ABOUT US
G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.
Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.
Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.
LOCATION
Ilminster, Somerset
ROLE
At G&H Ilminster, we specialise in the production of advanced optical components for aerospace and defence applications. We’re currently seeking a Quality Engineer at our HQ site, you’ll be joining a collaborative team that values precision, unity, and customer focus—helping to deliver quality at every stage of the process. As a Quality Engineer you’ll play a key role in maintaining our high standards in customer satisfaction, operational compliance, and CI. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and directly support the Quality Manager, while regularly engaging with senior stakeholders across the business.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Driving quality excellence through internal auditing, root cause analysis, and the delivery of process improvements using 5Y, 8D and other structured problem-solving tools.
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Supporting the Gated Contract Review process and new product introduction (NPI) by reviewing customer requirements and compiling FAIRs in line with AS9102 standards.
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Acting as a mature customer-facing representative to ensure timely issue resolution and close-out of customer returns.
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Coordinating concession management, analysing material non-conformances, and working with supply chain teams to address root causes.
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Leading and supporting business improvement initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of poor quality (COPQ) and enhancing system performance.
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Contributing to the maintenance and evolution of our AS9100-certified Business Management System (BMS) through effective auditing and risk-based thinking.
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Playing a supportive role in coaching and developing junior team members within the Quality team.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
You’ll be confident in navigating complex quality issues, building relationships across departments, and engaging directly with customers and auditors. To be successful, you’ll bring:
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Internal or Lead Auditor certification to AS9100 or ISO9001.
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Proven experience in a Quality Engineering role, ideally within a technical or optical manufacturing environment.
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Strong understanding of root cause analysis tools (5Y, 8D, DMAIC) and continuous improvement methods.
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Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to challenge and influence while maintaining high emotional intelligence.
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Experience working within AS9100 or ISO9001 certified environments.
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A structured, analytical mindset with good knowledge of COPQ metrics, MRB processes and supplier issue resolution.
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Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
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Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma principles and an understanding of the SC21 initiative is desirable.
BENEFITS
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Competitive salary
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25 days holiday plus bank holidays
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Company pension (6% contribution)
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Company bonus scheme
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Health Cash Plan
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£500 referral bonus for successful employee referrals (T&Cs apply)
Notes: This job description is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.
The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.
Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.
All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.
