Quality Technician - Days

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 containment 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