Quality Inspector / Chief Inspector

Bolt-On Personnel Ltd; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A precision engineering company in Leighton Buzzard is seeking a Quality / Chief Inspector to maintain and enhance quality standards. This role involves inspections, leading quality initiatives, and collaborating with a supportive team. The ideal candidate has experience with precision engineering, proficiency in manual and CMM inspection tools, and a strong problem-solving capability. A competitive salary of up to £40,000 is offered, along with generous benefits.

Benefits

28 days holiday plus additional paid holiday during Christmas shutdown

Company pension scheme

Healthcare scheme

Free on-site parking

Excellent working conditions

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of inspection experience in precision engineering.
• Understanding of AS9100 or equivalent quality systems is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Perform visual and dimensional inspections using various tools.
• Lead quality initiatives and support the development of quality culture.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding quality issues.

Skills

Proven experience within a precision engineering and machining environment

Proficiency with manual inspection tools

Strong knowledge of CMM inspection techniques

Excellent communication skills

Strong problem-solving skills

Education

Engineering or quality-related qualification

Tools

CMM

Manual inspection tools

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Quality / Chief Inspector
Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (negotiable, dependant on experience)

Benefits

• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays) plus additional paid holiday during Christmas shutdown
• Company pension scheme
• Healthcare scheme covering optical, dental, physiotherapy and more
• Free on-site parking
• Excellent working conditions in a modern facility
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Long-term stable employment with career development opportunities

Company Profile

This is a long-established precision engineering business with a reputation for producing low-volume, high-quality components for sectors including aerospace, oil & gas, and defence. The company has built its reputation on honesty, flexibility, continual investment, and strong customer relationships. With ISO-accredited quality systems in place and a highly experienced workforce, this is a business that values stability, loyalty, and continual improvement. Staff retention is excellent, with many employees serving for over a decade, reflecting a culture built on trust and support.

Job Profile

As the Quality / Chief Inspector, you will play a key role in maintaining and driving forward the quality standards of the business. Working closely with the Quality Manager, you will perform inspections, create reports, and lead quality-related initiatives. This is a hands-on role requiring both technical expertise and the ability to work collaboratively, ensuring that products consistently meet demanding customer and industry requirements.

Duties

• Carry out visual and dimensional inspections using manual measuring equipment and CMM
• Perform first-off, last-off, patrol, incoming, and final inspection checks
• Review technical drawings and interpret engineering symbols and requirements
• Raise First Article Inspection Reports (training provided if required)
• Produce and verify Certificates of Conformity
• Quarantine, log, and report non-conforming products; investigate root causes and raise concessions or NCRs
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding quality issues
• Maintain accurate records for full traceability and compliance
• Support the development of a quality-focused culture across the business

Skills & Attributes

• Proven experience within a precision engineering and machining environment
• Proficiency with manual inspection tools (micrometres, bore gauges, callipers, height gauges etc.)
• Strong knowledge of CMM inspection techniques and reporting
• Ability to work to tight tolerances and deadlines
• Clear understanding of AS9100 or equivalent quality systems (desirable)
• Excellent communication, numeracy, and literacy skills
• Strong problem-solving and team collaboration skills

Education / Certificates

• Engineering or quality-related qualification preferred
• Previous certification/experience under AS9100 systems desirable

Hours of Work

Monday to Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00
Friday: 08:00 – 14:30

Interested?

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking precision engineering company that values quality, loyalty, and innovation. If you’re an experienced inspector seeking to influence quality processes, contribute to continuous improvement, and work in a supportive and established environment, this could be the ideal role for you.

Equal Opportunity & Data

Bolt-On Personnel and our clients are equal opportunity employers who seek to recruit and appoint the best available person for a job regardless of marital/civil partnership status, sex, age, religion, belief, race, nationality and ethnic or national origin, colour, sexual orientation or disability. Bolt-On Personnel and our clients apply all relevant Data Protection laws when processing your Personal Data. If you choose to apply to this opportunity and share your CV or other personal information with Bolt-On Personnel, these details will be held by us in accordance with our privacy policy used by our recruitment team to contact you regarding this or other relevant opportunities at Bolt-On Personnel.