Quality Assurance Associate

Location: East Sussex

Department: Quality Assurance

Reports To: QSE Manager

Salary: Dependent on experience

Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Core Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
• Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

About Us:

Photek Ltd is a privately owned company specializing in the design and manufacture of specialized imaging detectors and systems. Our products serve diverse industries, including aerospace and biomedical, with applications ranging from single-photon detection to ultrafast cameras with sub-nanosecond exposure times.

Photek Ltd is part of Tibidabo Scientific Industries Ltd., a global leader in scientific and medical research technologies, life sciences, aerospace, defense, and more.

Job Summary:

As a Quality Assurance Associate, you will support the control and management of documentation and processes related to the Quality Management System (QMS), Environmental Management System (EMS), and Health & Safety (H&S). Collaborating closely with the QSE Manager and other departments, you will contribute to developing, implementing, and monitoring quality control systems that meet industry standards and customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

Goods Inwards Inspection

• Conduct visual inspection, manual measurements, and use Optical Gaging Product (OGP) inspection equipment for incoming components.
• Maintain quality inspection records and suggest process improvements.
• Complete First Article Inspection Reports (FAIR).
• Analyze quality data and recommend enhancements to reduce defects.
• Work with Engineering, Purchasing, and Production teams to resolve quality issues.

Calibration

• Ensure all measurement equipment is maintained and calibrated per internal procedures.
• Maintain calibration records.

QMS Support

• Maintain and organize documentation for QMS, EMS, and H&S.
• Support process implementation and improvements to meet quality and safety standards.
• Ensure accurate version control and document accessibility.

Compliance and Auditing

• Conduct and assist with internal and external audits to ensure adherence to QMS, EMS, and H&S standards.
• Coordinate corrective and preventive actions and follow up on implementation.

Training Coordination

• Assist in organizing and tracking employee training, including new starter inductions.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Collate, analyze, and report on quality metrics and trends to support continuous improvement.
• Communicate QMS, EMS, and H&S procedures to relevant departments.

H&S and Environmental Management

• Support ISO 14001 initiatives, including waste management and sustainability practices.
• Coordinate COSHH processes and procedures.

Customer & Supplier Quality

• Collaborate with suppliers and customers to address quality concerns and maintain standards.
• Coordinate final goods inspections before shipping.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• A degree or equivalent qualification in engineering, quality management, or a related field.

Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in a quality assurance or engineering support role, preferably in engineering or manufacturing.
• Knowledge of goods inward inspection processes and quality control techniques.

Knowledge:

• Familiarity with international quality standards (ISO 9001 and ISO 14001).
• Documentation control experience.
• Understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), COSHH assessments, and risk assessments.
• Experience supporting internal and external audits.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and technical drawings.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized, enthusiastic, and dynamic with a reasoned decision-making approach.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively under tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

If you are a proactive and detail-oriented professional eager to contribute to quality assurance within a specialized engineering environment, we encourage you to apply!

How to apply:

Please email your CV and cover letter to: Recruitment@photek.co.uk