Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager

Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Open Cosmos Ltd.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead quality assurance across our supply chain, ensuring top-notch standards for space technology.
  • Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible for global challenges.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse team, and the chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that ensures our satellites perform flawlessly when it matters most.
  • Qualifications: Experience in supplier quality assurance and knowledge of ECSS, AS9100, and ISO9001.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos, we’re solving some of the world’s biggest challenges from space giving businesses, governments and researchers access to the data they need, when they need it. Ready to be part of it? Then read on…

Our COO teams are the engine behind everything we deliver. Bringing together mission management, supply chain, and quality & product assurance, they turn plans into action keeping us efficient, reliable and mission-ready.

Working in the QPA Team, our Quality & Product Assurance (QPA) team makes sure everything we build performs as it should, when it matters most. They embed quality at every stage, from design through to launch, so our satellites and systems are ready to deliver with confidence.

What will you be doing? As our Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager, you’ll own how quality shows up across our supply chain, shaping how we select, work with and continuously improve our suppliers to meet the demands of space. You’ll build strong, collaborative relationships while setting clear expectations and ensuring standards are met, risks are understood, and issues are owned and resolved properly.

  • Defining and leading our Supplier Quality Assurance approach across all programmes, aligned to ECSS, ISO9001 and AS9100
  • Owning supplier qualification, audit and approval processes, understanding capability, identifying risks and setting expectations early
  • Building and managing supplier performance metrics, using data to drive accountability and continuous improvement
  • Embedding quality into RFQs, contracts and technical requirements in close collaboration with Supply Chain and Engineering
  • Leading supplier-related non-conformances and MRBs, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are effective
  • Monitoring supplier manufacturing and inspection processes to ensure consistency, traceability and reliability
  • Supporting new product introduction by validating supplier readiness and process capability before production
  • Maintaining clear, audit-ready supplier quality documentation and ensuring alignment with configuration and data control requirements
  • Supporting customer and external audits with robust evidence of supplier performance and compliance
  • Identifying trends, risks and improvement opportunities across the supply base and feeding these into wider business learning

What You’ll bring: You’ll bring a mix of structure, pragmatism, and a hands-on approach, ensuring our systems and satellites are built to the highest standards.

  • Strong knowledge of supplier quality in high-reliability engineering environments where quality is critical
  • Deep understanding of ECSS, AS9100 and ISO9001 and how to apply them in a practical, delivery-focused way
  • Ability to conduct supplier audits, validate processes and lead effective root cause investigations
  • Good understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g. electronics, harnessing, composites, mechanical structures) and associated quality risks
  • Confidence managing non-conformances, MRBs and CAPA through to meaningful resolution
  • Ability to use ERP, PLM or QMS systems to interpret supplier data and track performance
  • Clear communication and influencing skills, able to challenge constructively and build alignment across teams and suppliers
  • A pragmatic, structured approach to problem-solving, balancing rigour with pace
  • Strong ownership, integrity and attention to detail in how you work with both internal teams and external partners

Due to the nature of this role, you will be required in the office/lab at least 2-3 days per week, fluctuating based on business needs. For this role you can be based in any of our locations. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in your chosen location. When applying, please submit your CV in English.

Why Open Cosmos? Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe. A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges. A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.

Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager employer: Open Cosmos Ltd.

Open Cosmos Ltd is an exceptional employer located in East Hagbourne, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and personal growth. Employees benefit from engaging in meaningful projects that address global challenges, alongside opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.

Open Cosmos Ltd.

Contact Details:

Open Cosmos Ltd. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. We want to show that we’re not just a good fit for the role, but also for the team. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their mission and values.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common questions. We need to be confident and articulate when discussing our experience and how it relates to the Supplier Quality Assurance role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows our enthusiasm for the position and keeps us fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why we’re the best fit!

We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) Manager

Supplier Quality Assurance
ECSS
ISO9001
AS9100
Supplier Audits
Root Cause Investigations
Manufacturing Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Quality:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for quality assurance shine through! We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission of delivering high-quality products in the space industry.

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Supplier Quality Assurance role. Highlight your relevant experience with ECSS, ISO9001, and AS9100, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on experience you have with supplier audits and non-conformance management.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos Ltd.

Know Your Standards

Familiarise yourself with ECSS, ISO9001, and AS9100 standards before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of quality assurance in high-reliability environments.

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Prepare examples of how you've tackled non-conformances and led root cause investigations. Highlight your structured approach to problem-solving and how you balance thoroughness with efficiency.

Build Relationships

Emphasise your ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and internal teams. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped align expectations and resolve issues effectively.

Data-Driven Mindset

Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive accountability and continuous improvement in supplier performance. Mention any experience with ERP, PLM, or QMS systems to interpret supplier data and track metrics.