Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure top-notch quality through audits, problem-solving, and process improvements.
- Company: Join G&H, a leader in optical technology with over 75 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and health cash plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on quality in a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quality Engineering and knowledge of AS9100 or ISO9001 standards required.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and development within a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications. Headquartered in Ilminster, Somerset, UK, with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of its acousto‑optic, electro‑optic, crystal‑optic, fibre‑optic, and precision optic products, and has a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy‑five years.
We are currently seeking a Quality Engineer at our HQ site in Ilminster. You will join a collaborative team that values precision, unity, and customer focus—helping to deliver quality at every stage of the process. As a Quality Engineer, you’ll play a key role in maintaining our high standards in customer satisfaction, operational compliance, and continuous improvement. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams and directly support the Quality Manager, while regularly engaging with senior stakeholders across the business.
Responsibilities:
- Driving quality excellence through internal auditing, root cause analysis, and the delivery of process improvements using 5Y, 8D and other structured problem‑solving tools.
- Supporting the Gated Contract Review process and new product introduction (NPI) by reviewing customer requirements and compiling FAIRs in line with AS9102 standards.
- Acting as a mature customer‑facing representative to ensure timely issue resolution and close‑out of customer returns.
- Coordinating concession management, analysing material non‑conformances, and working with supply chain teams to address root causes.
- Leading and supporting business improvement initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of poor quality (COPQ) and enhancing system performance.
- Contributing to the maintenance and evolution of our AS9100‑certified Business Management System (BMS) through effective auditing and risk‑based thinking.
- Playing a supportive role in coaching and developing junior team members within the Quality team.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Internal or Lead Auditor certification to AS9100 or ISO9001.
- Proven experience in a Quality Engineering role, ideally within a technical or optical manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of root cause analysis tools (5Y, 8D, DMAIC) and continuous improvement methods.
- Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to challenge and influence while maintaining high emotional intelligence.
- Experience working within AS9100 or ISO9001 certified environments.
- A structured, analytical mindset with good knowledge of COPQ metrics, MRB processes and supplier issue resolution.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma principles and an understanding of the SC21 initiative is desirable.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company pension (6% contribution)
- Company bonus scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- ÂŁ500 referral bonus for successful employee referrals (T&Cs apply)
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Quality Assurance
Quality Engineer in Ilminster employer: G&H (Gooch & Housego)
Contact Detail:
G&H (Gooch & Housego) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer in Ilminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at G&H on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of AS9100 and ISO9001 standards. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with them, but that we can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice those STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses! We need to be ready to showcase our problem-solving skills and how we've driven quality improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email can keep us fresh in their minds and show our enthusiasm for the Quality Engineer role at G&H.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer in Ilminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Engineer role. Highlight your experience with quality standards like AS9100 and any relevant tools you’ve used, such as 5Y or 8D. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at G&H!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about quality engineering and how you can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention your experience in optical manufacturing if you have it—this will catch our eye!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, be sure to include examples of how you've tackled quality issues in the past. We love candidates who can demonstrate their analytical mindset and use of root cause analysis tools. Share specific instances where you made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Good luck—we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at G&H (Gooch & Housego)
✨Know Your Quality Tools
Familiarise yourself with the key quality engineering tools mentioned in the job description, like 5Y and 8D. Be ready to discuss how you've used these methods in past roles to drive improvements and solve problems.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your previous work that highlight your experience in quality engineering, especially in technical or optical manufacturing environments. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand AS9100 Standards
Brush up on AS9100 standards and be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to maintaining compliance in previous roles. This will show your understanding of the industry and your commitment to quality excellence.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since G&H values collaboration, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work well in a team. Share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve quality goals.
