Full job descriptionChief Quality Inspector
PPAP / FAIRs – Aerospace Precision Engineering
Basildon, Essex
Permanent Position
Working Hours:
*8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Thursday
*8:00 am – 3:30 pm Friday


We’re partnered with an established aerospace precision engineering business supplying high-quality, bespoke components to leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
Due to continued growth, they’re looking for an experienced Chief Quality Inspector / Quality Inspection Team Leader to take ownership of the inspection function and lead a small team.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is technically strong, organised and confident taking ownership of PPAP, FAIRs and dimensional inspection within a precision manufacturing environment.
The Role
You’ll lead and coordinate a small team of two Quality Inspectors, while remaining hands-on with first-off, in-process and final inspection.
You’ll work closely with Production and Engineering to maintain quality standards, resolve issues and ensure customer requirements are met.
What You’ll Be Doing
*Leading and coordinating a team of two Quality Inspectors
*Planning inspection workloads and setting daily priorities
*Carrying out first-off, in-process and final inspection
*Taking ownership of FAIRs / First Article Inspection Reports
*Preparing and managing PPAP documentation and submissions
*Interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and GD&T
*Supporting non-conformance investigations and quality issues
*Ensuring inspection equipment is correctly used and calibrated
*Maintaining accurate inspection and quality records
*Working closely with Production and Engineering
*Mentoring and developing the inspection team
*Supporting continuous improvement across quality processes
What We’re Looking For
*Proven experience within precision engineering or aerospace manufacturing
*Previous experience as a Senior Quality Inspector, Chief Inspector, Inspection Team Leader or similar
*Strong hands-on dimensional inspection experience
*Proven experience with FAIRs / First Article Inspection Reports
*Good working knowledge of PPAP
*Strong understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T
*Experience leading, mentoring or coordinating a small inspection team
*Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
*Aerospace experience highly advantageous
What’s On Offer
*Competitive salary – DOE
*21 days holiday plus bank holidays
*Sage benefits
*Company pension scheme
*Overtime available at 1.5x hourly rate
*Opportunity to lead a small quality inspection team
*Long-term opportunity within an established aerospace precision engineering business


If you’re an experienced Quality Inspector / Chief Inspector looking to take ownership of a quality function within a specialist aerospace manufacturing environment, I’d be interested in hearing from you.
Please apply via the link and I’ll be in touch for a confidential discussion.