About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and driven Quality Engineer to join our manufacturing team in Whetstone. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in improving product quality, reducing manufacturing defects, supporting new product introductions, and driving continuous improvement across a precision manufacturing environment.

This role focuses on reducing defects, improving process capability, supporting new product introduction, and leading structured problem-solving activities to improve yield, reduce the Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ), and enhance overall product quality.

Working closely with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain and Customer teams, you will play a key role in maintaining a culture of quality excellence and operational improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Quality Improvement & Problem Solving

• Lead root cause investigations and problem-solving activities using 8D or equivalent methodologies.
• Monitor and report on yield performance, customer returns and Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ).
• Implement effective corrective and preventive actions to eliminate recurring issues.
• Manage internal and external quality issues involving customers, suppliers and production teams.
• Facilitate reject reviews and drive containment and corrective actions.

APQP & New Product Introduction

• Support the successful introduction of new and revised products using Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Develop and maintain quality documentation including:
  • FMEAs
  • Control Plans
  • First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs)
  • Measurement System Analysis (MSA) studies
• Assess manufacturing risks and ensure appropriate controls are implemented.
• Support process capability and Gauge R&R activities.
• Manage and maintain calibration systems for inspection equipment.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead and participate in Continuous Improvement (CI) projects across manufacturing operations.
• Promote problem-solving and CI tools throughout the production environment.
• Support the implementation and sustainability of process improvements.
• Share lessons learned and best practices to drive company-wide improvements.

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Support and maintain compliance with ISO 9001 (and/or AS9100) quality management systems.
• Conduct audits of manufacturing and business processes.
• Assist with training production teams on quality standards, inspection methods and best practices.
• Support quality reporting and performance reviews with key stakeholders.

Key Performance Measures

• Manufacturing yield >95%
• Customer returns <1% of products shipped
• Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) <2% of shipments

Essential Skills & Experience

• Degree in Engineering or another STEM discipline.
• Experience within a manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.
• Practical experience of:
  • APQP
  • FMEA
  • Control Plans
  • MSA
  • FAIRs
• Strong problem-solving skills using 8D or similar methodologies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Degree in Quality, Mechanical, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Experience conducting process audits.
• Experience training or coaching production personnel.
• Experience within a precision manufacturing or highly regulated environment.

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated with a passion for quality and continuous improvement.
• Strong analytical and data-driven mindset.
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation.
• Influential and collaborative, with strong relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable working across departments to drive positive change.
• Committed to learning and developing new skills.

Additional Information

• Occasional travel to customer and supplier sites may be required.

If you are passionate about quality, problem solving and continuous improvement, and want to make a tangible impact in a precision manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.