Quality Engineer

INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.

Quality Engineer

Based in Buckinghamshire

Job ref: AZ /65299

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Quality Engineer / Inspector ensures that prototype and low-volume parts manufactured and sourced by the client meet all drawing, specification and customer requirements. The role combines hands-on inspection and metrology with engineering-level ownership of nonconformity investigation, supplier and customer quality, and quality-management-system activities. The post holder’s sign-off releases product to the customer.

Key responsibilities by area:

Inspection & metrology

Inspection: perform dimensional and visual inspection of prototype and low-volume parts – 3D-printed (polymer and metal), vacuum-cast, CNC-machined, injection-moulded, sheet-metal and die-cast components.

Measurement: use hand tools (calipers, micrometers, height gauges, pin/thread gauges) and advanced systems (CMM, 3D scanning, where available), selecting the right method for each feature and tolerance.

Conformity: verify parts against customer drawings, GD&T, specifications, tolerances and cosmetic / surface-finish standards; release or quarantine product accordingly.

Reporting: prepare measurement and inspection reports, First Article Inspection (FAI / AS9102 FAIR), PPAP elements where required, and Certificates of Conformity.

Calibration: own the Metrology Equipment Calibration Register; schedule internal and external calibration, check equipment status and manage out-of-calibration impact assessments.

Measurement capability: support gauge R&R / MSA, CMM programming and inspection-method development.

Quality management system (QMS)

Documentation: create, update and control QMS procedures, work instructions, forms and records in line with ISO 9001 and AS9100.

Audits: support the internal audit programme and external certification / customer audits; follow up findings to closure.

CAPA: log and manage nonconformities, corrective and preventive actions through to verified closure.

Data & KPIs: maintain quality records and trend NCRs, root causes, first-pass yield and customer complaints; report results to the Quality Manager.

Compliance: ensure traceability, material certification and record retention meet customer and AS9100 requirements.

Nonconformance & problem solving:

Investigation: lead investigations of internal, supplier and customer nonconformities using 8D, 5 Why and Ishikawa.

Containment & disposition: define containment, segregate suspect product and coordinate MRB / disposition decisions (rework, concession, scrap).

Root cause: identify root causes with Production and Engineering and verify the effectiveness of corrective actions.

Supplier quality

Source inspection: carry out quality checks and source inspections at external suppliers (UK and occasionally Europe).

Qualification: support supplier qualification, evaluation and periodic performance review.

Supplier corrective actions: raise SCARs, review supplier 8D responses and follow up to closure.

Incoming inspection: define and perform goods-in inspection for sourced parts.

Customer quality

Interface: act as the professional quality contact for customers across aerospace, medical, motorsport, industrial and consumer sectors.

Requirements: review customer quality requirements and flow-downs (drawings, specifications, PO clauses) at quotation and order stage.

Claims: manage customer complaints, claims and corrective-action requests, providing clear written responses and technical support.

Continuous improvement & EHS

Improvement: identify and drive improvements in manufacturing processes, inspection methods and the QMS.

Collaboration: work closely with Production, Engineering, Project Management and Sales to embed consistent quality standards.

EHS: comply with all EHS rules and PPE requirements and support a safe, tidy inspection and shop-floor environment.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

Experience inspecting parts in a manufacturing, machining, additive or precision-engineering environment (full-time, apprenticeship or placement).

Confident use of calipers, micrometers and basic gauges; able to read engineering drawings.

Structured problem-solving (8D, 5 Why, Ishikawa) and CAPA management.

Methodical, accurate and committed to getting things right.

Good written and verbal English – reports go directly to customers.

Right to work in the UK.

Desirable (training provided):

Technical qualification (HNC, HND, engineering degree or apprenticeship) or equivalent time-served experience.

Understanding of GD&T; experience with CMM or 3D scanning.

Working knowledge of ISO 9001 and AS9100; experience writing FAI / FAIR reports.

Exposure to additive manufacturing, vacuum casting, CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal or die-casting.

Automotive quality background (PPAP, IATF 16949).

Good IT literacy (MS Office; ERP / quality software an advantage).

Key competencies

Attention to detail and sound, independent judgement on part acceptance.

Clear, professional communication with customers, suppliers and colleagues.

Ownership – follows issues through to closure.

Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies and standards.

Ability to manage varied, short-lead-time work and prioritise effectively.

Why select Listgrove?

* Five Decades of Market Intelligence

* Unrivalled Industry Networks

* Recognised International brand

* HR Qualified Professionals

To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove’s Case Studies page.

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions:

Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027.

Meet us at Plastics Live Ireland in Dublin, 26-27 November, Stand B7

Performance through People.

Please visit our website for more information on our services, global success and testimonials
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed