Quality Engineer in Torquay

Torquay, Torquay, GBRJob TypeFull-timeDescriptionABOUT USJoin a Global Photonics Leader Engineering Solutions from the Deep Ocean to Outer Space!G&H (Gooch & Housego) Torquay is part of a world-renowned photonics group with over 30 years of high-tech manufacturing heritage in the region. Our Torquay facility designs and manufactures advanced fibre-optic components, modules and sub-systems used in telecommunications, sensing, biomedical imaging, defence, aerospace, industrial systems and more. Our products are trusted in some of the most demanding environments on Earth, and beyond, including undersea networks, space missions, and even the International Space Station.We are also proud recipients of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for our flagship FibreQ technology, used globally in advanced laser systems for metrology and materials processing.As part of the EPIC (Electronics & Photonics Innovation Centre) community, you’ll work within a thriving hi-tech cluster, surrounded by cutting-edge R&D capability, a strong local supply chain, and a collaborative network of engineering and photonics specialists in Torbay.This is your opportunity to help shape the next chapter of quality excellence in a business where precision, innovation and reliability are core to everything we do.THE OPPORTUNITYFollowing the successful delivery of a mature AS9100 Management System, we are now accelerating our shift toward proactive, embedded quality across the business. As a Quality Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening our processes, supporting customer confidence, and enabling the continued growth of our advanced photonics product portfolio.This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a technical, fast-moving environment and wants to influence quality at every stage; from supplier performance to customer satisfaction.WHAT YOU'LL BE DOINGQuality Assurance & ComplianceLead internal audits across business and manufacturing processes to identify risks and drive mitigationSupport customer and third-party audits, ensuring we maintain our reputation for world-class qualityOversee and conduct First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs)Monitor product compliance and process repeatability to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality photonic componentsData-Driven ImprovementAnalyse key quality metrics (Product Returns, Shipped Product Quality Level, CoPQ) to identify trends and improvement opportunitiesApply structured problem-solving tools to eliminate root causes and prevent recurrenceProvide regular reporting and insights to support strategic quality initiativesCustomer & Supplier EngagementAct as a customer-facing quality partner, ensuring issues are managed professionally from initiation to closureWork closely with Supplier Quality Engineering and Supply Chain teams to resolve supplier-related issues and strengthen incoming qualityProvide quality input into contract reviews, engineering changes and documentation updatesContinuous Improvement & LeadershipSupport multi-functional continuous improvement projects across the businessCoordinate concessions/permits and drive initiatives to reduce their frequencyChair MRB meetings and mentor colleagues in quality best practiceHOW YOUR SUCESS WILL BE MEASUREDReduction in customer returnsReduction in supplier-related issuesAdherence to internal audit schedulesWHAT YOU BRINGQualificationsEngineering degree preferred (not essential)Internal or Lead Auditor qualification (AS9100 or ISO9001) preferredSkills & ExperienceStrong auditing capability across suppliers, processes and business systemsSolid understanding of root cause analysis and preventive actionUnderstanding of data analysis and statistics, with practical application preferredPossess a strong background in engineering or quality assurance, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive mindset.Sound knowledge of quality management systems and tools, includingProficient in using quality analysis and improvement tools such as FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), 8D or A3 problem solving techniquesWorking level demonstration of problem-solving techniques is essential, techniques include the use of Six SigmaProven experience delivering Continuous Improvement projectsExperience in AS9100, ISO 9001, or ISO13485 environmentsIdeally, experience in optical, photonics or high-tech manufacturingExperience participating in MRB processesPersonal AttributesSelf-driven and able to set your own prioritiesCustomer-focused mindset with a sense of urgencyEmotionally intelligent with a constructive, challenging mindsetDetail-oriented with strong analytical skillsExcellent communicator, influencer and facilitatorWHY JOIN US AT G&H TORQUAY?Be part of a global photonics leader whose components are used everywhere from the ocean floor to space missions .Work in a thriving hi-tech cluster at the EPIC Centre, surrounded by cutting-edge labs, R&D capability and a collaborative engineering community .Contribute to award-winning innovation, including technologies recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise .Shape the future of quality in a business where precision, reliability and continuous improvement are core values.Join a culture built on Customer Focus, Integrity, Action, Unity and Precision.G&H Benefits Include:25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) - rising up to 30 days annual leave (phased with long service)Corporate Cash PlanSalary Sacrifice Pension SchemeEnhanced Employee Assistance ProgrammeIf you’re ready to make a real impact in a world-class photonics environment, we’d love to hear from you.Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’sBaseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.