Quality Engineer in Buckinghamshire

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

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