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