Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer

Bedford Area

Full Time Permanent Role

Salary up £43k

Our Client in the Bedford area is looking to recruit a Quality Engineer / Quality Inspector this is a Full Time Permanent role.

The Quality Engineer is responsible for ensuring that products and manufacturing processes consistently meet customer, regulatory and company quality requirements. Acting as the Quality Engineering lead for assigned New Product Introduction (NPI), the role works closely with Commercial, Production Engineering and Manufacturing teams to ensure quality is designed into new products and processes from the outset, identifying and resolving quality issues before production release. The role also supports ongoing manufacturing through quality assurance, data analysis, problem solving and continual improvement activities.

Key Responsibilities

Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement

Investigate internal and external non-conformances (NCRs), identifying root causes using recognised problem-solving techniques (e.g. 5 Whys).
Implement and verify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Analyse quality data, trends and KPIs to identify opportunities for improvement.
Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve process capability and enhance product quality.

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Act as the Quality Engineering representative on New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
Work closely with Commercial, Production Engineering and Manufacturing teams to review new customer drawings, specifications and components.
Identify potential quality risks during product introduction and work collaboratively to resolve issues before release to production.
Define inspection requirements, quality control plans and measurement methods for new products.
Support first-off inspections, process validation and production readiness for new products.

Quality Assurance & Inspection

Verify product conformity through in-process and final inspection against engineering drawings, specifications and customer requirements.
Develop and maintain inspection methods and CMM programmes to support production.
Record inspection results and maintain accurate quality records.
Manage calibration and control of inspection and measurement equipment.
Support containment activities and product disposition for non-conforming material.

Quality Management System

Support the maintenance and continual improvement of the Quality Management System.
Conduct internal audits and support external customer and certification audits.
Ensure quality documentation, procedures and records remain accurate and up to date.
Produce monthly quality metrics and reports.

Customer & Supplier Quality

Support customer quality concerns and investigations, ensuring timely resolution.
Work with suppliers and internal teams to resolve quality issues where required.
Promote customer satisfaction through effective quality planning and robust problem solving.

Collaboration & Technical Support

Provide technical guidance and quality support to production teams.
Deliver training on quality procedures and inspection methods where appropriate.
Maintain awareness of industry standards and best practice through continuous professional development.
Undertake other duties appropriate to the role.

General responsibilities

Health & Safety Responsibilities

All employees are responsible for adhering to health and safety procedures and guidelines, ensuring a safe working environment for themselves and others. Any accidents, near misses, or concerns must be reported to the Health & Safety Manager and/or their line manager immediately.

Quality Responsibilities

Quality is the responsibility of every individual within the company. Each employee contributes to quality objectives and plays a key role in fostering a quality-focused culture. It is essential to uphold high standards to ensure that customer needs and expectations are fully met.

On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) Delivery

All employees have a shared responsibility for supporting the on-time and in-full (OTIF) delivery of products to customers, ensuring efficiency and reliability across all business functions.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience in a Quality Engineering or Quality Assurance role within a manufacturing environment.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Experience of root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions.
Knowledge of ISO 9001 and 13485
Experience using precision measuring equipment and inspection techniques, including CMM (desirable if not essential).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
Competent in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Engineering, or equivalent experience.
Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI).
Internal Auditor or recognised quality qualification.

Quality Inspector / Quality Engineer / Inspection / CMM