H3Product Assurance Engineer – Space Optical Systems /h3pSarcedo, Vicenza (Italy) | Full-Time | Hybrid Working Policy /ppWe’re supporting a leading European space optics manufacturer in their search for a strongProduct Assurance Engineer /strong to join their growing engineering team in Northern Italy. This company designs and delivers high-precision opto-mechanical systems for use in strongspace exploration, laser communications, and advanced defense technologies /strong – with flight hardware deployed on real missions for commercial primes and institutional agencies across Europe and beyond. /ppThis 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. /ph3About the Role /h3pAs 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. /ppThis is the company’s strongfirst dedicated PA hire /strong – so you’ll have the chance to shape the department, create scalable processes, and potentially grow a team around you over time. /ppKey responsibilities include: /pullipDeveloping and implementing PA plans aligned with ECSS standards /p /lilipManaging and owning PA documentation: CILs, RFDs/RFWs, NCRs, MIPs/KIPs, ESA Alerts, and EIDPs /p /lilipLeading FMECA and critical item processes across all optical and mechanical subsystems /p /lilipConducting internal audits and managing supplier/subcontractor compliance /p /lilipParticipating in reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, TRB, MRR) and overseeing verification validation phases /p /lilipWitnessing manufacturing and test activities to ensure adherence to mission-critical quality requirements /p /lilipChairing NRBs and supporting qualification/acceptance testing campaigns /p /li /ulh3 What We’re Looking For /h3ullipEngineering degree (mechanical, aerospace, optical, or similar) /p /lilipstrong3-5+ years /strong of hands-on Product Assurance or Quality Assurance experience in the strongspace sector /strong /p /lilipFamiliarity with strongECSS standards /strong and the assurance lifecycle of flight hardware /p /lilipStrong documentation and stakeholder communication skills /p /lilipComfortable working cross-functionally with systems, design, and manufacturing teams /p /lilipFluent in English (spoken and written); Italian not required but a plus /p /lilipWilling to strongrelocate to Italy /strong (hybrid working supported, but not a fully remote role) /p /li /ulh3Bonus Experience /h3ullipBackground with strongoptical or opto-mechanical subsystems /strong /p /lilipExperience working with ESA-class suppliers or subcontractors /p /lilipExposure to ECSS Q-ST standards, PA audits, or NRB chairing responsibilities /p /li /ulh3Why This Role? /h3ullipstrongFirst of its kind /strong – You’ll be the first dedicated PA hire, with real influence over how product assurance is defined and delivered /p /lilipstrongReal hardware /strong – This isn’t a paperwork role – you’ll be physically involved in production and test campaigns for high-value payloads /p /lilipstrongHigh-impact projects /strong – Your work will directly support space missions, defense programs, and lasercom technologies /p /lilipstrongTeam growth potential /strong – Over time, there’s potential to grow a team organically around you /p /lilipstrongMake a difference /strong – 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 /p /li /ulh3Role Details /h3ullipstrongLocation /strong: Sarcedo, Vicenza (Italy) – hybrid model with onsite presence required /p /lilipstrongSalary /strong: Up to €65,000 per year (depending on experience) /p /lilipstrongContract /strong: Permanent, full-time /p /lilipstrongVisa/Relocation /strong: Support available for international candidates /p /lilipstrongLanguage /strong: English fluency required /p /lilipstrongInterview Process /strong: 2 stages – Initial remote with COO and QA Manager, followed by onsite interview /p /li /ulpDarwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. /ppAdam Slade /p #J-18808-Ljbffr