At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure quality in satellite production through inspections and compliance checks.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a leader in space technology and innovation.
- Benefits: Work in a dynamic environment with a diverse team and global impact.
- Other info: Rotating 24/7 shifts with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company solving real-world challenges from space.
- Qualifications: Hands-on QC experience and knowledge of aerospace standards required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
Our COO Teams are the engine that powers Open Cosmos’ operations. This division brings together mission management, supply chain, and quality & product assurance to make sure every mission is delivered smoothly, reliably, and to the highest standards. They turn plans into action, keeping us efficient and mission-ready at all times.
Working in the QPA Team
At Open Cosmos, our Quality and Product Assurance (QPA) team is central to ensuring that everything we deliver meets the highest standards of performance, reliability, and safety. The team is dedicated to embedding quality into every stage of our work — from design and development through to production, testing, and launch — ensuring that our satellites and systems are ready to perform their mission with confidence.
What will you be doing?
As a Quality Control (QC) Engineer, you’ll be a hands-on presence providing quality oversight during build, integration, and test activities. You’ll work closely with Engineering, AIT, Supply Chain, and suppliers to ensure only fully compliant hardware and software progress through the production lifecycle.
- Perform incoming, in-process, and final inspections of mechanical, electrical, and electronic hardware in line with ECSS, ISO9001, and internal quality requirements.
- Verify compliance against engineering drawings, specifications, and acceptance criteria.
- Provide quality oversight during AIT activities, including integration, testing, and environmental campaigns.
- Raise, document, and track non-conformances, deviations, and waivers, supporting root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Participate in Material Review Boards (MRBs) and support implementation of agreed dispositions.
- Ensure configuration management and full traceability across design, build, test, and delivery phases.
- Review manufacturing, inspection, and test documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance.
- Support supplier quality activities, including source inspections, incoming acceptance, and follow-up on supplier non-conformances.
- Contribute to formal reviews (PRR, TRR, QR, FRR) by providing inspection status, quality metrics, and evidence of compliance.
- Maintain accurate quality records in ERP/PLM systems and digital QMS tools.
- Identify recurring issues and trends, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support internal and external audits with clear, well-structured quality evidence.
What You’ll bring
You’ll have a practical, detail-driven mindset and enjoy working close to the hardware, ensuring quality is applied, verified, and documented at every stage and bring:
- Hands-on application of Quality Control activities within a regulated engineering or manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of ECSS, ISO9001, and relevant space or aerospace quality standards.
- Capability to perform inspections, testing, non-conformance reporting, and support root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test procedures.
- Understanding of configuration management, document control, and traceability requirements across the product lifecycle.
- Ability to work effectively with suppliers and cross-functional internal teams.
- Comfort using ERP/PLM systems and digital QMS tools to maintain accurate quality records.
This role is based onsite in Harwell, Oxfordshire. If successful you’ll work a rotating 24/7 shift pattern, supporting continuous assembly operations and satellite production while helping ensure key manufacturing milestones are delivered and coverage is maintained at all times.
To apply, you must have the legal right to work in the UK. 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.
Quality Control (QC) Engineer (shift based) in Didcot employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer for those passionate about space technology, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines while tackling real-world challenges through cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Join a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to making space accessible, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture that values respect and belonging.
