Quality Engineer

Quality Engineer | Colchester area | up to £35,000 | 4 day week

An established and highly regarded manufacturing business is seeking a Quality Engineer to join its team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced quality professional with a background in material testing, laboratory operations or manufacturing quality to play a key role in ensuring product compliance and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

As a Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for managing and operating the Material Testing Laboratory, carrying out a range of testing activities on raw materials, work-in-progress products and finished goods. You will support manufacturing operations through effective inspection, testing, data analysis and problem-solving activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Material Testing Laboratory
• Conduct tensile strength, elongation, hardness, density and DSC testing
• Prepare test specimens using laboratory lathes and sample preparation equipment
• Operate and maintain laboratory testing equipment, including tensiometers and DSC equipment
• Perform goods-inwards inspection and raw material verification testing
• Conduct first-off inspections and production testing activities
• Manage calibration of laboratory equipment and gauges
• Support quality investigations, capability studies, SPC and MSA activities
• Conduct root cause analysis using tools such as 8D, 5 Whys and Fishbone methodologies
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports and traceability documentation

Skills & Experience

• Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline
• Experience within Material Testing, Laboratory Operations, Quality Engineering or Manufacturing Quality
• Experience with polymers, fluoropolymers or advanced materials would be advantageous.
• Understanding of ISO 17025 principles would be beneficial
• Knowledge of tensile, elongation, density, hardness and DSC testing techniques.
• Experience with SPC, MSA, Gauge R&R and process capability studies
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and customer requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and quality data analysis

What's on Offer?

• 4-day working week - Monday to Thursday, 07:00-17:00
• Opportunity to join a specialist manufacturing environment
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

This Quality Engineer position would suit candidates currently working as a Quality Engineer, Materials Engineer, Laboratory Technician, Quality Technician or Testing Engineer looking to further develop their career within a technically advanced manufacturing environment. The role is based on the outskirts of Colchester, candidates willing to relocate will also be considered. Sponsorship is not available for this role.

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