Calibration Project Lead

Job Summary

Calibration Project Lead – 6‑month contract in Huddersfield. £40 per hour, outside IR35. Minimum of 4 days onsite, with the option for condensed working days. Ideal candidate holds current SC Clearance or is eligible to obtain one.

Provide governance and support for ISO 9001:2015 compliance, manage the calibration department, and ensure all activities meet national and internal standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the maintenance and governance of the ISO 9001:2015 Management Systems alongside customer and legislative requirements, ensuring effectiveness through systematic auditing.
• Monitor the organisation’s quality policies and practices, verifying consistent implementation across the function and compliance with legislation, regulations, standards, and customer requirements.
• Manage the calibration department, its processes, procedures, and system.
• Calibrate measuring equipment as required by ISO 9001:2015 and internal BMS procedures, in accordance with national and internationally recognised standards (BS, EN, DIN, ISO).
• Calibrate equipment using known master gauges in a temperature‑controlled, clean environment:
• Gauges, Air Gauges, Gear and spline gauges, screw gauges, general inspection equipment (Micrometer, Dial Test Indicator, torque wrenches, verniers, height gauges, stick micrometers), Metrology Equipment.
• Manage and liaise with 3rd‑party accredited calibration laboratories and OEMs for on‑site and off‑site calibration of equipment such as: CMMs, Gear testers, Laser trackers, Laser scanners, surface roughness testers, electronic equipment, flow meters, instrumentation, torque wrenches, load cells, master gauges, fixed gauges, NDT equipment.
• Produce, communicate, and follow up on monthly departmental calibration recall lists.
• Prepare, review, monitor, and report on key performance indicators using industry‑standard tools; create reports on quality performance, management review elements, cost of poor quality (COPQ), process governance (Histogram, Pareto, etc.).
• Collaborate with department leaders to research, assess, and procure suitable measuring equipment, considering accuracy, ease of use, and cost effectiveness.
• Review internal and external calibration processes to achieve continuous improvement, cost‑effectiveness, and reduced capital investment costs.
• Provide manufacturing support in the measurement, inspection, and verification of products.
• Support the integration of industry‑standard quality processes, including MSA studies.
• Store, maintain, and review calibration records, contractual documents, and inspection reports.
• Engage with 3rd‑party accreditation bodies, customers, and end users to verify and deliver calibration requirements.
• Conduct internal business‑system audits in accordance with ISO 9001, AQAP, incorporating risk‑based thinking.
• Create, maintain, and develop controlled documents such as Check Sheets, Standard Operating Procedures, technique sheets, and inspection sheets.

Leadership Requirements

• Provide daily leadership of all calibration‑related activities.
• Make independent, impartial, and robust decisions using data‑driven logic.
• Coach and develop colleagues on calibration and measurement systems to build a high‑performing Quality Operations team that meets objectives, operational success, and delivers best‑practice results.
• Monitor task completion and record performance on appropriate systems.
• Act as the primary contact for calibration, auditors, or other interested parties.
• Communicate quality governance to the Lead Quality Engineer and present KPIs, reports, plans, or other documents as required.

Requirements

• Minimum:
  • Apprenticeship in mechanical engineering or equivalent; experience in calibration, quality, or quality control.
  • Experience in an engineering environment and for a quality control role with strong dimensional and analytical skills.
  • Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015 or equivalent management systems.
  • Certified ISO 9001:2015 auditor or equivalent.
  • Experience reading mechanical drawings and Geometric Dimension and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience with high tolerances, complex components, and metric & imperial measurement systems.
  • Experience in manufacturing, final, or goods‑inwards inspection.
  • Knowledge or experience of calibrating measuring equipment and industry‑standard measurement systems.
  • Computer literacy – Microsoft Office; good written and verbal communication skills.
• Preferred:
  • HNC/HND in mechanical engineering or equivalent (experience considered).
  • Previous experience in a similar role within the Marine and Defence industry.
  • Strong knowledge of quality management systems and industry standards such as ISO 9001, AQAP, Lloyds Rules, Defence Standards.
  • Detail‑oriented with a strong focus on team, quality, and continuous improvement.

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