Graduate Quality Inspector
Precision Micro Ltd
Location: Precision Micro, Vantage Way, Birmingham, UK, B24 9GZ
Hours: Rotating AM and PM shifts
AM: 06:00–14:00
PM: 14:00–22:00
Shift allowance applies
About Precision Micro
Precision Micro is a global specialist in chemical etching, manufacturing high-precision metal components for some of the world's most demanding industries.
Our components are used across semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, space and satellite systems, automotive, medical devices, energy and advanced industrial applications.
We work with globally recognised customers including ASML, Amazon, Bosch, BorgWarner and Blue Origin, with our components supporting technologies ranging from advanced semiconductor equipment and satellites to hydrogen and carbon capture systems.
As our business continues to grow, maintaining exceptional and consistent product quality is fundamental to our success.
We are therefore looking for an ambitious Graduate Quality Inspector who wants to combine hands-on visual inspection experience with the opportunity to help develop the future of inspection at Precision Micro.
The Role
This is a hands-on, shop-floor-based graduate role.
A substantial part of the role will initially involve the visual inspection of high volumes of precision components against defined customer and internal quality standards.
We want to be transparent: visual inspection can be repetitive and requires sustained concentration, consistency and exceptional attention to detail.
However, this is not intended to be simply an inspection role.
We are looking for a graduate who can first learn and master visual inspection, then help us improve, standardise and increasingly automate it.
As your knowledge and experience develop, there will be opportunities to become involved in:
- Developing and introducing Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and other inspection technologies;
- Improving visual inspection methods and standards;
- Analysing inspection and defect data;
- Developing work instructions and visual inspection standards;
- Creating and maintaining limit sample catalogues;
- Training and developing Quality Inspectors;
- Monitoring inspector performance and consistency;
- Supervising inspection activities;
- Investigating recurring defects and supporting corrective actions;
- Working with Production, Quality and Engineering to prevent defects rather than simply identify them.
The long-term objective is to develop someone capable of taking increasing responsibility for how inspection is performed, controlled and improved within Precision Micro.
Key Responsibilities
Initially, your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting detailed visual inspection of precision manufactured components;
- Identifying and classifying visual defects against defined acceptance criteria;
- Maintaining consistent inspection standards across repetitive, high-volume work;
- Recording inspection results accurately and consistently;
- Understanding applicable product specifications, customer requirements and visual acceptance criteria;
- Escalating defects, abnormalities and unusual quality trends appropriately;
- Developing a detailed understanding of the manufacturing processes that create both conforming products and defects;
- Working closely with experienced inspectors and Production colleagues to understand the causes and characteristics of common defects;
- Operating in accordance with Precision Micro's Health & Safety and quality standards.
As your experience develops, responsibilities will progressively include:
- Analysing defect and inspection data to identify trends and improvement opportunities;
- Helping establish clear, objective and repeatable visual inspection standards;
- Writing and improving work instructions and inspection procedures;
- Developing visual standards, defect libraries and limit samples;
- Training new and existing inspectors;
- Assessing and monitoring inspector competency and consistency;
- Supporting and ultimately supervising inspection teams and activities;
- Working with Process Quality Engineers to investigate defects and improve manufacturing processes;
- Supporting trials and implementation of AOI, machine vision and other automated inspection technologies;
- Comparing automated inspection results against manual inspection to establish accuracy and capability;
- Identifying opportunities to reduce inspection time while maintaining or improving quality assurance;
- Supporting continuous improvement projects across the Quality function.
Technology & the Future of Inspection
Precision Micro believes inspection will increasingly combine people, data and technology.
A key development opportunity within this role will therefore be involvement in the evaluation and implementation of technologies such as:
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI);
- Machine vision;
- Digital image analysis;
- Automated defect recognition;
- Improved inspection data capture and analysis.
We are not simply looking for someone to operate today's inspection process.
We want someone who can help us develop tomorrow's inspection process.
About You
This position would suit a self-motivated, confident and ambitious graduate who combines exceptional attention to detail with an interest in technology, people and continuous improvement.
You will ideally have:
- A minimum 2:1 honours degree (essential);
- A First-class honours degree is desirable;
- A degree in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Materials Science, Computer Science or another analytical/technical discipline is desirable;
- Strong mathematics and numeracy skills, ideally with Grade 8 or above (or equivalent) at GCSE Mathematics;
- Excellent attention to detail and powers of observation;
- The ability to maintain concentration, accuracy and consistency when completing repetitive tasks;
- A logical and methodical approach to problem solving;
- An interest in manufacturing, quality and technology;
- Confidence working in a production environment;
- Good written communication skills and the ability to produce clear instructions and procedures;
- The confidence and interpersonal skills required to train and ultimately supervise others;
- An interest in data analysis, automation and continuous improvement;
- A willingness to question existing methods constructively and look for better ways of working;
- Availability to commence employment within the next few weeks.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who sees an opportunity not simply to inspect quality, but to help us improve the systems, people and technology through which quality is assured.
Working Pattern
The position operates on a rotating two-shift pattern:
AM shift: 06:00–14:00
PM shift: 14:00–22:00
You will alternate between AM and PM shifts.
A shift allowance is payable in addition to the graduate salary.
Applicants should therefore be comfortable working both early and late shifts on a permanent rotating basis.
Development & Career Progression
This role is designed to provide considerably more than experience in visual inspection.
For the right individual, we envisage progression towards increasing responsibility for:
Inspection → Standards → Technology → Training → Supervision → Continuous Improvement
Potential development opportunities include:
- Advanced visual inspection techniques;
- Automated Optical Inspection and machine vision;
- Quality and defect data analysis;
- Work instruction and quality standard development;
- Inspector training and competency management;
- Team supervision;
- Continuous improvement;
- Broader Quality Engineering opportunities.
Your progression will be based on your performance, capability and willingness to take responsibility.
What We Offer
- A structured graduate development opportunity within a growing advanced manufacturing business;
- Hands-on experience with high-precision products and demanding customer requirements;
- Exposure to globally recognised customers and advanced technology sectors;
- Training in visual inspection, quality and manufacturing processes;
- Opportunity to help introduce new inspection technologies including AOI;
- Genuine opportunities to progress into training, supervision and wider Quality roles;
- Competitive graduate salary and benefits package;
- Shift allowance;
- A working environment where graduates are encouraged to question, challenge and improve established practices.
How to Apply
If you are looking for a graduate role where you can develop from hands-on visual quality inspection into a position involving technology, improvement and people leadership, we would be pleased to hear from you.
This is an immediate graduate opportunity and applicants must be available to commence employment within the next few weeks.
Please submit your CV together with a short covering statement explaining your interest in the role and Precision Micro.
Please note: No applications or speculative CVs from recruitment agencies will be accepted for this role.
Pay: £25,500.00-£28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
