Senior Engineer, Quality, Satellite Manufacturing

(Senior) Engineer, Quality, Satellite Manufacturing

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Quality Engineer defines how product and process conformity is assured in satellite manufacturing. The role translates engineering, program, and regulatory requirements into inspection plans, test requirements, and control plans used in production. Acting as an independent quality authority, the Quality Engineer challenges manufacturing and engineering on quality requirements and ensures that verification methods are correctly implemented, executed, and maintained throughout production.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Translate engineering, program, and regulatory requirements into inspection plans, test requirements, and control plans ensuring product and process conformity.
• Define and approve acceptance criteria and verification methods for manufacturing, assembly, and test operations.
• Develop, maintain, and enforce in-process inspections, control plans, and sampling strategies across production.
• Perform and support First Article Inspections (FAI), process audits, and compliance reviews.
• Challenge manufacturing and manufacturing engineering on quality risks, process capability, and requirement compliance.
• Investigate non-conformances, lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) and verify effectiveness.
• Support production release and closure by confirming completion of required quality checks.
• Maintain quality documentation within QMS / MES / ERP systems, ensuring traceability and audit readiness.
• Monitor quality performance metrics and drive preventive quality improvements.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, ECSS, ISO 9001, and internal quality standards.

COMPETENCIES, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Strong expertise in quality planning, inspection planning, and control plan definition.
• Practical application of quality tools (FMEA, SPC, MSA, 8D).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and GD&T (ASME Y14.5).
• Experience auditing manufacturing processes and enforcing quality standards.
• Structured, independent, and detail-oriented working approach.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent technical background).
• 3 - 7 years of experience in quality engineering within aerospace or high-reliability manufacturing.
• Proven experience defining inspection plans, test requirements, and control plans.
• Hands-on experience with FAI, process audits, and non-conformance management.
• Familiarity with MES, QMS, and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of ESD, contamination control, and cleanroom standards.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU/NATO/National SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance
• As part of a dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing organization, you will be expected to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability as project requirements evolve, and new challenges arise.
• In a role closely connected to cross-functional project teams, you will be expected to think strategically and ensure that operational decisions consistently align with broader organizational goals.
• Within a complex technical environment, you will be expected to apply strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address issues efficiently and maintain operational continuity.
• In a multidisciplinary production setting, you will be expected to communicate clearly and effectively (both verbally and in writing) to facilitate seamless collaboration across engineering, production, quality, and leadership teams.
• Willingness to work at least 60% onsite from office

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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