Lead Inspector
The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and technically skilled Lead Inspector to join our Quality Control department.
This is an excellent opportunity for an inspection and metrology professional to take a leading role in ensuring the quality, accuracy and conformity of components within a busy engineering and manufacturing environment.
As Lead Inspector, you will oversee day-to-day inspection and measurement activities, ensuring components meet engineering drawings, technical specifications and required quality standards. You will bring strong practical experience across a range of inspection techniques and equipment, including manual measuring tools, CMM, Shadowgraph and 3D laser scanning systems.
You will also play an important role in coordinating inspection workloads, managing non-conformances, supporting root cause investigations and developing the technical capability of the wider inspection team.
We are looking for someone proactive, organised and confident in their technical abilities, who takes pride in delivering a right-first-time approach to quality.
Key Responsibilities
Inspection & Metrology
Lead and undertake dimensional inspection of components, ensuring compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.
Interpret 2D engineering drawings, 3D CAD models and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
Operate a range of inspection equipment, including manual measuring tools, CMM and Shadowgraph systems.
Carry out 3D laser scanning, dimensional analysis and associated reporting.
Determine appropriate inspection methods to verify component conformity.
Support measurement, inspection and reverse engineering activities where required.
Quality Management
Ensure inspection reports, quality records and documentation are accurate and maintained.
Manage the non-conformance process, ensuring rejected components are identified, recorded and controlled.
Maintain calibration records and ensure inspection equipment complies with company requirements.
Support Supplier Quality Assurance activities and investigate supplier-related quality concerns.
Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions to prevent recurring issues.
Workload Planning & Coordination
Coordinate inspection priorities in line with manufacturing schedules and business requirements.
Work closely with Manufacturing, Planning, Stores and Purchasing to ensure components progress efficiently through inspection.
Monitor workloads, manage competing priorities and identify potential delivery risks.
Communicate inspection progress, quality concerns and operational issues to relevant stakeholders.
Technical Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Provide technical guidance and support to inspection colleagues.
Support the training, mentoring and development of team members.
Promote consistent inspection methods and best practice.
Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency and departmental performance.
Champion a right-first-time culture across manufacturing.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
Proven experience in a quality inspection or metrology role within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
Strong experience using manual inspection equipment and CMM and/or Shadowgraph systems.
The ability to interpret engineering drawings and 3D CAD models.
A good working knowledge of GD&T and dimensional tolerancing.
Experience undertaking First-Off Inspection and First Article Inspection (FAI), including producing inspection reports.
Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, machined components and carbon composite materials.
Experience or working knowledge of 3D laser scanning and dimensional reporting.
Good organisational skills and the ability to manage changing priorities.
Strong problem-solving skills and experience dealing with non-conformances and quality issues.
Good IT skills and familiarity with ERP or manufacturing systems.
Qualifications
A relevant engineering, manufacturing, inspection or metrology qualification, such as BTEC, ONC, National Certificate, A-levels or equivalent practical experience.
City & Guilds Level 3 or equivalent technical training would be advantageous.
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for someone who is:
Technically confident, methodical and detail-oriented.
Proactive in identifying and resolving quality issues.
Comfortable working independently and using their own initiative.
Able to provide technical leadership and support to colleagues.
Flexible and responsive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Passionate about quality, continuous improvement and getting things right first time.
RML Group welcomes applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, military spouses and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of an important quality function, apply your technical expertise and make a real difference to manufacturing performance, product quality and customer satisfaction.
If you have a strong background in inspection and metrology and are looking for a role where you can combine hands-on technical work with leadership and continuous improvement, we would love to hear from you.