At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead inspections and ensure quality standards in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking engineering firm dedicated to excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values innovation and quality.
- Why this job: Take charge of quality assurance and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience in inspection, metrology, and interpreting engineering drawings required.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and technically skilled Lead Inspector to join our Quality Control department. This is an excellent opportunity for an inspection and metrology professional to take a leading role in ensuring the quality, accuracy and conformity of components within a busy engineering and manufacturing environment. As Lead Inspector, you will oversee day-to-day inspection and measurement activities, ensuring components meet engineering drawings, technical specifications and required quality standards. You will bring strong practical experience across a range of inspection techniques and equipment, including manual measuring tools, CMM, Shadowgraph and 3D laser scanning systems. You will also play an important role in coordinating inspection workloads, managing non-conformances, supporting root cause investigations and developing the technical capability of the wider inspection team. We are looking for someone proactive, organised and confident in their technical abilities, who takes pride in delivering a right-first-time approach to quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Inspection & Metrology
- Lead and undertake dimensional inspection of components, ensuring compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.
- Interpret 2D engineering drawings, 3D CAD models and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Operate a range of inspection equipment, including manual measuring tools, CMM and Shadowgraph systems.
- Carry out 3D laser scanning, dimensional analysis and associated reporting.
- Determine appropriate inspection methods to verify component conformity.
- Support measurement, inspection and reverse engineering activities where required.
- Quality Management
- Ensure inspection reports, quality records and documentation are accurate and maintained.
- Manage the non-conformance process, ensuring rejected components are identified, recorded and controlled.
- Maintain calibration records and ensure inspection equipment complies with company requirements.
- Support Supplier Quality Assurance activities and investigate supplier-related quality concerns.
- Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurring issues.
- Workload Planning & Coordination
- Coordinate inspection priorities in line with manufacturing schedules and business requirements.
- Work closely with Manufacturing, Planning, Stores and Purchasing to ensure components progress efficiently through inspection.
- Monitor workloads, manage competing priorities and identify potential delivery risks.
- Communicate inspection progress, quality concerns and operational issues to relevant stakeholders.
- Technical Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Provide technical guidance and support to inspection colleagues.
- Support the training, mentoring and development of team members.
- Promote consistent inspection methods and best practice.
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency and departmental performance.
- Champion a right-first-time culture across manufacturing.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
- Proven experience in a quality inspection or metrology role within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Strong experience using manual inspection equipment and CMM and/or Shadowgraph systems.
- The ability to interpret engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
- A good working knowledge of GD&T and dimensional tolerancing.
- Experience undertaking First-Off Inspection and First Article Inspection (FAI), including producing inspection reports.
- Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, machined components and carbon composite materials.
- Experience or working knowledge of 3D laser scanning and dimensional reporting.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage changing priorities.
- Strong problem-solving skills and experience dealing with non-conformances and quality issues.
- Good IT skills and familiarity with ERP or manufacturing systems.
Qualifications
A relevant engineering, manufacturing, inspection or metrology qualification, such as BTEC, ONC, National Certificate, A-levels or equivalent practical experience. City & Guilds Level 3 or equivalent technical training would be advantageous.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is:
- Technically confident, methodical and detail-oriented.
- Proactive in identifying and resolving quality issues.
- Comfortable working independently and using their own initiative.
- Able to provide technical leadership and support to colleagues.
- Flexible and responsive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Passionate about quality, continuous improvement and getting things right first time.
RML Group welcomes applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, military spouses and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of an important quality function, apply your technical expertise and make a real difference to manufacturing performance, product quality and customer satisfaction. If you have a strong background in inspection and metrology and are looking for a role where you can combine hands-on technical work with leadership and continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.
Lead Inspector employer: RML Group Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Senior Electrical Technician, where you'll work on cutting-edge engineering projects in a fast-paced environment. Our company fosters a collaborative culture that prioritises professional development, offering you the chance to enhance your skills while contributing to exciting projects. With a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement, we provide a supportive workplace that values your expertise and initiative.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Inspector
✨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 RML Group Ltd, 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 Lead Inspector
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 RML Group Ltd 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 RML Group Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with RML Group Ltd, 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 RML Group Ltd 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.
