Quality Inspector

Quality Inspector

Location: Hailsham, East Sussex (BN27 4EL)
Salary: Competitive, DOE + Excellent Benefits
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
Benefits: Private medical insurance, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Salary sacrifice pension scheme, Life insurance, Electric Vehicle Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, State-of-the-art manufacturing facility and Ongoing training and career development opportunities!

Be the Standard Behind World-Class Engineering

For over 60 years, VACGEN has been a global leader in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology, supporting some of the world's most advanced scientific and industrial applications.

Our products are trusted by internationally renowned organisations including NASA, CERN and the European Space Agency, helping to drive breakthroughs in research, semiconductor technology and space exploration.

We are now looking for an experienced Quality Inspector to join our growing team at our modern manufacturing facility near Hailsham.

If you're passionate about precision engineering, quality excellence and continuous improvement, this is an opportunity to play a vital role in ensuring products of the highest standard reach customers around the world.

The Role

As a Quality Inspector, you'll be a key part of our Quality team, responsible for inspecting, testing and validating precision-engineered components and assemblies throughout the manufacturing process.

You'll work closely with Production, Engineering and Quality colleagues to identify opportunities for improvement, investigate non-conformances and help ensure every product leaves our facility meeting the exacting standards our customers expect.

This is a hands-on role where your expertise will directly contribute to the quality and reputation of VACGEN's world-class products.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect and measure precision components and assemblies against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Use a range of metrology equipment, including Faro Arm (CMM) technology, to verify product conformity.
• Conduct testing and validation of components and assemblies using specialised inspection equipment.
• Perform visual inspection of welded assemblies and finished products.
• Record, investigate and manage non-conformances, supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Ensure products meet customer, regulatory and company quality requirements before release.
• Work collaboratively with manufacturing and engineering teams to improve processes and reduce defects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on Right First Time manufacturing.
• Maintain accurate inspection records and quality documentation.
• Update and monitor quality metrics and KPI data to drive ongoing performance improvements.

About You

You are detail-focused, methodical and committed to delivering the highest standards of quality. You enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and taking ownership of ensuring products meet exacting engineering requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience working within an ISO 9001 quality management environment.
• A minimum of three years' experience within a machine shop, precision engineering or manufacturing setting.
• Strong understanding of quality tools and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using CMM equipment, Faro Arms and precision metrology tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances and technical specifications.
• Experience with problem-solving and root cause analysis techniques such as 8D, FMEA, SPC, 5 Whys and Ishikawa.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality excellence.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of welding and fabrication inspection processes.
• Experience within the vacuum technology sector or other high-precision engineering industries.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles, including 5S, Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping.
• Experience supporting quality improvement projects and process optimisation activities.
• Qualifications
• BTEC, HNC or HND in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• GCSEs (or equivalent).

Why Join VACGEN

At VACGEN, quality is central to everything we do. Our products support ground-breaking scientific discoveries and advanced technologies around the globe, and our Quality team plays a critical role in maintaining the standards we're known for.

You'll join a collaborative and innovative engineering environment where your expertise is valued, your ideas are encouraged, and your career development is supported.

This is an opportunity to work with advanced inspection technology, contribute to continuous improvement programmes and become part of a business with a proud history and an exciting future.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced Quality Inspector looking to take the next step in your career with a world-class engineering manufacturer, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help ensure the quality behind some of the world's most advanced scientific and engineering technologies.

No agencies please.