Quality Engineer

About VACGEN Ltd

VACGEN Ltd has been a leader in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology innovation for over six decades, servicing renowned global institutions such as NASA, the European Space Agency, and CERN with precise, reliable products.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Quality Engineer to enhance our continuous improvement initiatives, focusing on managing non-conformances and fostering supplier development. This role is based in Hailsham, BN27 4EL, operating full-time (37 hours) Monday through Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to elevate product quality by aligning with customer expectations and industry best practices.
• Lead root cause analyses of quality challenges involving manufactured products, purchased components, and customer feedback.
• Manage internal quality processes including Non-Conformance Reports (NCR), Engineering Change Notices (ECN), and Corrective Action Requests (CAR) to ensure prompt containment and resolution.
• Assist in the rigorous qualification and selection of suppliers ensuring compliance with strong Quality Assurance standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum five years' experience in a manufacturing or engineering quality role.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering complemented by professional qualifications such as ONC/HNC or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or Quality management.
• Proficiency in quality and process management methods including 5S/6S, flowcharts, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen, Pareto analysis, QCPC, 8D, Cause & Effect, Ishikawa diagrams, and 5 Whys.
• Skilled in continuous improvement techniques with a systematic and detail-oriented approach to problem solving.

Preferred Skills

• Hands-on experience with coordinate measuring machines (CMM), Faro Arm devices, and typical precision metrology tools used in machining environments.
• History of supplier evaluation and development.
• Exposure to vacuum science and related technologies is beneficial.

Additional Information

• Employment contract is full time and permanent.
• Competitive salary dependent on experience, coupled with private medical insurance, 25 days of paid holiday, company pension via salary sacrifice, life insurance, modern working conditions, an electric vehicle scheme, and cycle to work scheme.
• This position requires occasional travel to supplier locations; planned in advance with expenses reimbursed.
• VACGEN Ltd is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and an inclusive work environment.
• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the UK; overseas candidates will not be considered.