Job Title: Product Assurance Manager (Space Systems Quality Assurance)
Stevenage - On site 3 days a week
£50,000 - £55,000
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Product Assurance Manager to support a major space systems programme within a Space Systems Quality organization.
You will have a strong knowledge of Product Assurance frameworks, including ECSS and a strong understanding of electrical and electronic systems within complex space assemblies.
You will act as the key quality interface between engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and the customer, ensuring that Product Assurance activities are effectively planned, executed, and delivered. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will be accountable for delivering quality outcomes in line with programme milestones and customer expectations.
The role focuses on driving a proactive, prevention-led quality culture, ensuring compliance to stringent industry standards, and enabling “right first time” delivery in a complex, regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
Act as the Product Assurance lead within the project team, owning delivery of PA activities across a range of electrics and electronics suppliers across the full product lifecycle.
Ensure compliance with space systems standards such as ECSS and customer requirements. Advise on resolution of non-conformances against standards and requirements.
Lead non-conformance management, including root cause analysis, corrective/preventive actions, and review boards (NRB/MRB) for non-conforming product.
Drive quality performance through KPI analysis, continuous improvement, and promotion of “right first time” principles.
Manage quality processes such as quality gates, audits, and process adherence activities.
Interface with engineering (particularly electrical/electronic), manufacturing, suppliers, and customers as the primary PA authority.
Required Skills & Experience
4 – 6 years experience in Product Assurance / Quality Engineering within space environments. Strong understanding of space industry manufacturing, including satellite build, cleanroom operations, and high-reliability assembly practices. Demonstrated capability to lead recovery of problematic suppliers
Strong working knowledge of ECSS / ESA standards and quality frameworks
Solid understanding of electrical/electronic systems and ability to engage with related engineering teams.
Excellent coaching and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to influence without authority across multidisciplinary teams and supply chains. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strict configuration, documentation, and compliance requirements.
Proven experience in non-conformance management, root cause analysis, and structured problem-solving (e.g. 8D, FMEA).Experience with lifecycle reviews, quality gates, and working within regulated, high-reliability programmes.
Desirable Qualifications
Degree in Aerospace, Electronics, Quality or Manufacturing or related fields.
Previous experience within space systems, satellite, or instrument programmes.
Familiarity with ESA customers and standards (ECSS environment)
Lean / Six Sigma Green Belt or similar qualification.