Product Assurance Engineer in Torquay

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 recognised 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. G&H optical fibre components can be found being used on the moon, the International Space Station as well as the bottom of the world's oceans. At G&H Torquay, we’re one of a number of global technology leaders that form the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, bringing a concentration of expertise and innovation in photonics and microelectronics to the South Devon region.

ROLE

As Product Assurance Engineer, you will take full ownership of product-related quality investigations across all value streams, with primary responsibility for RMA management, non-conformance control, MRB leadership, and CAPA deployment. This role is focused on protecting the customer, eliminating repeat defects, and driving structured problem resolution using disciplined root cause methodologies. You will act as the operational bridge between Manufacturing Engineering, Quality and Operations, ensuring rapid containment, robust corrective action, and clear customer communication.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• RMA & Customer Returns Ownership: Take full ownership of the end-to-end RMA process across all value streams. Lead structured investigations into product returns using 8D and CAPA methodology. Drive rapid containment, root cause validation, and corrective action implementation. Provide clear, structured investigation reports (including Puerto reporting where applicable). Maintain proactive weekly communications regarding investigation progress and resolution status. Analyse and trend recurring RMA data to eliminate systemic repeat issues.
• Non-Conformance & MRB Leadership: Chair, Support & lead MRB (Material Review Board) activities. Define and standardise non-conformance criteria by clearly determining “What good quality looks like.” Drive improvements to the MRB process to ensure linkage to 8D, CAPA and corrective actions. Ensure production non-conformances are investigated, resolved, and prevented from recurrence.
• Supplier & Raw Material Quality (SDR Ownership): Lead Supplier Discrepancy Reports (SDRs) for raw material defects. Work closely with Supply Chain to ensure root cause closure. Track, trend and report supplier-related non-conformances and repeat issues. Support incoming inspection analysis and reporting improvements.
• CAPA & Continuous Improvement: Act as CAPA Champion across all value streams. Ensure corrective and preventive actions are robust, verified and effective. Drive structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone, Pareto, etc.). Trend investigation data (RMA, MRB, SDR, production non-conformance) to identify systemic weaknesses.

MANDATORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adherence to all Company policies, management systems and standard operational procedures, including legal responsibilities in relation to Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality systems.
• Working positively to develop and foster good working relationships with colleagues and contracted personnel to maintain a culture of mutual respect and dignity.
• Promote and display the G&H values: Customer focus, Integrity, Action, Unity, Precision.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Reduction in recurring RMA defects
• RMA cycle time & investigation closure rate
• Reduction in Cost of Poor Quality (CoPQ)
• MRB ageing and resolution effectiveness
• Supplier defect recurrence rate
• CAPA effectiveness and audit compliance

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Drive and Determination
• Innovation, Creativity & Deliver Results
• Proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and precision.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field preferred.
• Experience in quality or manufacturing engineering, with experience in fibre optic, photonics or modular system & device manufacturing environments preferred.
• Strong understanding of product assembly, testing, and handling processes.
• Experience with NPI, including PFMEA, process validation, and product line transfers.
• Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, or other CI methodologies.
• Familiarity with manufacturing metrics such as yield, cycle time, and productivity.
• Technical understanding of root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation.

G&H BENEFITS

• 25 days - rising up to 30 days annual leave (phased with long service)
• Corporate Cash Plan
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme

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’s Baseline 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.