JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Graduate Production Quality Engineer
Department: Operations — Production
Location: Brownhills, UK (on-site — role requires on-site presence)
Reports To: Senior Production Controller
Hours: Full-time
Contract: Permanent
1. OVERVIEW
Xstrahl has manufacturing facilities in the UK and USA and operates globally through its international network of distributors. Xstrahl is a leading designer and manufacturer of Superficial and Orthovoltage Medical X-ray Systems used in the treatment of cancers and dermatological disorders, as well as a pioneer in the development of advanced X-ray systems for pre-clinical radiation biology research.
The Production Quality Engineer is a new full-time graduate role in Xstrahl's UK production team. The role creates and maintains the build manuals and work instructions for Xstrahl's systems, carries out system sign-off checks, develops production jigs and test equipment, and manages production quality paperwork — non-conformance reports (NCRs), change requests (CRs) and production feedback reports (PFRs) — so that production issues are recorded, followed up and resolved.
Working alongside an experienced Production Project Engineer and spending regular time on the production floor, the job holder learns how Xstrahl's medical and research X-ray systems are built, tested and commissioned, and captures that knowledge so it is documented, repeatable and shared across the team. It is an opportunity to build a strong technical foundation in a regulated medical device environment, and to grow into wider manufacturing engineering responsibilities such as build handover and process validation.
2. ACCOUNTABILITIES & SCORECARD METRICS
Build Documentation:
Owns the build manuals and work instructions for Xstrahl's systems, capturing build knowledge so every system can be built consistently from documented instructions.
Work Instructions Proven
Tests each work instruction on the production floor before release, so instructions reflect how systems are really built.
Medical / Life Science System Sign-Off
Carries out system sign-off activities, including electrical and mechanical checks, so every system leaves production verified and documented.
NCR, CR, PFR & CAPA Management
Owns the logging, progress and close-out of NCRs, CRs, PFR & CAPAs, so production issues are recorded, followed up and resolved rather than lost.
3. MAIN DUTIES
Build Documentation & Work Instructions
(Working alongside the Production Project Engineer.)
- Create and maintain build manuals for each Xstrahl system.
- Write clear, step-by-step work instructions for each build stage, including photos and diagrams.
- Capture build knowledge from experienced engineers so it is documented and shared across the team.
- Test draft work instructions by having an engineer build from them, and update them based on feedback.
- Keep build documentation under document control in line with the Quality Management System.
- Support documentation for new products transferring into Xstrahl production, including SARRP.
Production Quality Paperwork
- Log, progress and close out NCRs, CRs, PFRs and CAPA’s chasing actions with the relevant teams.
- Prepare NCRs and CRs for review and sign-off by the appropriate approver.
- Support root cause analysis on production issues alongside the engineers.
- Track trends in production issues and highlight repeat problems.
System Sign-Off
- Carry out Medical and Life Science system sign-off activities, including electrical, mechanical and physics checks, once trained and signed off as competent.
- Perform physics checks, including dose output measurements and beam alignment checks.
- Commissioning sign offs on Life Science cabinet systems ahead of shipment.
- Complete and file the sign-off and test records for each system in line with the Quality Management System.
Time on the Production Floor
- Spend one to two days a week in production, building alongside the team — more during the first months.
- Build the system being documented that week, to understand each build first‑hand.
- Complete radiation safety training and the local rules sign-off before starting floor work.
Process Improvement & Development
- Design and produce production jigs and test equipment to improve the manufacturing process.
- Train the production team on new and changed processes.
- Support the validation of process changes before they are introduced.
- Support the handover of new builds from R&D into production.
- Contribute ideas to improve build quality, efficiency and test processes.
Supplier Support
- Support the onboarding of new suppliers from a manufacturing perspective.
- Conduct supplier audits from a manufacturing perspective, alongside the Purchasing & Logistics Manager.
4. KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal External
- Operations Director (line manager)
- Production Project Engineer
- Senior Production Controller
- Purchasing & Logistics Manager (supplier onboarding and audits)
- Production Team Leader
- Production Engineers
- Quality / QARA team
- Engineering / R&D (new builds and design changes)
- Logistics & Operations Coordinator
- Suppliers (onboarding, audits, drawing and specification queries)
- External auditors (in support of QMS audits)
5. PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
- A degree in mechanical, electrical, electronic, manufacturing or a related engineering or science subject.
- Clear written communication — able to turn a technical process into simple, step-by-step instructions.
- Organised, with good attention to detail and a careful approach to accurate records.
- Practical and hands‑on, and keen to learn how systems are built.
- Willing to take ownership and see tasks through to completion.
- Comfortable using Microsoft Office.
Desirable
- Any practical or workshop experience, such as a placement, internship, university project or summer job.
- Familiarity with reading engineering drawings or wiring diagrams.
- Experience with CAD software or writing technical documentation.
- Any hands‑on experience with tools, electrical testing or making things in a workshop.
- An interest in medical devices or regulated industries.
- Awareness of quality systems such as ISO 13485 (not required, as full training is provided).
Key Competencies
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Clear technical writing.
- Ownership and initiative.
- Curiosity and willingness to learn.
- Practical problem-solving.
No previous industry experience is required. Full training will be provided.
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Graduate Production Quality Engineer in Birmingham employer: KaneHR
At KaneHR, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and supportive consultancy that values the growth and development of our employees. As an HR Advisor, you'll enjoy a diverse range of experiences while working closely with ambitious organisations that prioritise their people and culture. With a focus on professional development and meaningful client relationships, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
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We think this is how you could land Graduate Production Quality Engineer in Birmingham
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to KaneHR specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
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How to prepare for a job interview at KaneHR
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with KaneHR, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
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✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like KaneHR value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
