Product Assurance Engineer – Space Optical Systems

Sarcedo, Vicenza (Italy) | Full-Time | Hybrid Working Policy

We’re supporting a leading European space optics manufacturer in their search for a Product Assurance Engineer to join their growing engineering team in Northern Italy. This company designs and delivers high-precision opto-mechanical systems for use in space exploration, laser communications, and advanced defense technologies – with flight hardware deployed on real missions for commercial primes and institutional agencies across Europe and beyond.

This 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.

About the Role

As 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.

This is the company’s first dedicated PA hire – so you’ll have the chance to shape the department, create scalable processes, and potentially grow a team around you over time.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing PA plans aligned with ECSS standards

• Managing and owning PA documentation: CILs, RFDs/RFWs, NCRs, MIPs/KIPs, ESA Alerts, and EIDPs

• Leading FMECA and critical item processes across all optical and mechanical subsystems

• Conducting internal audits and managing supplier/subcontractor compliance

• Participating in reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, TRB, MRR) and overseeing verification & validation phases

• Witnessing manufacturing and test activities to ensure adherence to mission-critical quality requirements

• Chairing NRBs and supporting qualification/acceptance testing campaigns

✅ What We’re Looking For

• Engineering degree (mechanical, aerospace, optical, or similar)

• 3-5+ years of hands-on Product Assurance or Quality Assurance experience in the space sector

• Familiarity with ECSS standards and the assurance lifecycle of flight hardware

• Strong documentation and stakeholder communication skills

• Comfortable working cross-functionally with systems, design, and manufacturing teams

• Fluent in English (spoken and written); Italian not required but a plus

• Willing to relocate to Italy (hybrid working supported, but not a fully remote role)

Bonus Experience

• Background with optical or opto-mechanical subsystems

• Experience working with ESA-class suppliers or subcontractors

• Exposure to ECSS Q-ST standards, PA audits, or NRB chairing responsibilities

Why This Role?

• First of its kind – You’ll be the first dedicated PA hire, with real influence over how product assurance is defined and delivered

• Real hardware – This isn’t a paperwork role – you’ll be physically involved in production and test campaigns for high-value payloads

• High-impact projects – Your work will directly support space missions, defense programs, and lasercom technologies

• Team growth potential – Over time, there’s potential to grow a team organically around you

• Make a difference – 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

Role Details

• Location: Sarcedo, Vicenza (Italy) – hybrid model with onsite presence required

• Salary: Up to €65,000 per year (depending on experience)

• Contract: Permanent, full-time

• Visa/Relocation: Support available for international candidates

• Language: English fluency required

• Interview Process: 2 stages – Initial remote with COO and QA Manager, followed by onsite interview

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Adam Slade