Head of Product Assurance . PA_Head_

OHB Italia is looking for immediate start for its Product Assurance Department the Head of Product Assurance

Lead the Product Assurance (PA) function for the programs (Space and Ground), ensuring that products, processes and suppliers comply with applicable contractual, regulatory, and corporate quality requirements. Oversee PA governance across the full lifecycle, from system design to verification, production, integration, testing and delivery, ensuring reliability, safety and full customer satisfaction.

• Define, implement and maintain the Product Assurance strategy, plans and processes for all programs.
• Ensure compliance with customer, corporate and regulatory standards (including ECSS and Space quality frameworks).
• Oversee PA activities across design, manufacturing, AIT/AIV, supplier management and system verification.
• Lead the definition of analysis documentation such as RAM, Safety, Radiation.
• Lead the definition of project documentation such as DML, DPL, DMPL, and DCL, ensuring conformity of materials, components and processes.
• Coordinate PA interfaces with project management, engineering, risk management, configuration management, procurement and operations.
• Oversee non-conformities (NCR), waivers, deviations and concessions, including NRB/MRB processes, approvals and closures.
• Monitor manufacturing and integration processes to ensure adherence to PA requirements and program standards.
• Oversee cleanliness and contamination control planning and execution for cleanliness and contamination, ESD and FOD control.
• Manage PA oversight for subcontractors, ensuring alignment with program standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate PA reporting to internal stakeholders, customers, and authorities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives, lessons learned, and updates to corporate PA standards on the basis of Root Cause Analysis of detected NC.
• Provide leadership, technical guidance, and resource management for the PA team.
• Ensure correct allocation of PA resources (qualified personnel) to various programs based on priority and complexity.
• Promote continuous professional growth and training for the PA team.
• Support bids and proposals by defining PA requirements, costs, and compliance statements.

• Proven experience in Product Assurance or Quality Assurance within the aerospace or space systems industry.
• Knowledge of ECSS standards and aerospace PA principles.
• Knowledge of qualification processes for EEE components.
• Understanding of system engineering, testing processes, AIT/AIV workflows, and configuration management. Previous experience in these fields is preferred.
• Ability to interface directly with customers on all quality and PA-related topics.
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to manage suppliers, audits, and technical reviews in a regulated environment.
• Experience in managing inspections and audits (internal and external, system and process).
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Leadership experience in managing multidisciplinary technical teams.