Product Assurance Manager – Space Systems
Berlin, Germany | Full-time (40 hours/week)
NewSpace Technical are partnered with an innovative and fast-growing company operating within the space technology sector, developing advanced technologies and systems for space applications.
Our client is looking for an experienced Product Assurance Manager to establish and lead its Product Assurance (PA) function, supporting the development of complex space systems from initial design through to testing, launch and commissioning.
Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team and alongside international project partners and suppliers, you will take ownership of Product Assurance across the full project lifecycle, ensuring that systems and payloads meet the quality, reliability and safety standards required for spaceflight.
You will be responsible for establishing PA processes, defining project requirements and ensuring compliance with applicable ECSS standards. This will include working closely with engineering, AIT, project management and external stakeholders, as well as providing independent oversight of suppliers and subcontractors.
This is a hands-on opportunity to build and lead the Product Assurance function within a growing space technology organisation. You will have significant autonomy, direct access to senior management and the opportunity to shape how Product Assurance is implemented across the business.
The programme operates within an ambitious development schedule, so we are looking for someone who takes a pragmatic, risk-based approach to Product Assurance while maintaining the technical standards expected within the space industry.
Essential: Candidates must have practical test engineering experience on spacecraft or space payload missions.
Key Responsibilities
- Define, implement and maintain the Product Assurance Plan across all project development phases.
- Establish PA processes and supporting tools, including nonconformance tracking, document control and configuration management.
- Ensure compliance with applicable ECSS standards, particularly the Q-branch, tailoring requirements to the project’s scope, risk profile and schedule.
- Support engineering teams in applying PA requirements across design, procurement, manufacturing, assembly and integration.
- Flow down Product Assurance requirements to suppliers and subcontractors, overseeing their performance through reviews and audits.
- Audit contract manufacturers, define mandatory inspection points and verify compliance with applicable workmanship standards.
- Perform or oversee dependability and safety analyses, including FMECA, FTA and worst-case analysis.
- Chair Nonconformance Review Boards (NRBs) and manage nonconformances, deviations, waivers and corrective and preventive actions.
- Provide independent oversight of testing activities by reviewing test plans, procedures and reports, and witnessing key environmental, functional and performance tests, including TVAC and vibration testing.
- Monitor EEE components, materials and processes for compliance with project requirements, working alongside engineering teams on component selection, screening and procurement.
- Coordinate project safety activities, including hazard analyses and safety documentation.
- Support software Product Assurance activities in line with ECSS-Q-ST-80.
- Oversee configuration management, including as-built and as-tested documentation.
- Identify and manage Product Assurance risks, reporting them to project management.
- Prepare PA documentation and contribute to major project reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, QR and AR.
- Take full ownership of the Product Assurance function across the programme.
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- 5+ years of experience in the space industry, ideally across spacecraft, satellite or payload development.
- Practical test engineering experience on space missions is essential, with hands-on experience testing spacecraft or space payloads.
- Working knowledge of ECSS standards, particularly the Q-branch (Product Assurance), including experience tailoring requirements to specific projects.
- Experience managing nonconformances, project risks and configuration control within a space programme.
- Experience flowing down Product Assurance requirements to subcontractors and overseeing supplier quality and compliance.
- Familiarity with dependability and safety analysis methods, including FMECA and FTA.
- Strong understanding of AIT processes and environmental test campaigns.
- Excellent documentation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Fluency in English (C1 or higher).
- Ability and willingness to relocate to Berlin, Germany. Existing EU residency is advantageous.
Desirable Experience
- Experience establishing quality and Product Assurance processes within a small or growing organisation.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, EN 9100, audits and safety assessments.
- Previous experience working directly with space agencies or institutional customers.
- Experience with EEE component selection, procurement and screening, including COTS components and relevant ECSS/ESCC standards.
- Knowledge of spacecraft workmanship standards and experience auditing contract manufacturers.
- Knowledge of materials and processes control, cleanliness and contamination control.
- Familiarity with software Product Assurance (ECSS-Q-ST-80).
- Experience with optical, electronic or other specialist space payloads.
- Previous experience in a startup or New Space environment.
- Familiarity with NASA standards, including GEVS.
If you are interested, please get in touch and apply today!
angela.olmo@newspacetechnical.com
