Senior Product Assurance Manager (GEO/LEO Satellite Programs)- RELOCATION TO BUDAPEST

Company:

Our client is a fast-growing European company in the defense and space sector, acting as a prime contractor for both national and commercial satellite programs. They are developing a fully integrated space capability, encompassing satellite design and production, ground operations, data management, and end-to-end service delivery. Headquartered in Budapest, the company operates as part of a major publicly listed telecommunications group and collaborates with leading international space agencies such as ESA, NASA, JAXA, and DLR.

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Product Assurance (PA) Manager to drive and oversee product assurance strategies across complex space and defense programs. In this role, you will ensure quality, reliability, safety, and compliance throughout the full system lifecycle — from design and development to production, integration, and operational deployment. Acting as a senior technical authority, you will collaborate with engineering, suppliers, and program leadership to proactively identify and mitigate risks, enforce ECSS and ISO standards, and guarantee the delivery of mission-critical, fully compliant systems.

You would report directly to the Director of Satellite Programs, with a growth path toward Head of Quality Office as the organization continues to expand.

The position is based in Budapest, and relocation is required. The company provides relocation support to assist with the transition.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Assurance Strategy & Implementation

• Define and execute the Product Assurance Plan across multiple programs, ensuring alignment with contractual and regulatory requirements (e.g., ECSS-Q-ST, ISO, AS9100).
• Serve as the PA focal point in design reviews, major program milestones, and customer audits (e.g., SRR, PDR, CDR, ORR, FAR).
• Ensure full traceability of technical and quality requirements through to product delivery and operational use.

Risk & Non-Conformance Management

• Lead PA risk identification, assessment, and mitigation activities across engineering and production phases.
• Oversee the non-conformance management process, including root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and customer reporting.
• Support Failure Review Boards (FRBs) and Material Review Boards (MRBs).

Supplier & Subcontractor Quality Oversight

• Define supplier PA requirements and perform audits, surveillance, and evaluations of supplier capability and compliance.
• Review and approve supplier quality documentation, including Manufacturing and Assembly Inspection Plans (MAIP), Certificates of Conformance, and test reports.
• Participate in incoming inspections and witness acceptance testing (FAT/SAT) where necessary.

Process Control & Compliance

• Ensure the application and compliance of relevant standards including: ECSS-Q-ST series (space product assurance)
• EN/AS 9100 / ISO 9001 / ISO 14001
• Customer- or mission-specific PA requirements
• Define and oversee cleanliness and contamination control, materials and processes, and software product assurance (as applicable).
• Collaborate with Configuration and Data Management (CADM) to ensure proper baseline management and product traceability.

Leadership & Communication

• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to junior PA and quality staff.
• Liaise with internal engineering teams, program management, and customers to promote a culture of first-time-right engineering and quality ownership.
• Lead or support internal audits, customer reviews, and regulatory inspections.

Required Qualifications:

• Must: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Must: 8+ years of experience in Product Assurance, Quality Assurance, or Reliability Engineering, with at least 3 years in the space industry.
• In-depth knowledge of ECSS-Q-ST standards, ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar aerospace/space quality frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience in hardware and/or software PA across the development, integration, and operational lifecycle.
• Familiarity with reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS) principles.
• Strong skills in auditing, problem-solving, documentation, and customer communication.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); any other European language is a plus.
• Eligible for national security or NATO clearance based on project involvement (Managed by company)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in satellite, ground segment, avionics, or defense systems PA.
• Certified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001, AS9100, or equivalent).
• Understanding of software product assurance, cybersecurity compliance, or materials/process engineering in aerospace context.
• Familiarity with PLM/CM tools (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and non-conformance tools (e.g., SAP Q-Module, NCR databases).

What We Offer You

• Engage in groundbreaking projects with NASA and ESA
• Contribute to building the Hungarian space industry
• Play a significant role in the company's growth and development
• Enjoy a flexible work environment
• Embrace a fun workplace with sports opportunities, board game nights, and many more team events
• Benefit from cafeteria, premium, and referral bonuses