At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive quality excellence and support process improvements in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join G&H, a leader in optical technology with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for coaching and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace and defence while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quality Engineering and strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
ABOUT US
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 their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years. Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.
LOCATION
Ilminster, Somerset
ROLE
At G&H Ilminster, we specialise in the production of advanced optical components for aerospace and defence applications. We’re currently seeking a Quality Engineer at our HQ site, you’ll be joining 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 CI. You’ll 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
You’ll be confident in navigating complex quality issues, building relationships across departments, and engaging directly with customers and auditors. To be successful, you’ll bring:
- 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
- £500 referral bonus for successful employee referrals (T&Cs apply)
Quality Engineer in Ilminster employer: Gooch & Housego PLC
G&H is an exceptional employer located in Ilminster, Somerset, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation in the optical manufacturing sector. With a strong focus on employee development, G&H offers numerous growth opportunities through apprenticeships, graduate pathways, and leadership training, all within a collaborative and customer-centric work culture. Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive environment that values precision and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
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 industry events. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of AS9100 and quality engineering principles. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled quality issues in the past—real examples will make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for quality! During interviews, express your commitment to maintaining high standards and continuous improvement. G&H values innovation, so share any ideas you have for enhancing processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the G&H team.
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 ISO9001, and showcase your skills in root cause analysis and continuous improvement methods. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 your background aligns with our mission at G&H. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, be sure to highlight your experience with structured problem-solving tools like 5Y and 8D. We love candidates who can think critically and drive quality excellence, so share examples of how you've tackled complex quality issues in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gooch & Housego PLC
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with AS9100 and ISO9001 standards before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with these frameworks, especially in relation to internal auditing and quality management systems.
✨Master Root Cause Analysis Tools
Brush up on your knowledge of root cause analysis tools like 5Y and 8D. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've used these methods to solve complex quality issues in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
G&H values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Highlight any experiences where you’ve engaged with stakeholders to drive quality improvements.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer Focus
As a Quality Engineer, you'll need to be customer-facing. Think of instances where you've resolved customer issues or improved satisfaction. This will show your ability to maintain high standards in customer service while managing quality.
