role involves working closely with production and quality personnel to identify defects, maintain accurate inspection records and contribute to ongoing improvements in manufacturing standards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Product and Material Inspection

• Perform routine quality checks at various stages of production to identify defects and ensure compliance with approved requirements.
• Assess components against technical drawings, dimensional tolerances and applicable quality criteria.
• Examine delivered materials and purchased components to confirm they meet the required specifications before use.
• Document inspection findings and elevate any deviations or suspected quality issues to the appropriate personnel.
• Use a range of precision measurement and inspection tools, ensuring results are reliable and equipment is handled correctly.
• Carry out dimensional verification using equipment such as optical measuring systems, micrometers, vernier calipers and dial indicators.
• Maintain clear and traceable records of inspection activities, measurements and identified defects.

Quality Assurance and Improvement

• Assist senior quality personnel with the assessment and approval of new or modified products.
• Help prepare and compile first-off inspection documentation and product verification reports.
• Contribute to investigations into product defects, process failures and customer quality concerns.
• Support the identification of underlying causes of quality issues and the implementation of appropriate corrective measures.
• Participate in internal quality audits and assist with the collection of relevant evidence and documentation.
• Help ensure quality procedures, work instructions and inspection records remain accurate and up to date.
• Work alongside manufacturing teams to identify opportunities to reduce defects, improve consistency and strengthen process controls.
• Encourage adherence to established quality standards and promote a proactive approach to defect prevention.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in quality inspection, quality control or a similar role within a manufacturing setting.
• Ability to understand technical drawings, engineering specifications and dimensional tolerances.
• Practical experience using measuring instruments and inspection equipment.
• A methodical approach to work, with a strong focus on precision and product conformity.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to raise quality concerns clearly.
• Good time management, organisation and problem-solving abilities.
• Confidence in completing inspection reports and maintaining accurate records.
• Working knowledge of standard office software and digital documentation systems.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies