Space Quality & Product Assurance Engineer

Starion; Darmstadt; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Starion in Darmstadt, Germany is seeking a Quality and Product Assurance (QA/PA) Engineer to support ECSS-based quality assurance across space and cybersecurity projects. You will ensure ground systems meet requirements through specification, testing and delivery.

The role requires a Master’s in engineering or related field, 5+ years in QA/PA, strong software systems experience, and fluent English. You will participate in major reviews, drive root-cause analysis, and contribute to continuous QA

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, computer science, physics or related field.
• At least 5 years professional experience, including 3 years in QA/PA within space or another high-reliability sector.
• Strong background in software-intensive systems, covering development, V&V or maintenance of software and IT infrastructure.
• Solid knowledge of ECSS Product Assurance standards, particularly ECSS-Q-ST-10, ECSS-Q-ST-20, ECSS-Q-ST-10-09 and ECSS-Q-ST-80, including their practical tailoring.
• Proven involvement in formal project reviews, testing and acceptance campaigns.
• Hands-on knowledge of anomaly and nonconformance management, root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Good understanding of ISO 9001 and certified Quality Management Systems.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Shape and tailor ECSS-based QA/PA requirements for projects and contracts.
• Evaluate contractor QA/PA and software assurance plans, ensuring effective implementation.
• Review key project deliverables across requirements, design, testing and operations.
• Coordinate and support major project reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, QR, AR, ORR).
• Support test, verification and acceptance activities, including FAT/SAT and Test Readiness Reviews.
• Drive anomaly and nonconformance management with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Manage deviations, waivers, configuration and change control, including Change Control Boards.
• Oversee software product assurance from criticality and V&V through release and delivery.
• Contribute to quality audits and strengthen QA processes across engineering, development and operations.
• Provide quality metrics, risk management support, and lessons learned for process improvement.

Skills

QA/PA in space

ECSS standards

V&V

Root-cause analysis

ISO 9001

Project reviews

Education

Master’s degree in engineering/computer science/physics

Job description

Quality & Product Assurance Engineer

Location: Darmstadt , Germany

Application deadline: 5 November 2026

Reference number: 0596

Your Mission

Join us in shaping the future of secure and innovative technologies across space and cybersecurity.

We are currently looking for a Quality and Product Assurance (QA/PA) Engineer who will play a key role in supporting EUMETSAT’s Technical and Scientific Support (TSS) department in Darmstadt, Germany.

You will ensure that the ground systems transforming data from Europe’s weather and climate satellites into operational products are specified, built, tested and maintained to the required quality standards.

Tasks and activities

• Shape and tailor ECSS-based QA/PA requirements for projects and engineering support contracts.
• Evaluate contractor QA/PA and software assurance plans, ensuring effective implementation.
• Review key project deliverables across requirements, design, testing and operations.
• Coordinate and support major project reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, QR, AR and ORR.
• Support test, verification and acceptance activities, including FAT/SAT, Test Readiness Reviews and Test Review Boards.
• Drive anomaly and nonconformance management, following root-cause analysis and corrective actions through to closure.
• Manage deviations, waivers, configuration and change control, including support to Change Control Boards.
• Oversee software product assurance, from criticality and V&V through to release and delivery.
• Contribute to quality audits and strengthen QA processes across engineering, development and operations.
• Provide quality metrics, risk management support, lessons learnt and practical QA/PA guidance to continuously improve project delivery.

What we’re looking for

• Master’s degree or equivalent in engineering, computer science, physics or a related technical field.
• At least 5 years professional experience, including 3 years in QA/PA within space or another high-reliability sector such as aeronautics, defence, rail or automotive.
• Strong background in software intensive systems, covering development, V&V or maintenance of software and IT infrastructure.
• Solid knowledge of ECSS Product Assurance standards, particularly ECSS-Q-ST-10, ECSS-Q-ST-20, ECSS-Q-ST-10-09 and ECSS-Q-ST-80, including their practical tailoring.
• Proven involvement in formal project reviews, testing and acceptance campaigns.
• Hands-on knowledge of anomaly and nonconformance management, root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Good understanding of ISO 9001 and certified Quality Management Systems.
• Practical exposure to quality audits and process assessments.
• Confident in producing clear procedures, review reports and QA records.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Why make the move?

• Make an impact where it matters. Contribute to high profile projects supporting organisations such as ESA, EUMETSAT, the European Commission, NATO and national defence programmes.
• Work alongside some of Europe’s brightest minds. Join an international team of experts who thrive on collaboration, innovation and solving complex challenges that deliver real-world results.
• Grow beyond a single project. Join a growing international organisation and broaden your experience across a variety of projects and technical disciplines.
• Invest in your future. Benefit from ongoing training, mentoring and professional development opportunities designed to support both your personal and professional growth.
• Join a company that puts people first. Guided by our values of Integrity, Inspiration, Care and Collaboration, we offer a supportive culture, flexible working arrangements.

Equal Opportunities

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer,committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics.

As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, we will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

Important Eligibility Requirements

Due to the nature of the projects, this position is currently open to EU Member State nationals who are eligible to work in Germany

That said, we encourage suitably qualified professionals to apply even if you do not meet this requirement. Should a similar opportunity arise without this nationality restriction, we would be pleased to consider your application for future roles.

About the Group

CS GROUP, a subsidiary of Sopra Steria Group, brings together the complementary strengths of Starion and HE Space, to create one of Europe’s most comprehensive providers of talent, engineering, software and mission‑critical solutions for the space sector. CS GROUP delivers mission‑critical systems and advanced software that enable safer, smarter and more efficient space operations. Its expertise spans flight operations, space data intelligence and space engineering. Starion provides end‑to‑end expertise in systems engineering, mission operations, digital engineering and cybersecurity, supporting resilient space capabilities and sovereign European programmes. With more than 30 years of experience in the European space sector and teams across eight countries, we offer exceptional opportunities to work on missions that matter, develop cutting‑edge skills, and make a lasting impact on the future of space. HE Space connects exceptional talent with Europe’s leading space programmes. With more than 40 years of experience, it delivers managed services and highly skilled professionals across engineering, science, software, operations and administration. Together with Starion and HE Space, CS GROUP becomes Europe’s principal source of expertise in people, engineering, software and mission‑critical solutions, strengthening its position as a leading European space engineering and digital technology partner for the next generation of space missions.