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
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 comprehensive benefits package, including up to 30 days of annual leave, a corporate cash plan, and a supportive culture built on integrity and precision. Join us in shaping the future of quality in high-tech manufacturing while working alongside experts in a thriving hi-tech cluster at the EPIC Centre.
Contact Details:
Gooch & Housego Torquay Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer in Torquay
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Quality Engineer role you’re after at Gooch & Housego Torquay.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Gooch & Housego Torquay a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Gooch & Housego Torquay.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Quality Engineer at Gooch & Housego Torquay, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer in Torquay
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Quality Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Gooch & Housego Torquay a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Gooch & Housego Torquay specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gooch & Housego Torquay
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Gooch & Housego Torquay, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Gooch & Housego Torquay want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
