Product Assurance Engineer - Space
Descrizione dell'offerta
Sarcedo, Vicenza (Italy) | Full-Time | Hybrid Working Policy
We're supporting a leading European space optics manufacturer in their search for a Product Assurance Engineer to join their growing engineering team in Northern Italy. This company designs and delivers high-precision opto-mechanical systems for use in space exploration, laser communications, and advanced defense technologies - with flight hardware deployed on real missions for commercial primes and institutional agencies across Europe and beyond.
This is a newly created role, driven by the company's continued expansion and increased mission complexity. It offers the opportunity to lead full-lifecycle PA activities for cutting-edge hardware, with direct involvement in mission assurance from concept to launch.
As Product Assurance Engineer, you'll be the primary technical interface for all product assurance activities, reporting directly to the Head of Quality. You'll be responsible for defining and executing the full PA plan across multiple flight programs involving space optics, defense systems, and lasercom technologies.
This is the company's first dedicated PA hire - so you'll have the chance to shape the department, create scalable processes, and potentially grow a team around you over time.
Key responsibilities include:
Developing and implementing PA plans aligned with ECSS standards
Managing and owning PA documentation: CILs, RFDs/RFWs, NCRs, MIPs/KIPs, ESA Alerts, and EIDPs
Leading FMECA and critical item processes across all optical and mechanical subsystems
Conducting internal audits and managing supplier/subcontractor compliance
Participating in reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, TRB, MRR) and overseeing verification & validation phases
Witnessing manufacturing and test activities to ensure adherence to mission-critical quality requirements
Chairing NRBs and supporting qualification/acceptance testing campaigns
Engineering degree (mechanical, aerospace, optical, or similar)
3-5+ years of hands-on Product Assurance or Quality Assurance experience in the space sector
Familiarity with ECSS standards and the assurance lifecycle of flight hardware
Strong documentation and stakeholder communication skills
Comfortable working cross-functionally with systems, design, and manufacturing teams
Fluent in English (spoken and written); Italian not required but a plus
Willing to relocate to Italy (hybrid working supported, but not a fully remote role)
Background with optical or opto-mechanical subsystems
Experience working with ESA-class suppliers or subcontractors
Exposure to ECSS Q-ST standards, PA audits, or NRB chairing responsibilities
First of its kind - You'll be the first dedicated PA hire, with real influence over how product assurance is defined and delivered
Real hardware - This isn't a paperwork role - you'll be physically involved in production and test campaigns for high-value payloads
High-impact projects - Your work will directly support space missions, defense programs, and lasercom technologies
Team growth potential - Over time, there's potential to grow a team organically around you
Make a difference - If you're coming from a large company where you feel like just a number, this is your chance to join a tight-knit team where individual contributions truly matter
Location : Sarcedo, Vicenza (Italy) - hybrid model with onsite presence required
Salary : Up to €65,000 per year (depending on experience)
Contract : Permanent, full-time
Visa/Relocation : Support available for international candidates
Language : English fluency required
Interview Process : 2 stages - Initial remote with COO and QA Manager, followed by onsite interview
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.