Are you the kind of person who notices when something is half a millimetre out, who can spot a tool mark across the room, and who genuinely enjoys checking that things have been done properly?
If that sounds like you — and you've spent some time inspecting parts in a workshop, machine shop, or manufacturing site, or you're a Quality Engineer looking for a more hands-on role with real variety — we'd love to talk to you.
About the role
Quickparts is one of the world's leading rapid manufacturing companies, and our High Wycombe site makes prototype and low-volume parts for customers across aerospace, medical, motorsport, industrial, and consumer sectors. We're hiring a Quality Engineer / Inspector to check the parts coming off our shop floor and out of our supply chain — and to act as our quality interface with customers and suppliers.
You'll work hands-on with a wide range of parts — 3D-printed components (plastic and metal), vacuum-cast parts, CNC-machined components, injection-moulded parts, sheet metal and die-cast pieces. No two days look the same, and you'll never be inspecting the same widget over and over again.
Why this is a good role to apply for
- Variety. Aerospace one day, medical the next, motorsport the day after. You won't get bored. Hands-on, not desk-bound. You'll spend most of your time with parts in your hands and inspection equipment in front of you. Real ownership. Your sign-off is what releases the part to the customer. People will listen to you when you say a part isn't right. Training provided. If you've got the right attitude and a solid base of inspection experience, we'll train you up on the technologies, equipment, and standards you don't already know. Career path. Quickparts is a growing global manufacturer with sites across Europe and North America. There are real progression opportunities into Senior Quality Engineer roles, AS9100 lead auditing, or supplier quality management — depending on where your interests take you.
What you'll actually do day to day
- Inspect prototype and low-volume parts using hand tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges) and, where available, a CMM and 3D scanner. Check parts against customer drawings, tolerances, and visual / cosmetic requirements. Write up inspection reports, First Article Inspection (FAI) reports, and Certificates of Conformity. Help investigate problems when parts don't pass — using simple problem-solving tools (8D, 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams). If you haven't used these before, we'll teach you. Liaise with customers and suppliers on quality questions. Be the friendly, professional face of Quickparts quality. Support internal audits and help us stay on top of our ISO 9001 and AS9100 (aerospace) certifications. Occasionally visit suppliers to do source inspections or qualification checks. Spot opportunities to make things run better — we genuinely want your ideas.
What we're looking for
A quick note on the title: we've called this role Quality Engineer / Inspector because the work genuinely spans both. If you're a hands-on inspector ready to take on more engineering-adjacent responsibilities (FAI reports, supplier interaction, problem-solving), this is for you. If you're a Quality Engineer who misses being on the shop floor with parts in your hands, this is also for you. We'll grade and pay the role based on your experience.
The honest version: if you've got even half of the list below and you're keen to learn the rest, please apply.
- Essential: Some experience inspecting parts in a manufacturing, engineering, or workshop environment — this could be from full-time work, an apprenticeship, or a placement. Confident with a caliper, micrometer, and basic gauges. Able to read an engineering drawing — bonus if you understand GD&T (geometric dimensioning and tolerancing), but we'll train you if not. Methodical, careful, and genuinely cares about getting things right. Good written English — you'll be writing reports that go to customers. Right to work in the UK.
- Nice to have (but we'll train you on these): Experience with CMM or 3D scanning equipment. Familiarity with ISO 9001 — and if you've worked under AS9100 (aerospace), even better. Exposure to any of: additive manufacturing (3D printing), vacuum casting, CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal, die-casting. Experience writing FAI / FAIR reports. Background in automotive quality (PPAP, IATF 16949) — useful but absolutely not required. A technical qualification (HNC, HND, mechanical engineering apprenticeship, or similar) — but if you're time-served and good at the job, we don't care about the paperwork.
The practical stuff
- Based at our High Wycombe site (HP12 4HH). Easily reached from the M40 and High Wycombe railway station. On-site role — this is hands-on work with physical parts, so working from home isn't possible. Full-time, day shifts. Occasional travel to customer or supplier sites (UK and occasionally Europe). Reports to the Quality Manager.
How to apply
Send us a CV — even if it's not polished. We're more interested in what you've actually done than in how it reads on paper. A short note explaining why you're interested is helpful but not essential.
If you're not 100% sure you tick all the boxes but you think this could be your kind of role — please apply anyway. We'd rather hear from you and have the conversation than have you self-select out.
Quickparts · Limitless Manufacturing
Quickparts is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person