Quality Inspector

Job Title: Quality Inspector
Location: Lower Dicker, East Sussex
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Quality Inspector
A specialist engineering manufacturer is recruiting an experienced Quality Inspector to strengthen its supplier quality and inspection capability. The Quality Inspector will verify precision components and sub-assemblies, investigate non-conformances and work directly with suppliers to improve right-first-time performance.
This position combines hands-on dimensional inspection with supplier quality activity. It suits someone confident reading complex engineering drawings, working to tight tolerances and using CMM, Faro Arm and conventional metrology equipment within a machine-shop environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Inspect precision components and sub-assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications.
* Use CMM, Faro Arm and standard metrology equipment to verify dimensional compliance.
* Raise NCRs, communicate findings clearly and support prompt supplier resolution.
* Investigate non-conformances using root-cause analysis and verify corrective actions.
* Act as a quality contact between the shop floor, purchasing and external suppliers.
* Apply AQL inspection plans according to supplier performance, product criticality and new-supplier status.
* Manage inspection controls and red-flag status within the ERP system.
* Review supplier performance, contribute to KPIs and support supplier audits.
* Record deviations accurately and champion continuous improvement across the supply base.
Experience Required
* At least three years of inspection experience within a machine shop or comparable precision manufacturing environment.
* Experience working within an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system.
* Practical experience using CMM or Faro Arm equipment and dimensional inspection tools.
* Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, datum structures and geometric tolerances.
* Working knowledge of SPC, AQL, FAIRs and ISIRs.
* Experience communicating technical quality issues and performance information to suppliers.
* Ability to work independently, take ownership and maintain a high level of accuracy.
* Working with ISO 2859 -1:1999 sampling procedure for inspection by attributes.
Desirable Experience
* Knowledge of welding and fabrication processes.
* Experience within vacuum technology or another high-precision scientific engineering sector.
* Degree, HNC or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
The Quality Inspector may occasionally travel to supplier or client sites for meetings, audits and quality investigations. Reasonable expenses will be covered.
This is an opportunity for a Quality Inspector to take ownership of supplier quality issues while remaining closely involved in practical inspection work.
TPA Recruit is a specialist recruitment agency acting on behalf of our client to source and assess suitable candidates for this position. All applications will be reviewed and processed by our team, who will liaise directly with shortlisted individuals throughout the hiring process