Quality Technician - Days

Baltic Recruitment Services Ltd; Darlaston; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Baltic Recruitment is recruiting a Permanent Quality Technician for a client in Darlaston. You will work day shifts with the Quality, NPI, Engineering & Operations teams to ensure stable processes and early non-conformance detection.

Key duties include First-Off inspections, machine parameter checks, EOL audits, and containment of defects. Proactive problem solving and accurate documentation are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of machining & assembly processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and control plans.
• Exposure to CMM process or part submission workflow.

Responsibilities

• Complete First-Off inspections for all machining and assembly lines at start-up, tool changes, batch changes, and resets.
• Verify parts against engineering drawings, control plans, and CTQ/CSI characteristics.
• Sign off First-Off documentation and release machines for production.
• Escalate and stop production where First-Off criteria are not fully met.
• Validate machine settings and parameters per standard work and Poka-Yoke requirements.
• Record parameter verification on time and accurately.
• Conduct regular EOL audits and LPAs.
• Isolate suspect product when audit failures occur.
• Lead containment activities with QE and Production Supervisors.
• Provide data and results to Engineering and Quality teams.

Skills

First-Off inspections

CMM verification

GD&T understanding

Quality control

Problem solving

Documentation

Audits

5S standards

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Engineering / Manufacturing / Automotive

IATF 16949 awareness (Desirable)

Tools

Gauges

Micrometres

Verniers

Height gauges

Fixtures

Test benches

CMM software

Job description

Baltic Recruitment are currently recruiting for a Permanent Quality Technician for a client located in Darlaston. This role is working on a Day Shift, working with Quality, NPI, Engineering & Operations Teams.

The Quality Technician protects the customer by ensuring stable processes, detecting non-conformance early, and escalating risks in real time, ensures each production shift consistently meets customer and internal quality requirements whilst providing immediate problem-solving support to the production team.

Quality Technician Main Duties and Responsibilities:

First-Offs / Start-Up Validation

• Complete First-Off inspections for all machining and assembly lines at start-up, tool changes, batch changes, and resets.
• Verify parts against engineering drawings, control plans, and critical-to-quality (CTQ/CSI) characteristics.
• Sign off First-Off documentation and release machines for production.
• Escalate and stop production where First-Off criteria are not fully met.

Machine Parameter Checks

• Validate critical machine settings and parameters per standardized work, control plan, and Poka-Yoke requirements.
• Ensure machine parameter verification is completed on time and accurately recorded.
• Raise abnormality reports and initiate escalation if parameters deviate from standards.

End-of-Line (EOL) Inspection & Audit

• Conduct regular in-shift EOL audits against defined audit checklists and customer standards.
• Complete layered process audits (LPAs), product audits, torque audits, assembly checks, and functional verifications.
• Identify recurring defects and trend audit data for review with QE and Production Supervisors.
• Immediately isolate suspect product when audit failures occur.

Abnormal Process / Alternative Process Verification

• Verify alternative or abnormal processes (e.g., manual rework, special tooling, repaired equipment).
• Check that deviations are authorised (concessions, rework instructions).
• Monitor reworked parts for 100% confirmation checks where required.
• Report unauthorised process changes or deviations immediately.

CMM Support (Set-Up / FPPO Parts)

• Complete First Piece Process Off (FPPO)/CMM dimensional verification.
• Perform basic CMM routines.
• Communicate results to production supervisors and prevent machine release until compliance is confirmed.
• Maintain traceability of FPPO documentation and approval status.

Containment: Supplier & Customer Issues

• Lead or support containment activities when defects are identified internally, by the customer, or from suppliers.
• Implement robust quarantine of suspect parts, WIP, and raw materials.
• Execute 100% inspection or controlled shipping where required.
• Provide daily updates on containing status and defect trends.
• Collaborate with QE on root cause, sorting, and verification activities.

Support Problem Solving

• Participate in shift-level problem solving, using 5-Why, Ishikawa, 8D, or DMAIC tools.
• Supply data, samples, and measurement results to Engineering and Quality teams.
• Help validate containment and corrective actions on the shop floor.
• Support process monitoring to ensure recurrence prevention.

Additional responsibilities

• Perform in-process inspections per control plan frequency.
• Ensure all scrap, rework, and deviations are identified and recorded correctly.
• Verify packaging, labelling, batch traceability and segregation of NG/OK product.
• Support internal and external audits (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer audits).
• Maintain 5S standards in quality stations and across production areas.
• Escalate risks early through established escalation routes.

Quality Technician Applicants:

• Strong understanding of machining & assembly processes.
• Competent in use of gauges, micrometres, verniers, height gauges, fixtures, and test benches.
• Basic to intermediate understanding of GD&T.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and control plans.
• Exposure to CMM process (program execution or part submission workflow).
• Knowledge of Core Tools (PPAP, APQP, MSA, SPC, FMEA).
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently on shift, making decisions without immediate management.
• Strong communication with operational teams.
• Calm and structured approach to defect escalation.
• Proactive mindset in identifying risks and issues.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing quality role.
• Competence in dimensional inspection and understanding quality standards.
• Ability to perform First-Off, in-process, and final inspections.

Desired:

• NVQ Level 3 or above in Engineering / Manufacturing / Automotive (Desirable).
• Experience with CMM measurement or metrology equipment (Desirable).
• IATF 16949 awareness training (Desirable).
• Experience with machining or assembly processes (Desirable).

Working Monday to Thursday 1.30 pm - 9.00 pm and Fri 1.00 pm - 8.00 pm. Salary is £33,000 to £35,000