Manufacturing Quality Engineer
Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd | Cambourne | Full-Time | Permanent
Are you an experienced Quality Engineer who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving continuous improvement?
At Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd, we are passionate about delivering world-class electron microscopy solutions that meet the exceptional standards associated with the ZEISS brand. We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated Manufacturing Quality Engineer to join our team in Cambourne and play a key role in supporting product quality, supplier performance, and manufacturing excellence.
About the Role
Working within a small, collaborative quality team, you will be the first point of contact for quality-related issues within production, helping to ensure that incoming materials, manufacturing processes, and finished products consistently meet the highest standards.
This is a varied and hands-on position, requiring a structured and disciplined approach to problem solving, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the primary quality support contact on the factory floor for production-related quality issues.
- Investigate non-conformities and lead corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.
- Develop, implement, and improve quality standards and manufacturing processes.
- Inspect and evaluate materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure compliance with specifications.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to identify recurring quality concerns and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Analyse rejected components, repair data, and supplier feedback to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
- Raise and manage supplier quality complaints and support supplier performance improvement activities.
- Work closely with Supplier Development and Engineering teams to address quality non-conformities.
- Participate in internal and supplier audits, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
- Support Customer Perfect Order (CPO) initiatives and quality improvement projects.
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience within a Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Assurance role.
- Strong understanding of quality improvement methodologies including CAPA, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.
- Experience working within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
- Strong communication skills, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with a continuous improvement mindset.
Desirable Experience
- Knowledge of SAP and Power BI.
- Understanding of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.
- Experience within high-precision manufacturing, instrumentation, medical devices, scientific equipment, or advanced engineering environments.
- Exposure to lean manufacturing principles.
- Knowledge of electronics, electro-mechanical assembly, cleanroom environments, vacuum technology, or microscopy products.
About the Team
You will join a specialist team focused on maintaining and improving quality standards across the manufacturing operation, working closely with Quality Engineers, Supplier Development specialists, Production, and Engineering teams.
Why Join ZEISS?
ZEISS is a global technology leader renowned for innovation, precision, and quality. This role offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge microscopy products while contributing directly to manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.
If you are passionate about quality, enjoy solving technical challenges, and want to make a real impact within a world-class engineering environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today to become part of the ZEISS team in Cambourne.
Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:
Abigail Hannaby, Farzana Rahman, Kate Benyon, Lara Haslam, Natarlee Lawrence, Suya Rolph
Manufacturing Quality Engineer in Cambridge employer: ZEISS
At Zeiss, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our Home-Based CMM Account Manager role not only provides competitive benefits and a supportive environment but also opens doors for professional growth within a globally recognised brand in precision technology. Join us in Lutterworth to be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.
