Principal Quality and Product Assurance Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

To help us in this exciting journey, we are looking for a Principal Quality and Product Assurance Engineer with a strong hardware background to ensure that all products meet the highest quality standards and lead key quality initiatives across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

As the Principal Quality and Product Assurance Engineer, you will hold a leadership role within both the Operations department, ensuring that hardware quality processes are implemented and adhered to across all phases of product development and manufacturing.

You will be the primary quality focal point for Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Testing (MAIT), ensuring hardware quality is at the core of all activities. You will work closely with the Senior Quality Manager and other cross-functional teams. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Mentor the quality and product assurance team

• Act as a Product Assurance Engineer on assigned projects, and managing them in accordance with requirements, quality plans and company's processes,

• Act as the primary quality focal point for all hardware-related activities, including Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Testing (MAIT) processes, ensuring that all deliverables meet project quality requirements.

• Manage product assurance activities, ensuring that all hardware deliverables are inspected, controlled, and documented according to quality requirements.

• Lead the management of the Qualification Status List (QSL) and Critical Item List (CIL) to track qualification progress and critical components.

• Monitor and contribute to RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) activities to ensure compliance with project standards.

• Oversee Hardware-Software integration surveillance and contribute to key integration milestones.

• Supervise subcontractor DP (Data Package) reviews, ensuring compliance with quality and project requirements.

• Perform product assurance project audits to ensure adherence to processes and standards, and contribute to the improvement of PA methodologies.

• Interface with customers to provide regular updates on Product Assurance (PA) activities and address their concerns.

• Drive the implementation of quality control plans, ensuring adherence at key inspection points, leading non-conformance investigations, conducting root cause analyses, and overseeing corrective actions.

• Support the certification processes for space-grade hardware and systems, contributing to audits, and liaising with regulatory bodies as needed.

• Ensure subcontractors’ compliance with the project’s quality requirements through ongoing compliance monitoring, in collaboration with the Supplier Quality Engineer.

• Represent quality interests in Verification Control Boards, ensuring robust quality coverage in product development, integration, and testing phases.

• Enhance safety and quality protocols in critical areas, such as hardware assembly and testing, propellant handling, and overall system integration.

What We Would Love to See from You

• Master's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace) or a related field.

• Minimum of ten years of experience in a quality role, with a strong focus on hardware product assurance.

• Proven experience with quality management systems and standards such as EN 9100, ISO 9001, and ECSS.

• Strong background in quality processes related to Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Testing of hardware.

• Exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a high-tech environment. Very high drive to be involved in hardware topics.

• In-depth experience with inspection techniques, process controls, and managing non-conformance issues.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a capacity to influence stakeholders and champion quality initiatives.

• Ability to work independently and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

• Fluency in English is essential, German is a plus.

Additional Assets

• Knowledge of ECSS and NASA standards, particularly in hardware product assurance and space-grade hardware development.

• Experience with advanced root cause analysis methodologies and quality control software tools.

• Strong project management skills with a focus on continuous improvement initiatives.

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:  

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind 

• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them  

• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. 
 
The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.