Trainee Quality Inspector

Sammons Recruitment Ltd; Eastbourne; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Sammons Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Graduate Quality Inspector in Eastbourne. This role offers hands-on exposure to inspection, metrology, supplier quality, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

You will develop knowledge of engineering drawings, tolerances, ISO standards, and quality tools while supporting NCRs, ISIRs, and FAIRs and collaborating with suppliers and the shop floor.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering.
• Graduate or early-career candidate with interest in quality inspection and manufacturing.
• Understanding of drawings, tolerances, or inspection from studies, placement, internship or experience.
• Willingness to learn quality tools and processes including SPC and AQL.
• Interest in metrology and practical testing with inspection equipment.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers, communicating quality issues clearly.
• Raise NCRs and support suppliers in achieving prompt resolutions.
• Investigate non-conformances via root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Act as a contact for quality concerns between shop floor and suppliers.
• Apply correct AQL inspection plans based on supplier performance and product criticality.
• Inspect sub-assemblies against drawings using metrology equipment (CMM, Faro Arm).
• Support ISIRs and FAIRs and record deviations against drawings.

Skills

Engineering drawings

Tolerance analysis

Inspection

Metrology awareness

Continuous improvement

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication with suppliers

Education

Bachelor/Graduate in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CMM

Faro Arm

Job description

Our client is seeking a Graduate Quality Inspector to join their team. This is an exciting opportunity for an engineering graduate looking to build a career in quality within a manufacturing environment. You'll gain hands‑on experience across inspection, metrology, supplier quality, and continuous improvement, while developing your knowledge of engineering drawings, tolerances, and quality standards.

What's on Offer?

• Job type: Full time, permanent
• Location: Eastbourne
• Salary: £Competitive

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, communicating quality issues clearly and accurately.
• Raise Non‑Conformance Reports (NCRs) where required, communicate findings, and support suppliers in achieving prompt resolutions.
• Assist with investigating non‑conformances through root cause analysis and support the implementation of agreed corrective actions.
• Act as a point of contact for communicating quality concerns between the shop floor and suppliers/vendors.
• Support the application of the correct AQL inspection plans and quality groups based on supplier performance, status, and product criticality.
• Inspect sub‑assemblies against engineering drawings using a range of metrology equipment, including Faro Arm and CMM equipment.
• Support Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIRs) and First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
• Record deviations and non‑conformances against drawings and engineering specifications.
• Develop an understanding of geometric tolerancing, datum points, tight tolerances, and the inspection of complex components.
• Develop knowledge of ISO 2859‑1:1999 sampling procedures for inspection by attributes.

Skills, Experience, and Training Requirements

• Degree, HNC or HND level qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Graduate or early‑career candidate looking to develop a career within quality inspection and manufacturing.
• Some understanding of engineering drawings, manufacturing processes, tolerances, or inspection gained through your studies, placement, internship, or previous experience.
• A willingness to learn and develop knowledge of quality and process management tools and methodologies, including SPC and AQL.
• An interest in metrology and developing practical experience using equipment such as CMM, Faro Arm, and other inspection equipment.
• An interest in supplier quality and understanding how quality issues are identified, investigated, and resolved.
• Good attention to detail and an analytical approach to investigating problems and identifying root causes.
• A willingness to develop an understanding of geometric tolerancing, datum points, and working with complex components and tight tolerances.
• An interest in developing knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 quality standards within a manufacturing environment.

Our Ideal Candidate

• An engineering graduate with a genuine interest in quality, inspection, manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
• Someone with strong attention to detail who is keen to develop their practical engineering and inspection skills.
• Someone who can communicate effectively with suppliers and internal teams and is confident asking questions and learning from experienced colleagues.
• Someone confident working independently while also contributing positively to a wider manufacturing and quality team.

Recruiting on the basis of Talent, we are committed to supporting and promoting diversity in the workplace and consider all applications.

Any salary advertised is for search purposes only.