At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance initiatives and drive continuous improvement in a high-tech environment.
- Company: Join G&H, a global leader in photonics with over 30 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced employee assistance, and a salary sacrifice pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative community at the EPIC Centre with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cutting-edge technology used from the ocean to space.
- Qualifications: Engineering degree preferred; strong auditing and problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
ABOUT US
Join 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 OPPORTUNITY
Following 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.
- Quality Assurance & Compliance
- Lead internal audits across business and manufacturing processes to identify risks and drive mitigation.
- Support customer and third-party audits, ensuring we maintain our reputation for world-class quality.
- Oversee and conduct First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs).
- Monitor product compliance and process repeatability to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality photonic components.
- Data-Driven Improvement
- Analyse key quality metrics (Product Returns, Shipped Product Quality Level, CoPQ) to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Apply structured problem-solving tools to eliminate root causes and prevent recurrence.
- Provide regular reporting and insights to support strategic quality initiatives.
- Customer & Supplier Engagement
- Act as a customer-facing quality partner, ensuring issues are managed professionally from initiation to closure.
- Work closely with Supplier Quality Engineering and Supply Chain teams to resolve supplier-related issues and strengthen incoming quality.
- Provide quality input into contract reviews, engineering changes and documentation updates.
- Continuous Improvement & Leadership
- Support multi-functional continuous improvement projects across the business.
- Coordinate concessions/permits and drive initiatives to reduce their frequency.
- Chair MRB meetings and mentor colleagues in quality best practice.
HOW YOUR SUCCESS WILL BE MEASURED
- Reduction in customer returns
- Reduction in supplier-related issues
- Adherence to internal audit schedules
WHAT YOU BRING
- Qualifications
- Engineering degree preferred (not essential)
- Internal or Lead Auditor qualification (AS9100 or ISO9001) preferred
- Skills & Experience
- Strong auditing capability across suppliers, processes and business systems
- Solid understanding of root cause analysis and preventive action
- Customer-focused mindset with a sense of urgency
- Proven experience delivering Continuous Improvement projects
- Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma (essential)
- Experience in AS9100 or ISO13485 environments
- Ideally, experience in optical, photonics or high-tech manufacturing
- Experience participating in MRB processes
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Personal Attributes
- Self-driven and able to set your own priorities
- Emotionally intelligent with a constructive, challenging mindset
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
- Excellent communicator, influencer and facilitator
- Possess a strong background in engineering or quality assurance, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive mindset.
- Sound knowledge of quality management systems and tools, including proficient in using quality analysis and improvement tools such as FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), FTA (Fault Tree Analysis), 8D or A3 problem solving techniques, Six Sigma, and SPC (Statistical Process Control) is a plus.
- Sound data analysis and processing abilities.
- Sound problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
WHY 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 Plan
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
- Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme
If you’re ready to make a real impact in a world-class photonics environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Quality Engineer in Torquay employer: Gooch & Housego PLC
At G&H Torquay, we pride ourselves on being a global leader in photonics, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our continuous improvement culture and comprehensive benefits, including up to 30 days of annual leave and a supportive Employee Assistance Programme. Join us in shaping the future of quality in a high-tech setting where your contributions will be valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer in Torquay
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at G&H Torquay on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into their products and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for photonics and how you can contribute to their quality excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve tackled quality issues. We love candidates who can think on their feet and bring structured solutions to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Quality Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in quality assurance, auditing, and continuous improvement projects. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at G&H!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with quality management systems and tools like FMEA or Six Sigma. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these in past roles!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications. We appreciate clarity just as much as quality!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gooch & Housego PLC
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with AS9100 and ISO9001 standards, as these are crucial for the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in your previous work, especially in auditing and quality assurance.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used structured problem-solving tools like FMEA or 8D techniques to tackle quality issues. Highlight specific instances where your analytical skills led to significant improvements.
✨Engage with Customer Focus
Demonstrate your customer-focused mindset by sharing experiences where you managed quality issues from initiation to closure. Discuss how you’ve collaborated with suppliers to enhance incoming quality and resolve issues effectively.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your involvement in continuous improvement projects and how you've contributed to reducing customer returns or supplier-related issues. Mention any Lean Six Sigma experience you have, as this will resonate well with their focus on quality excellence.
