At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive quality performance and improve processes in exciting engineering projects.
- Company: Join Ridgway Machines, a leader in precision engineering with over 100 years 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.
Description
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
In this role, you will help the business to
- 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.
Quality Engineer employer: Ridgway Machines
Ridgway Machines is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Meridian Business Park in Leicester, where innovation meets engineering excellence. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and personal development, alongside competitive benefits such as a company bonus scheme and family-friendly policies, we ensure our team thrives both professionally and personally. Join us to be part of groundbreaking projects while enjoying a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Ridgway Machines, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Ridgway Machines 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!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgway Machines
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ridgway Machines, 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.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Ridgway Machines 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.
