Product Assurance Manager (Space Hardware/Mechanics)

Job Title: Product Assurance Manager – Space Hardware & Mechanics Location: Eching (Munich area), Germany — Predominantly On-site Department: Quality & Product Assurance Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Seniority Level: Senior / Managerial (10+ years experience) About the Opportunity Join a leading European space technology organization at the forefront of designing and manufacturing flight-ready space hardware, large deployable structures, and reflector systems for critical space missions. We are seeking an experienced Product Assurance Manager with a deep background in mechanical space hardware to lead our Product & Quality Assurance initiatives, ensuring total compliance with European Space Agency (ESA) standards. Key Responsibilities PA/QA Process Management: Design, implement, and update comprehensive Product Assurance (PA) and Quality Assurance (QA) plans, processes, and procedures in full alignment with ECSS/ESA and ISO standards throughout the project lifecycle. Team Leadership & Strategy: Lead and mentor the Project PA/QA team; define clear objectives, assign roles, and build internal capability to support space hardware manufacturing. Project & Stakeholder Integration: Collaborate directly with Project Managers, Systems Engineers, and Work-Package Managers to seamlessly embed quality standards from early design through final delivery. Risk & Reliability Analysis: Perform and oversee RAMS, FMEA/FMECA, root-cause analysis (8D), non-conformity management, and trend analysis tailored to complex mechanical space structures. Executive Reporting & Metrics: Establish, monitor, and report key PA/QA performance indicators (KPIs), audit statuses, and cost-of-quality metrics. Deliver monthly strategic updates on PA status directly to the CEO. Compliance & Documentation: Ensure end-to-end traceability, audit readiness, and accurate documentation accessibility across all project stakeholders. Required Qualifications & Experience Education: Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Industry Experience: Minimum 10 years of hands-on Product Assurance experience within the European space sector, specifically focused on mechanical space hardware (e.g., structures, deployables, mechanisms, antennas). Note: Backgrounds limited exclusively to EEE components, defense, or aviation/launchers without space hardware exposure will not meet compliance requirements. Standards Expertise (Critical Requirement): Proven, multi-year track record of implementing ECSS standards across real space flight projects. Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 is mandatory; EN/AS 9100 is highly desirable. Tools & Methodologies: Proven expertise in quality management frameworks, including RAMS, FMEA, 8D problem-solving, and quality audit practices. Project Delivery: Demonstrated history of managing and delivering PA work-packages within strict timeline and budget constraints. Languages: Fluent English (C1 minimum, written and spoken). German language skills are a plus. Work Location: Willingness and capability to work predominantly on-site at our Munich-area facility. Candidate Profile Detail-Oriented & Proactive: Able to anticipate potential PA/QA risks and mechanical failure modes long before they occur, delivering preventive solutions. Strong Communicator: Outstanding interpersonal skills to bridge technical disciplines, align engineering teams, and present key metrics to executive leadership. Resilient & Adaptable: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, effectively prioritizes multi-project workloads, and maintains precision under tight flight-mission deadlines. What We Offer Base Salary Range: €80,000 – €110,000 gross/year (commensurate with experience), plus an annual performance-based bonus. Impact & Purpose: Direct involvement in real, flight-ready space missions that strengthen Europe's strategic independence in space technology. Culture: A collaborative, multicultural team environment with flat hierarchies and direct access to decision-makers. Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours with core hours, paired with a relaxed and supportive workplace. Perks & Environment: Modern office facilities, convenient public transportation connections (U-Bahn within short walking distance), nearby amenities (gym, shops, dining), and a casual dress code.