Calibration & Witness Inspection Coordinator

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We’re doing this by creating state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, investing in the UK to modernise industrial facilities, and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish. By combining Harland & Wolff’s proud heritage and facilities with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK is well-positioned to strengthen Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

Responsible for planning, coordinating, and maintaining all calibration activities for inspection, measuring and test equipment, while managing customer, classification society and third-party witness inspections throughout the manufacturing process. The role ensures compliance with contractual requirements, international standards, and the company's Quality Management System.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities 

• Maintain the calibration register for all inspection, measuring and test equipment.
• Schedule and coordinate calibration activities.
• Ensure all measuring equipment is calibrated before use and remains within its calibration period.
• Liaise with accredited calibration laboratories.
• Review calibration certificates for compliance with relevant standards.
• Maintain calibration records and certificates within the document management system.
• Identify, quarantine and report out-of-calibration equipment.
• Prepare and manage witness inspection schedules in accordance with project requirements.
• Coordinate inspections involving customers, classification societies, third-party inspectors and regulatory authorities.
• Issue inspection notifications within contractual timescales.
• Ensure inspection readiness prior to witness attendance.
• Coordinate manufacturing departments to ensure inspection hold points are achieved.
• Record inspection outcomes and distribute inspection reports.
• Monitor the closure of punch list items and inspection comments.
• Maintain inspection status reports for project teams.
• Assisting with internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with relevant quality standards and regulations.
• Contribute to the maintenance of an orderly and safe working environment. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Highly organised and methodical.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs).
• Good understanding of quality management systems.
  • ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
  • ISO 17025 – Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories (where applicable)
  • ISO 3834 – Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience using ERP, MRP or quality management software.  (SAP would be advantageous). 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional when dealing with customers and external inspectors.
• Able to work under pressure and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to prioritise multiple inspection activities.

Desirable

• Experience with classification societies (e.g. Lloyd's Register, DNV, ABS).

ISO 9001 Internal Auditor qualification.

Education and Experience

• Mathematics and English GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C
• NVQ 3/ONC in engineering/Quality related discipline
• Experience working within a Quality Control environment.
• Knowledge of calibration management systems.
• Experience coordinating customer or third-party witness inspections.
• Understanding of inspection and testing processes within heavy engineering, fabrication or shipbuilding.

• Competitive base pay
• Company pension
• 33 days holiday
• Life assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan (optional)

***Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance***

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.

If you experience difficulties or are unable to apply for a role on-line please contact us at people.skills@harland-wolff.com and one of the team will be in contact to help you.