Quality Inspector

Vacgen Ltd; Wealden; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

A competitive salary

private medical insurance

25 days holiday

salary sacrifice pension

life insurance

state-of-the-art working environment

Job summary

Vacgen Ltd. is seeking a Quality Inspector / Trainee Quality Inspector to support inspection, verification, and supplier quality activities ensuring components meet required specifications. You will work with metrology equipment and contribute to continuous improvement in a precision vacuum technology environment.

The role emphasizes learning complex inspection tasks, maintaining traceable records, and collaborating with suppliers and internal teams to uphold quality standards.

Qualifications

• Read and understand technical drawings including geometric tolerancing.
• Ability to work with tight tolerances in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience using handheld metrology equipment such as verniers, micrometers and gauges.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow documented instructions.
• Good communication across teams and with suppliers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP systems.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Inspect components and sub-assemblies against drawings using metrology equipment.
• Raise NCRs, record non-conformances, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Communicate quality concerns with suppliers and internal teams.
• Build relationships with suppliers to support continuous improvement.
• Apply AQL inspection plans and manage supplier quality status within the ERP system.
• Monitor supplier performance, support audits, and contribute to KPI reporting.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and ensure traceability and compliance.
• Complete Product Identification Forms (PIF) and communicate issues timely.
• Develop skills with a wide range of inspection equipment.
• Support inspection activities at CNC machines, including first-off inspections.
• Ensure all inspection activities align with ISO standards and internal procedures.

Skills

Reading technical drawings

Attention to detail

Cross-team communication

ISO 9001 understanding

ERP & documentation proficiency

Education

ONC/HNC in Mechanical Engineering / Manufacturing / Quality

Tools

CMM

Faro Arm

Vernier calipers

Micrometers

Gauges/handheld metrology

ERP systems

Job description

metrology equipment. In addition to this, as our Quality Inspector you will be responsible for:

Job Responsibilities

• Inspecting components and sub-assemblies against drawings and specifications using a range of metrology equipment, including CMM and Faro Arm.
• Raising NCRs, record non-conformances, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Communicating quality concerns effectively with suppliers and internal teams.
• Building strong relationships with suppliers to support our goal of an excellent first impression and continuous improvement.
• Applying AQL inspection plans and managing supplier quality status within the ERP system.
• Monitoring supplier performance, support audits, and contributing to KPI reporting.
• Maintaining accurate inspection records and documentation, ensuring traceability and compliance.
• Completing Product Identification Forms (PIF) and ensure timely communication of issues.
• Developing skills with a wide range of handheld and advanced inspection equipment.
• Supporting inspection activities at CNC machines, including first‑off inspections.
• Ensuring all inspection activities align with ISO standards and internal procedures.

Requirements

• Experience working in a manufacturing or engineering environment
• The ability to read and understand technical drawings, including geometric tolerancing.
• Experience or understanding of working with tight tolerances.
• Experience using handheld metrology equipment (e.g. Verniers, micrometers, gauges).
• Good attention to detail and ability to work from documented instructions.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work across teams and with suppliers.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and ERP systems.
• A strong understanding of quality processes and standards such as ISO 9001.

Nice to have

• Experience using CMM or Faro Arm equipment.
• Knowledge of quality tools and methodologies such as SPC, AQL, and root cause analysis.
• Experience working with suppliers on quality‑related issues and KPIs.
• Machine shop experience
• Understanding of ISO 2859-1 sampling procedures.
• ONC/HNC qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or Quality.
• Knowledge of CNC machining, fabrication, or vacuum industry processes.
• A proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and develop within the role.
• Ability to travel to supplier or client sites when required.

Benefits

• A competitive salary
• private medical insurance
• 25 days holiday
• salary sacrifice company pension
• life insurance
• a state-of-the‑art working environment

Take Your Career to the Next Level with VACGEN! For over 60 years, VACGEN has been driving innovation in ultra‑high vacuum (UHV) technology, supporting cutting‑edge research across the globe. From NASA and the European Space Agency to CERN, our high‑precision products are trusted by world‑leading institutions and researchers to deliver results.

We are now recruiting for a Quality Inspector / Trainee Quality Inspector to support inspection, verification, and supplier quality activities, ensuring components and assemblies meet required specifications and quality standards.

You will also be trained to carry out complex inspections using advanced