Quality Assurance Engineer

About the Role

We are seeking a Quality Assurance Engineer to strengthen our quality systems and ensure that every product leaving our facility meets the highest standards of safety and reliability. In this role, you will own key parts of the quality process, from incoming material inspection and in-process checks to final testing, documentation and customer complaint investigation. You will act as a bridge between design, production, suppliers and customers, using data and structured problem-solving methods to prevent defects rather than simply detect them. This position suits someone who is rigorous, methodical and comfortable challenging assumptions in the interest of product safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain quality control plans for new and existing products.

• Define inspection criteria, sampling plans and acceptance standards for incoming materials, components and finished goods.

• Conduct incoming inspections of textiles, webbing, metal parts, connectors and purchased components, and manage supplier non-conformance.

• Perform in-process and final inspections, including dimensional checks, visual assessment and functional testing.

• Coordinate product testing activities, including destructive and non-destructive tests, and interpret results against applicable standards.

• Investigate customer complaints and internal non-conformances, identify root causes and drive corrective and preventive actions.

• Maintain and improve the quality management system, including procedures, work instructions, forms and records.

• Prepare for and support external audits and certification activities, ensuring documentation is complete and accurate.

• Track quality KPIs, analyse trends and report performance to management with clear recommendations.

• Train production staff on quality requirements, inspection methods and the importance of conformity.

• Collaborate with the design team during new product introduction to ensure quality requirements are built in from the start.

• Support continuous improvement projects aimed at reducing scrap, rework and warranty claims.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Materials Science or a related field.

• At least three years of experience in a quality role within a manufacturing environment, ideally in personal protective equipment, textiles, metal products or another safety-critical industry.

• Practical knowledge of quality tools and methods, such as root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action, statistical process control, FMEA and control plans.

• Experience with inspection and testing equipment, measurement tools and calibration processes.

• Familiarity with quality management system requirements and audit processes.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately under time pressure.

• Excellent documentation skills and the discipline to keep records audit-ready at all times.

• Clear communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and influence colleagues at different levels.

• Willingness to travel occasionally to supplier sites or customer locations.

What We Offer

• A central role in protecting end users through consistent product quality.

• Exposure to the full quality lifecycle, from supplier management to customer feedback.

• A supportive team culture with a strong focus on continuous improvement.

• Training and development opportunities in quality methods and standards.

• Competitive salary, benefits and a stable, long-term working environment.