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 Torquay
Gooch & Housego Torquay is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of fibre-optic technologies. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, working alongside industry leaders in a supportive environment that encourages creativity and forward-thinking. Located in the picturesque Torquay, our team enjoys a unique blend of career advancement and a vibrant lifestyle, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Gooch & Housego Torquay Recruitment Team
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 people in the photonics industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching G&H and understanding their products and values. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission of quality excellence and innovation in photonics.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've tackled quality issues in the past. Use structured approaches like root cause analysis to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at G&H Torquay.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quality Engineer role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in quality assurance and continuous improvement projects. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
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 mission at G&H. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially those related to auditing, root cause analysis, and any quality management systems you've worked with. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gooch & Housego Torquay
✨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 previous positions, especially in auditing and compliance.
✨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. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively with customers and suppliers to resolve problems.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your involvement in continuous improvement projects and how you've contributed to reducing customer returns or supplier-related issues. Show that you're proactive about driving quality initiatives and mentoring others in best practices.
