Product Assurance Manager (Space Hardware/Mechanics)
Eco Plus Solutions AB Munich, Bavaria, Germany · €80K–€110K/yr
Business Consulting and Services · 2-10 employees
About the role
The Product Assurance Manager will lead and mentor the PA/QA team while designing and implementing quality processes aligned with ECSS/ESA standards. They will collaborate with engineering teams to ensure end-to-end traceability and perform critical risk and reliability analyses for space hardware projects.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering and possess at least 10 years of hands-on experience in the European space sector. Proven expertise in ECSS standards and mechanical space hardware is mandatory for this role.
Benefits
Full description
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.
