At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive quality performance in exciting engineering projects and improve processes across the machine lifecycle.
- Company: Join Ridgway Machines, a leader in precision engineering with a century of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible hours, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal development and international travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking projects like ITER and CERN.
- Qualifications: Experience in quality engineering and knowledge of ISO 9001 required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
With over 100 years of engineering excellence, Ridgway Machines is a world‑leading manufacturer of precision taping and winding machines for the electrical, energy, and oil & gas industries.
Recently acquired by Tokamak Energy to accelerate superconducting technology, we're involved in some of the world's most exciting engineering projects—including ITER's Fusion Power Plant and CERN's Large Hadron Collider.
From innovative designs to global customer support, we deliver expert solutions for clients worldwide.
Based at Meridian Business Park in Leicester, we're a skilled team of specialist engineers working at the cutting edge of power generation machinery.
Make a direct impact on quality performance across complex engineering and manufacturing projects
We are looking for a Quality Engineer to join our growing Quality team, reporting to the Quality Manager.
This is a hands‑on role that will play a key part in driving right‑first‑time delivery, reducing quality issues, improving supplier performance, and strengthening quality processes across the full machine lifecycle.
This position has been created to provide additional quality engineering capability as the business grows.
The successful candidate will take ownership of day‑to‑day quality activities, helping to ensure products, processes and suppliers consistently meet customer, engineering and regulatory requirements while supporting wider continuous improvement initiatives.
Working closely with Engineering, Project Management, Purchasing, Production, Machine Build and Installation teams, you will have the opportunity to influence quality standards across multiple functions and become a trusted technical partner throughout project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and improve quality processes, procedures and systems
- Support quality planning and inspection activities across design, fabrication, machining, assembly, testing and installation
- Review engineering drawings, specifications and customer requirements from a quality perspective
- Develop and maintain inspection and test plans
- Carry out first‑off, in‑process and final inspections
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing and final machine release activities
- Manage quality records, documentation and traceability requirements
- Identify and mitigate quality risks throughout project execution
- Support ISO 9001 compliance, quality plans, document control and calibration activities
- Conduct internal, supplier, product and process audits
- Manage internal non‑conformances and corrective actions through to completion
- Lead or support root cause investigations using structured quality methodologies
- Analyse quality performance data and produce meaningful KPI reporting
- Work with suppliers to resolve quality concerns and improve performance
- Carry out supplier visits to verify quality standards and monitor high‑risk or high‑value fabrications and components
- Support the investigation and resolution of customer quality issues
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce defects, rework, scrap and customer complaints
- What Success Looks Like
- Improve right‑first‑time performance
- Resolve quality issues earlier in the process
- Reduce repeat non‑conformances
- Improve supplier quality performance
- Increase the effectiveness of corrective actions
- Use quality data to drive measurable business improvements
- Embed a proactive quality culture across the organisation
Requirements
Essential
- Experience in a Quality Engineer or Quality Assurance role within an engineering or manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of ISO 9001 and practical quality management systems
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances
- Understanding of inspection techniques, metrology, calibration and verification methods
- Experience managing non‑conformances, corrective actions and root cause investigations
- Ability to analyse quality data and identify practical improvement opportunities
- Experience conducting or supporting internal audits
- Strong communication, organisation and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and quality‑related systems
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to supplier sites when required
Desirable
- HNC, HND, degree or apprenticeship in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline
- Quality and/or auditing qualifications
- Experience with Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing or similar improvement methodologies
- Knowledge of COSHH requirements, risk assessments, safe systems of work and hazard identification
- Experience using tools such as 8D, 5 Why and FMEA
- Background in machinery manufacturing, capital equipment or complex engineered products
- Awareness of CE/UKCA and machinery compliance requirements
- Exposure to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards would be advantageous
Benefits
- Salary range £40,000 to £50,000 dependent on skills and experience and will be discussed from the outset
- 37.5 hour working week, Friday finish at 1.30pm for production teams
- Free parking
- 25 days paid annual leave (includes 3 days for Christmas shut down) plus 8 days paid public holidays
- Company Bonus scheme
- Stakeholder Pension
- Family friendly policies
- Training and Personal Development
- Some onward International Travel Opportunities
- Complementary corporate work wear
- Relocation Assistance
- Important information for candidates
- Pre‑employment screening
Please note that the appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to standard pre‑employment screening, as applicable to the post.
This will include right‑to‑work, proof of identity and references.
Data privacy
Please note that any personal data submitted to Ridgway Machines as part of the job application process will be processed in accordance with the GDPR and related UK data protection legislation, for more information regarding GDPR please see: https://www. gov. uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation
Equality of opportunity
Entry into employment with Ridgway Machines and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each post and the relevant salary structure.
In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration.
No applicant or member of staff shall be discriminated against because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
We're committed to building an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.
If you have a disability or require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know.
We're happy to make the necessary arrangements to ensure you can perform at your best.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Quality Engineer in Leicester employer: Ridgway Machines Ltd
Ridgway Machines Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to extensive training opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge technology in a supportive environment. Located in Leicester, the company provides a competitive salary, a comprehensive bonus scheme, and generous annual leave, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer in Leicester
✨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 Ridgway Machines Ltd.
✨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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Quality Engineer at Ridgway Machines Ltd, 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 Leicester
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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Ridgway Machines Ltd, 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 Ridgway Machines Ltd 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.
