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- Tasks: Ensure quality standards for space flight hardware and documentation.
- Company: Join the UK Astronomy Technology Centre, a leader in astronomical instrumentation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, flexible hours, and a subsidised restaurant.
- Why this job: Work on groundbreaking projects with top scientists in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's in STEM or equivalent experience in quality management.
- Other info: Opportunity to engage with various projects at a historic site.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 51000 £ per year.
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Edinburgh.
Salary: Band D (S1) £44,982 per annum.
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (2 years)
Hours: Full-Time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)
Come and work on the kind of projects that made you want to work in STEM. The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is the UK's national centre for leading-edge astronomical instrumentation and systems. We design and build instrumentation for world-leading astronomy facilities in space and on the ground. Here you will work alongside world-leading scientists, engineers, and technologists to develop and build leading-edge scientific instruments.
We have a friendly and flexible work environment, on a beautiful site combining the historic Royal Observatory Edinburgh architecture with a high-tech engineering facility including modern laboratories and cleanrooms.
We are currently seeking a Quality Engineer (QA) to support the development and delivery of a key subsystem for the world's first space-based gravitational wave observatory. Core to the role is ensuring that the project deliverable items, which include space flight hardware and associated documentation, conform to the agreed quality standards. There may also be scope to engage with other projects at the UKATC.
Specifically, you will be responsible for:
- Implementing quality control processes and procedures, with particular focus on Assembly, Integration and Test of flight hardware.
- Conducting thorough quality inspections on both incoming and outgoing hardware.
- Ensuring adherence of built products to processes and applicable standards including European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) requirements.
- Document creation and formatting, proper archive usage including accurate Metadata entry, application of the Configuration Management process.
- Change Request processes, Configuration Item Data List (CIDL) management, Review document submissions, drawing management.
- Non-conformance management.
- Ensuring process adherence in line with in-house and project quality standards.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support process improvements.
Person Specification:
- Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a STEM subject, or a strong record of equivalent professional development.
- An understanding of manufacturing drawings, specifications, and instructions, with a working knowledge of engineering standards (ideally ECSS or ISO).
- Knowledge and experience of quality management, quality control methods and tools, gained within a formal quality management system meeting the requirements of ECSS, ISO or industry equivalent.
- Knowledge and experience of configuration management and/or change management within a structured engineering system.
- Good people skills including organising own work and overseeing the work of others.
- Experience of creating technical work and reviewing the work produced by other people to defined requirements and/or the review of Project or Product conformance documentation.
- Experience of continuous improvement methods and activities.
- Clear and concise written and verbal communication.
STFC values their employees by offering a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance. This includes 30 days annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays, flexible working hours, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies and a subsidised restaurant.
The closing date for applications is 20th April 2025.
Quality Assurance in Edinburgh employer: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Contact Detail:
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Assurance in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the European Cooperation for Space Standardization (ECSS) requirements. Understanding these standards will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance in the aerospace sector.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of quality assurance and aerospace engineering. Attend relevant workshops or webinars, and connect with current employees at the UK Astronomy Technology Centre on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into their work culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific quality control methods and tools you have used in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've implemented these processes effectively, as this will showcase your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest advancements in astronomical instrumentation and systems. Being knowledgeable about current trends and technologies in the field will help you stand out during interviews and show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Assurance in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quality assurance and any specific knowledge of engineering standards like ECSS or ISO. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for STEM and your understanding of the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to quality control processes and your ability to work with cross-functional teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills such as quality management, configuration management, and continuous improvement methods. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Clear and concise communication is key, so ensure your documents reflect this standard.
How to prepare for a job interview at Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
✨Understand the Role and Requirements
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and requirements. Familiarise yourself with quality control processes, engineering standards like ECSS or ISO, and the specific responsibilities of a Quality Engineer in the context of space-based projects.
✨Prepare Examples of Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience related to quality management and control methods. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your knowledge of configuration management, non-conformance management, and how you've contributed to process improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex technical concepts in simple terms, as you may need to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the specific projects you'll be working on, the team dynamics, and how the company supports continuous learning and development.
