Quality Assurance Engineer - Space

IO; Harwell; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

IO, a leader in space technology, is seeking a Space Industry Quality Assurance Engineer to ensure product quality, safety and reliability from design through deployment.

You will lead QA programmes, audits, and continuous improvement while collaborating with suppliers and cross-functional teams to embed a quality-first culture. Aerospace experience and ECSS-related knowledge are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or closely related field.
• 3–5 years of quality assurance experience in aerospace, electronics, automotive, or related sectors.
• Experience in supporting product design, manufacturing, testing, and delivery.
• Proven experience applying quality tools for failure investigation and resolution.
• Familiarity with quality management systems, supplier QA, audit procedures, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills capable of driving collaboration across diverse teams.
• Analytical mindset with keen attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing comprehensive QA programmes and processes across design to deployment.
• Conducting rigorous quality control checks and verifying lifecycle compliance.
• Managing QMS activities aligned with ISO 9001, including procedures and documentation.
• Leading internal audits, identifying improvement areas, implementing changes.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and stakeholders to embed quality-first approaches.
• Managing nonconformances and anomalies with root-cause analysis and resolutions.
• Establishing performance metrics and KPIs to drive continuous quality improvement.

Skills

QA leadership

Root cause analysis

Audit management

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ECSS standards

NASA standards

IPC/JEDEC quality standards

Quality management systems (QMS)

Audit 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

• 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