Job description
Job Title: Quality Control Engineer
Location: Andover, Hampshire, UK
Type: Full-Time
Salary: £33,000 to £35,000
Industry: Manufacturing (Trailers and Semi-Trailers)
About Andover Trailers Limited
Founded in 1985, Andover Trailers Limited has become a leader in the field of specialist body and trailer manufacturing. We are renowned for our unrivalled engineering standards and the highest quality materials, ensuring our products offer an unmatched combination of strength, durability, and operational ease. Each trailer and body leaving our facility is a testament to our commitment to "Better by Design," tailored to meet the precise needs of our customers now and in the future.
The role
We are seeking a Quality Control Engineer who will be responsible for ensuring that all trailers and components meet internal quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements. Working within a specialist trailer manufacturing environment, the role focuses on inspection, process control, defect prevention, and continuous improvement across production reporting to Senior Homologation Engineer.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Control & Inspection
- Develop and implement inspection plans for raw materials, in-process assemblies, and finished trailers
- Conduct visual and dimensional inspections of fabricated structures, welds, and mechanical assemblies
- Perform final inspection (PDI) and sign-off prior to customer delivery
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards (e.g., ISO, GB, DVSA requirements)
Process & Production Support
- Monitor manufacturing processes to ensure consistent quality output
- Identify and resolve quality issues in fabrication, welding, painting, and assembly
- Work alongside production teams to improve build accuracy and reduce rework
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain inspection records, test reports, and quality documentation
- Generate non-conformance reports (NCRs) and track corrective actions
- Analyse quality data and produce reports on trends, defects, and performance
Supplier & Incoming Quality
- Inspect incoming materials and components from suppliers
- Support supplier quality assessments and audits
- Work with procurement to resolve supplier-related quality issues
Continuous Improvement
- Lead root cause analysis investigations (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone)
- Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)
- Contribute to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure compliance with health & safety and quality standards
- Support internal and external audits
- Maintain adherence to industry regulations specific to trailer manufacturing
Key Requirements:
Essential
- Experience in quality control within manufacturing (ideally automotive, trailer, or heavy fabrication) of around 3 years
- Strong understanding of fabrication and welding inspection techniques
- Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications
- Knowledge of quality tools (e.g., root cause analysis, SPC, FMEA)
- Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
- Good communication skills for working across departments
Desirable
- Experience in trailer or commercial vehicle manufacturing
- Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., ISO 9001, GB or UNECE standards)
- Welding inspection certification (e.g., CSWIP or equivalent)
- Knowledge of paint/coating inspection processes
- Experience using quality management systems (QMS)
Qualifications
- Degree or HNC/HND in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
Key Competencies
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Accountability and ownership
Working Conditions
- Manufacturing workshop environment
- Combination of shop floor inspection and office-based reporting
- Occasional travel to suppliers or customers (if required)
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week
Job Type:
Full-time
Benefits:
· Competitive hourly rate or salary (based on experience)
· 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
· 2/3 days gifted by the Company for Christmas/New Year
· Early Friday finish time of 3.00pm, for all employees
· Bonus Scheme- In Place for hourly paid Production/Workshop employees
· Overtime available- In Place for hourly paid Production/Workshop employees
· Free on-site Parking
· Convenient location, close to food outlets, green space & parks
· Company team events
· Life Assurance Scheme
· Pension Scheme
· Training and development opportunities
Additional Information:
On site working required with limited flexibility for remote working
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) only
Pay: £33,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Strong understanding of fabrication and welding inspection techniques
Experience:
- quality control exp within manufacturing: 3 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
