Manufacturing Quality Engineer

About the role

Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd | Cambourne | Full-Time | Permanent

Are you an experienced Quality Engineer who thrives on solving complex manufacturing challenges and driving continuous improvement?

At Carl Zeiss Microscopy Ltd, we are passionate about delivering world-class electron microscopy solutions that meet the exceptional standards associated with the ZEISS brand. We are looking for a proactive and highly motivated Manufacturing Quality Engineer to join our team in Cambourne and play a key role in supporting product quality, supplier performance, and manufacturing excellence.

About the Role

Working within a small, collaborative quality team, you will be the first point of contact for quality-related issues within production, helping to ensure that incoming materials, manufacturing processes, and finished products consistently meet the highest standards.

This is a varied and hands-on position, requiring a structured and disciplined approach to problem solving, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary quality support contact on the factory floor for production-related quality issues.
• Investigate non-conformities and lead corrective actions using structured problem-solving methodologies such as 8D.
• Develop, implement, and improve quality standards and manufacturing processes.
• Inspect and evaluate materials, equipment, processes, and products to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to identify recurring quality concerns and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyse rejected components, repair data, and supplier feedback to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Raise and manage supplier quality complaints and support supplier performance improvement activities.
• Work closely with Supplier Development and Engineering teams to address quality non-conformities.
• Participate in internal and supplier audits, ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Support Customer Perfect Order (CPO) initiatives and quality improvement projects.

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience within a Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Quality, or Quality Assurance role.
• Strong understanding of quality improvement methodologies including CAPA, PDCA, Root Cause Analysis, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Strong communication skills, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach with a continuous improvement mindset.

Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of SAP and Power BI.
• Understanding of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Experience within high-precision manufacturing, instrumentation, medical devices, scientific equipment, or advanced engineering environments.
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of electronics, electro-mechanical assembly, cleanroom environments, vacuum technology, or microscopy products.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team

Abigail Hannaby, Farzana Rahman, Kate Benyon, Lara Haslam, Natarlee Lawrence, Suya Rolph