Product Assurance Manager (Space Hardware/Mechanics)
You Cannot Fake Quality in the Vacuum of Space
Most Product Assurance roles are an exercise in checking boxes and managing spreadsheets. This is not one of them.
We are hiring on behalf of a pioneering space hardware manufacturer near Munich. Their business isn't theoretical designs or standard aerospace components, they build massive, deployable reflector and antenna systems that fly on high-stakes European space missions. If the structural integrity fails, or the mechanism jams in orbit, the mission is dead.
We are looking for a Product Assurance Manager to own the quality roadmap for these complex mechanical structures. You will have direct visibility to the CEO and the authority to set quality standards across the entire project lifecycle.
Who this suits
To be straight with you from the start: this brief needs mechanical space hardware experience. Backgrounds solely in aviation, launchers, defence or EEE components and electronics won't meet it.
You'll need deep, practical experience applying ECSS standards to complex space structures, antennas or deployables.
What you'll own
End-to-End Ownership: Define, implement, and upgrade PA/QA processes to strict ECSS/ESA and ISO 9001 standards for real flight projects.
Team Leadership: Direct and mentor a dedicated PA/QA project team, setting objectives and monitoring performance.
Lifecycle Integration: Collaborate directly with Project Managers and Systems Engineers to weave FMEA, RAMS, and quality assurance into the DNA of the hardware.
Strategic Reporting: Track KPIs, non-conformities, and the cost of quality, delivering monthly, candid status reports directly to the CEO.
What you'll need
The client is firm on these, so we'll tell you early if your profile isn't a match:
10+ Years in Space PA: A decade of dedicated Product Assurance experience specifically within the European space hardware industry.
Mechanical Mastery: Proven track record with mechanical space hardware, extreme space environments, and structures (not just electronics).
ECSS & RAMS Authority: Deep, comprehensive knowledge and practical implementation of ESA/ECSS standards, alongside hands-on FMEA and RAMS expertise.
Academic Foundation: A Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering (or directly equivalent).
Language: C1 English fluency (German is a strong plus).
Location: Ability to work predominantly on-site in the Munich area (Eching-Dietersheim). This is not a fully remote role.
What's on offer
Compensation: €80,000 – €110,000 gross base salary per year, depending on your expertise, plus an annual performance-based bonus.
The Work Environment: A flat hierarchy, casual dress code, and a highly motivated, multicultural team of over 20 nationalities.
The Impact: A literal front-row seat to cutting-edge European space missions where your signature dictates whether hardware goes to orbit.
Flexibility: While on-site presence is required to touch the hardware, ad-hoc home office days are easily agreed upon.
How to apply
If you have the mechanical space hardware record and the appetite to lead PA/QA on these missions, we'd like to see it.
Send your CV and a brief outline of the most complex mechanical space flight project you've assured to careers@protodigy.com.
Every applicant hears back from us with a clear yes or no, and the reason.
