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: Competitive salary, diverse team, and the chance to work on global challenges.
- Other info: Dynamic 24/7 shift pattern with opportunities for growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team making space accessible for everyone.
- Qualifications: Hands-on quality control experience and knowledge of aerospace standards.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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. 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.
Working in the QPA Team, 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.
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.
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.
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. This role is based onsite in Harwell, Oxfordshire. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in the UK.
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 Engineer in Harwell 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quality Control Engineer in Harwell
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Open Cosmos for a Quality Control Engineer. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Quality Control Engineer in Harwell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Open Cosmos, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Cosmos
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Open Cosmos.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Open Cosmos. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Open Cosmos love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
