At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect and measure precision machined hardware, ensuring quality standards are met.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a cutting-edge machining environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production quality and collaborate with engineering teams.
- Qualifications: Expertise in GD&T, CMM programming, and strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
As a Quality Engineer (Machining) focused on hardware inspection, you will serve as the dedicated measurement and inspection authority for precision machined hardware, both produced in-house and outsourced to suppliers. You will own the development and execution of quality processes for the shop, including inspection strategy, CMM programming, and providing critical engineering feedback. This role operates directly within the machine shop environment rather than our broader QMS team. You will bridge the gap between machining and mechanical engineering to ensure part designs, tolerances, and inspection methods align with true manufacturing capabilities and support our rapidly increasing production rates.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Inspection & Measurement
- Develop robust inspection plans for complex machined parts, including First Article Inspections and high-volume production sampling strategies.
- Perform comprehensive inspections on both in-house manufactured components and outsourced hardware from external suppliers.
- Program and operate CMM and other measurement systems to inspect high-complexity components.
- Define measurement approaches for tight tolerance features.
- Establish and document repeatable measurement methods across production runs.
- Engineering & Supply Chain Interface
- Review engineering drawings prior to release to identify tolerance stack risks, unclear/conflicting GD&T, and manufacturability issues.
- Provide GD&T guidance to the mechanical engineering team.
- Translate design intent into practical inspection and manufacturing requirements.
- Document non-conformances and out-of-tolerance conditions on outsourced parts, providing clear and actionable inspection data to the Quality team to drive vendor corrective actions.
- Process Quality
- Define in-process inspection requirements within machining workflows.
- Advise and train CNC Operators on proper techniques for manual, in-process hand inspections.
- Identify and resolve sources of shop-floor variation, including tool wear, setup variability, and process instability.
- Lead root cause analysis for out-of-tolerance conditions on the floor.
- System Buildout
- Establish tactical, machining-focused quality processes from the ground up (gauge control, inspection frequency, documentation standards).
- Interface collaboratively with the broader Quality organization, who handles overarching product QMS.
Required Skills:
- Expertise in GD&T with a strong focus on real-world application for shop-floor inspection and machining.
- Experience programming and operating Coordinate Measuring Machines.
- Extensive experience with precision machined components and tight-tolerance hardware.
- Hands-on inspection experience using a wide array of measurement tools.
- Ability to confidently interpret engineering drawings.
- Experience defining, scaling, or improving inspection processes for production.
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
- Experience working directly with machinists to define inspection and process controls.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience specifically with Zeiss CMMs and Calypso software.
- Familiarity with multi-axis CNC machining.
- Experience evaluating supplier FAIs and partnering with procurement/supply chain teams to resolve quality issues.
- Experience bridging mechanical engineering and manufacturing teams.
Vatn is an equal opportunity employer.
Quality Engineer, Machining in Bristol employer: Vatn Systems
Vatn Systems is an exceptional employer for Embedded Firmware Engineers, offering a dynamic and innovative work environment in Bristol, RI. As a startup at the cutting edge of autonomous underwater vehicle technology, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters creativity and hands-on problem-solving, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving field. With a focus on impactful projects and a commitment to employee well-being, Vatn Systems provides a unique chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in underwater exploration and security.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Engineer, Machining in Bristol
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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✨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 Vatn Systems, 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, Machining in Bristol
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 Vatn Systems 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 Vatn Systems
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Vatn Systems, 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 Vatn Systems 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.
