ABOUT US
G&H is a world leader in optical designing, testing and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, G&H works with customers to provide optical systems, assemblies, and components for demanding applications.
Headquartered in Ilminster Somerset, UK with primary operations in the USA and Europe, G&H is recognised for the breadth of their acousto-optic, electro-optic, crystal-optic, fibre optic, and precision optic products. G&H is recognized as the preferred source for OEMs in the life sciences, industrial, and aerospace and defence industries, with a history of quality and excellence that dates back over seventy-five years.
Our success is built on innovation, precision, and the talent of our people. We are committed to developing capability at every stage of a career, from apprenticeships and graduate pathways through to leadership development.
LOCATION
Ilminster, Somerset
ROLE
At G&H Ilminster, we specialise in the production of advanced optical components for aerospace and defence applications. We’re currently seeking a Quality Engineer at our HQ site, you’ll be joining a collaborative team that values precision, unity, and customer focus—helping to deliver quality at every stage of the process. As a Quality Engineer you’ll play a key role in maintaining our high standards in customer satisfaction, operational compliance, and CI. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and directly support the Quality Manager, while regularly engaging with senior stakeholders across the business.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Driving quality excellence through internal auditing, root cause analysis, and the delivery of process improvements using 5Y, 8D and other structured problem‑solving tools.
- Supporting the Gated Contract Review process and new product introduction (NPI) by reviewing customer requirements and compiling FAIRs in line with AS9102 standards.
- Acting as a mature customer‑facing representative to ensure timely issue resolution and close‑out of customer returns.
- Coordinating concession management, analysing material non‑conformances, and working with supply chain teams to address root causes.
- Leading and supporting business improvement initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of poor quality (COPQ) and enhancing system performance.
- Contributing to the maintenance and evolution of our AS9100‑certified Business Management System (BMS) through effective auditing and risk‑based thinking.
- Playing a supportive role in coaching and developing junior team members within the Quality team.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
You’ll be confident in navigating complex quality issues, building relationships across departments, and engaging directly with customers and auditors. To be successful, you’ll bring:
- Internal or Lead Auditor certification to AS9100 or ISO9001.
- Proven experience in a Quality Engineering role, ideally within a technical or optical manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of root cause analysis tools (5Y, 8D, DMAIC) and continuous improvement methods.
- Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to challenge and influence while maintaining high emotional intelligence.
- Experience working within AS9100 or ISO9001 certified environments.
- A structured, analytical mindset with good knowledge of COPQ metrics, MRB processes and supplier issue resolution.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma principles and an understanding of the SC21 initiative is desirable.
BENEFITS
- Competitive salary
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company pension (6% contribution)
- Company bonus scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- £500 referral bonus for successful employee referrals (T&Cs apply)
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