QA-PA Manager Space Systems Engineering | HYBRIDE

Overview

TNO’s Space and Aerospace department plays a crucial role in the daily lives of everyone on Earth. Communication, navigation and observation satellites and their information systems, terminals and high‑tech instruments are becoming a unique part of our planet’s infrastructure. TNO works on aerospace technology together with the Dutch government, companies, institutes and universities. With approximately 4,000 staff we work for a range of clients – government agencies, SMEs, large companies, service providers and social organisations.

We develop new knowledge, better products and clear advice on policy and processes to help clients improve their competitive position and help society move forward.

• Ensure that space instruments and systems meet their mission objectives in a safe and reliable manner, from early design through integration, testing and delivery.
• Actively contribute to making supporting electronics and associated control software compatible with the space environment.
• Monitor and support the correct use of procedures, materials and processes both within TNO and at subcontractors and suppliers.
• Personally review hardware, witness inspections and tests, and challenge documentation until it is technically sound, complete and unambiguous.
• Take the lead when non‑conformances occur, initiating reporting, chairing technical discussions with customers and suppliers, and driving decisions that balance risk, cost and schedule.
• Anticipate potential failure mechanisms early, perform and support risk‑based analyses, and implement preventive actions in a cost‑effective way.
• Act as an independent, reliable sparring partner for customers, able to explain QA‑PA considerations clearly and credibly in a technical context.

• A higher professional education (B.E./HBO) or university degree (M.Sc./WO) in a technical discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in Product Assurance or Quality Assurance within space, aerospace, defence or similarly high‑reliability, low‑volume development environments.
• Proven experience working directly with hardware (e.g. electronics, mechanisms, opto‑mechanical systems or comparable high‑tech products).
• Experience in development projects, including participation in design reviews, test readiness reviews and non‑conformance processes.
• Solid understanding of PA and QA principles, including risk management and compliance with applicable standards.
• Familiarity with space systems (large or small satellites) or comparable complex, high‑reliability systems.
• Technical knowledge of materials and processes for demanding environments such as vacuum, radiation and thermal extremes.
• Experience in collaborating with suppliers and subcontractors in complex project ecosystems.
• Ability to use standards (e.g. ECSS) as a tool to support engineering decisions, including tailoring where appropriate.
• Strong communication and organisational skills; able to challenge engineers constructively and act as a trusted technical counterpart to customers.
• Bonus: knowledge of software and firmware for precision control systems or electronics for space applications.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

We offer a gross monthly salary between € [X,XXX] and € [X,XXX] (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th‑month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself. You may also expect:
• an extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field
• the opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs
• 33 days annual leave plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full‑time basis)
• an employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise‑based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics
• a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel or a lease car
• flexible working hours, the possibility to work part‑time (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home
• an extensive relocation package for international candidates
• a good pension scheme.