Job Title: Quality Engineer Reports to: Operations Engineering Manager Location: Lower Dicker, UK JOB PURPOSE/PRIMARY OBJECTIVE The main purpose of this role will be: Responsible for leading and co-ordinating internal and external Continuous Improvement activities including Non Conformances and Customer Complaints/Returns. Ensuring a consistent/detailed approach using Root Cause Analysis and Problem-Solving Tools such as 8D or 5Whys. Improving quality in line with customer expectations and industry standards. Carrying out inspection duties as and when necessary. This role involves travel to client sites. While most work will be carried out from your usual base, you may be required to attend client meetings, site visits, or events as part of your duties. Travel will be planned in advance wherever possible, and all reasonable expenses will be covered. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES The main requirements and employee accountabilities are: Understand customer requirements and industry best practice to help develop a strategy for improving the quality of all products. Lead co-ordinate root cause analysis of quality issues relating to manufactured product, purchased parts and customer complaints to install permanent solutions and prevent reoccurrence. To own the RMA process, ensuring that customer feedback and fulfilment is driven to the highest standards of service. To manage the administration of the internal quality process (NCR, ECN, CAR) to ensure speed of containment, corrective action, identification of root cause and resolution of issues. Working as a hands-on member of the Quality team to deliver the required outcomes. Assist with supplier selection through robust qualification processes, inclusive of aligning process capabilities and ensuring robust Quality Assurance practices are in place. ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE The essential skills/experience required for this role are: Experience in the use of Continuous Improvement tools and techniques Structured, organised approach to work providing a consisted/detail approach to problem solving. Five years' experience working in a similar manufacturing environment and possess a good understanding of using Quality and Process management tools and methodology, including 5S/6S, flowcharts, VSM, Kaizen, Pareto, QCPC, 8D, Cause & Effect, Ishikawa, 5 whys etc. DESIRABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE The skills and experience we would like the employee in this role to have are: Using CMM or Faro Arm devices and a range of metrology equipment typically used in machine shop environments. Previous experience of working in vacuum science would be advantageous. QUALIFICATIONS Desirable Qualifications: Degree qualified Mechanical Engineer Qualified to ONC/HNC level in Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing or relevant Quality professional qualification. PERSONAL QUALITIES/ATTRIBUTES We require the following personal qualities/attributes. Positive attitude to modern Quality practices and manufacturing processes. Previous experience of co-ordinating/leading small multifunctional teams to drive results and close out issues. Must have good communication skills (both up and down stream and external contacts) and able to train others, facilitate quality events and meetings including cross functional teams. Keen to drive improvements and capable of thinking outside of the box and challenging current thinking to develop new ideas/solutions.