Quality Engineer - Machine Shop

Production Quality Engineer - Machine Shop
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
4-day working week
 
The Opportunity
Wolviston Management Services are delighted to be supporting our client, a well-established and growing specialist engineering and manufacturing organisation, in the recruitment of an experienced Production Quality Engineer to join their Machine Shop team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a quality-focused engineering professional to join an innovative precision manufacturing environment, working with high-quality engineered components supplied to demanding industries including Aerospace, Defence, Space, Medical and Automotive.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring machined components meet the highest quality standards, working closely with CNC machinists, production teams and engineers to identify and resolve quality issues, improve inspection processes and drive continuous improvement.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with strong CNC machining knowledge, experience interpreting engineering drawings and a practical understanding of quality inspection and manufacturing processes.

Offering a four-day working week, competitive benefits and excellent opportunities for professional development, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a business continuing to invest in its people, equipment and manufacturing capabilities.
 
The Role
As Production Quality Engineer, you will be responsible for supporting daily machine shop operations, ensuring components are manufactured in accordance with engineering drawings, customer specifications and required quality standards.

Working alongside CNC Setters, Operators, Inspectors and Engineering teams, you will take a proactive approach to identifying potential quality concerns, investigating non-conformances and implementing improvements to manufacturing and inspection processes.

Your focus will be on maintaining high standards of product quality, reducing defects and rework, and supporting efficient, right-first-time production.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day machine shop operations, identifying and resolving production quality issues quickly and effectively.
• Interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, tolerances and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Develop, maintain and improve inspection plans, first-off inspections, in-process checks and final inspection procedures.
• Investigate non-conformances, machining defects, scrap, rework and process variations.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques, including 5 Whys, to identify root causes and prevent recurring issues.
• Lead corrective and preventive actions to improve manufacturing quality and process capability.
• Work closely with CNC Setters, Operators, Inspectors and Engineers to maintain consistent production standards.
• Monitor and analyse quality performance indicators, including scrap rates, rework, right-first-time performance and customer returns.
• Identify opportunities to improve inspection methods, production processes and overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Maintain accurate quality documentation, inspection records and supporting reports.
• Promote a culture of quality, continuous improvement and attention to detail throughout the manufacturing operation.

About You
We are looking for a practical, proactive and detail-oriented individual with a strong understanding of precision engineering and machine shop operations.

You will be confident working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, communicating effectively with production teams and taking ownership of quality-related challenges.
 
Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within a machine shop, production quality, inspection or precision engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tooling, machining tolerances and common manufacturing defects.
• Ability to confidently read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and GD&T requirements.
• Knowledge of dimensional inspection techniques, measuring equipment and quality control procedures.
• Experience supporting first-off, in-process and final inspection activities.
• Ability to investigate quality issues, non-conformances and manufacturing defects using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate quality records and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across Production, Quality and Engineering departments.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement and maintaining high manufacturing standards.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience within Aerospace, Defence or other highly regulated precision engineering environments.
• Experience supporting quality improvements within CNC machining operations.
• A strong understanding of manufacturing process capability and defect prevention.

What's on Offer?
Our client offers an excellent opportunity to join an established and expanding engineering organisation, providing long-term stability, professional development and a supportive working environment.
Benefits include:

• Four-day working week
• Permanent employment within a growing advanced manufacturing business.
• Alternative shift options.
• Company pension scheme.
• Enhanced holiday entitlement.
• Company sickness benefits.
• Death in service benefit.
• Structured six-month onboarding and training programme.
• Career development and progression opportunities.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Free onsite parking.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Potential relocation or travel support.