Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager

Open Cosmos Ltd; East Hagbourne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work at the cutting edge of space technology

Mission-driven company

Supportive team environment

Job summary

A leading space technology company is seeking a Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager to define and lead quality across the supply chain. You will ensure compliance with ECSS, AS9100, and ISO9001 standards, and build relationships with suppliers to maintain high performance. This role requires strong supplier quality knowledge, the ability to conduct audits, and excellent communication skills. You will work in a collaborative environment that drives accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of supplier quality in critical engineering environments.
• Deep understanding of ECSS, AS9100 and ISO9001 applications.
• Ability to lead effective root cause investigations.
• Ability to conduct supplier audits and lead root cause investigations.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and associated quality risks.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead Supplier Quality Assurance across all programmes.
• Own supplier qualification and audit processes.
• Monitor supplier manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Embed quality into RFQs, contracts and technical requirements with teams.
• Lead supplier-related non-conformances and MRBs to root causes and actions.
• Monitor supplier manufacturing/inspection for consistency and traceability.
• Support new product introduction by validating supplier readiness.

Skills

Supplier quality knowledge in high-reliability engineering environments

Understanding of ECSS, AS9100 and ISO9001

Ability to conduct supplier audits

Manufacturing process understanding

Non-conformance management

ERP, PLM or QMS systems usage

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving approach

Attention to detail

QMS software

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

ERP systems

PLM

QMS software

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos, we’re solving some of the world’s biggest challenges from space giving businesses, governments and researchers access to the data they need, when they need it. Ready to be part of it? Then read on…

Our COO teams are the engine behind everything we deliver. Bringing together mission management, supply chain, and quality & product assurance, they turn plans into action keeping us efficient, reliable and mission-ready.

Working in the QPA Team

Our Quality & Product Assurance (QPA) team makes sure everything we build performs as it should, when it matters most. They embed quality at every stage, from design through to launch, so our satellites and systems are ready to deliver with confidence.

What will you be doing?

As our Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager, you’ll own how quality shows up across our supply chain, shaping how we select, work with and continuously improve our suppliers to meet the demands of space. You’ll build strong, collaborative relationships while setting clear expectations and ensuring standards are met, risks are understood, and issues are owned and resolved properly.

You’ll be:

• Defining and leading our Supplier Quality Assurance approach across all programmes, aligned to ECSS, ISO9001 and AS9100
• Owning supplier qualification, audit and approval processes, understanding capability, identifying risks and setting expectations early
• Building and managing supplier performance metrics, using data to drive accountability and continuous improvement
• Embedding quality into RFQs, contracts and technical requirements in close collaboration with Supply Chain and Engineering
• Leading supplier-related non-conformances and MRBs, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are effective
• Monitoring supplier manufacturing and inspection processes to ensure consistency, traceability and reliability
• Supporting new product introduction by validating supplier readiness and process capability before production
• Maintaining clear, audit-ready supplier quality documentation and ensuring alignment with configuration and data control requirements
• Supporting customer and external audits with robust evidence of supplier performance and compliance
• Identifying trends, risks and improvement opportunities across the supply base and feeding these into wider business learning

What You’ll bring

You’ll bring a mix of structure, pragmatism, and a hands-on approach, ensuring our systems and satellites are built to the highest standards. You’ll have:

• Strong knowledge of supplier quality in high-reliability engineering environments where quality is critical
• Deep understanding of ECSS, AS9100 and ISO9001 and how to apply them in a practical, delivery-focused way
• Ability to conduct supplier audits, validate processes and lead effective root cause investigations
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g. electronics, harnessing, composites, mechanical structures) and associated quality risks
• Confidence managing non-conformances, MRBs and CAPA through to meaningful resolution
• Ability to use ERP, PLM or QMS systems to interpret supplier data and track performance
• Clear communication and influencing skills, able to challenge constructively and build alignment across teams and suppliers
• A pragmatic, structured approach to problem-solving, balancing rigour with pace
• Strong ownership, integrity and attention to detail in how you work with both internal teams and external partners

Due to the nature of this role, you will be required in the office/lab at least 2-3 days per week, fluctuating based on business needs.

For this role you can be based in any of our locations

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location.

When applying, please submit your CV in English.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
• A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.