Quality Assurance Engineer - Space

UK Space Jobs; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Client in the United Kingdom space sector seeks a Space Industry Quality Assurance Engineer to uphold safety, reliability and quality across design, manufacture and in‑orbit operations.

You will lead QA programmes, audits, and continuous improvement, work with cross‑functional teams and suppliers, and ensure compliance with ECSS, NASA, IPC, and JEDEC standards. This role offers an opportunity to impact space missions and satellite systems over long product lifecycles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering or related technical field.
• 3–5 years of quality assurance experience within aerospace/electronics/automotive or related sectors.
• Experience supporting product design, manufacture, testing and delivery.
• Familiarity with quality management systems, supplier quality assurance, audits and CI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement QA programmes from design to deployment.
• Conduct rigorous QC checks and verify lifecycle compliance.
• Lead internal audits and implement improvements.
• Collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to embed quality.
• Manage nonconformances with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Establish KPIs to track quality and drive continuous improvement.

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or related field

3-5 years QA experience in aerospace/electronics/automotive

Tools

Quality tools for root cause analysis

ISO 9001 QMS knowledge

Auditing procedures

Job description

Join Our Client's Innovative Team as a Space Industry Quality Assurance Engineer. Our Client operates within the dynamic and rapidly evolving space sector, specialising in robotics, satellite systems, and geointelligence. With a proud heritage of pioneering achievements spanning over five decades, they are recognised globally for advancing space exploration, Earth observation, and communication technologies. Renowned for fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking culture, they offer an inspiring environment dedicated to innovation, growth, and making a meaningful impact - both on Earth and beyond.

This is a strategic hiring initiative driven by the continual development of space products designed to operate reliably for up to 15 years in the harsh environment of space. The role promises an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects supporting next-generation exploration and satellite systems, making a tangible difference in the universe's future.

As a Quality Assurance Engineer, you will be instrumental in validating that our client’s products meet the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability throughout their lifecycle. Your work will directly influence the success of space missions and satellite deployments, underlining the critical nature of this position at the forefront of technological advancement.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Developing and implementing comprehensive quality assurance programmes and processes to ensure product integrity from initial design through to deployment
• Conducting rigorous quality control checks and verifying compliance at every stage of the product lifecycle
• Managing Quality Management System activities aligned with ISO 9001 standards, including procedure development and documentation
• Leading internal audits, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing operational enhancements
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to embed a quality-first approach across all processes
• Managing nonconformances and anomalies, ensuring prompt resolution and root cause analysis
• Establishing performance metrics and KPIs to track quality performance, drive continuous improvement, and foster a quality-centric culture

Essential Qualifications And Experience

• A bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering or closely related technical field
• Between three and five years of quality assurance experience within aerospace, electronics, automotive, or related sectors
• Demonstrable expertise in supporting product design, manufacturing, testing, and delivery
• Proven experience applying quality tools for failure investigation and resolution
• Familiarity with quality management systems, supplier quality assurance, audit procedures, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong communication skills capable of driving collaboration across diverse teams
• Analytical mindset with keen attention to detail

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of electronics, optical components, and manufacturing processes relevant to aerospace and consumer electronics
• Experience with industry standards such as ECSS, NASA, IPC, and JEDEC
• Understanding of the product development lifecycle and advanced quality planning tools
• Additional expertise in satellite payloads, robotics, optical systems, or electronic component manufacturing would be advantageous

Our Client is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity, ensuring an equitable opportunity for all qualified candidates