Quality Manager, IRIS2 Programme Office

Quality Manager, IRIS2 Programme Office

PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

IRIS2 is the new European Union secure satellite constellation. This project is the European Union's answer to the pressing challenges of tomorrow to provide secure connectivity services and enhanced communication capacities to the EU and its Member States as well as to governmental users, private companies and European citizens while ensuring high-speed internet broadband to cope with connectivity dead zones.

SES – together with other consortium partners and core members – has been selected by European Commission to build and to operate the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite constellation.

As the project enters its next phase, our team is expanding to support the development of future services and products enabled by the IRIS2 system. We are now seeking skilled professionals to help shape the service provisioning landscape and ensure the successful deployment of cutting-edge satellite connectivity solutions.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a Quality Manager to lead and oversee quality assurance activities within the IRIS² Programme, a flagship European secure connectivity initiative. This role is critical to ensuring that all programme deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, compliance, and reliability in alignment with European Space Agency (ESA) requirements and international standards.

As Quality Manager, you will define, implement, and monitor quality frameworks across the programme lifecycle. You will collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and project teams to embed quality principles into every stage of delivery, driving continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with ESA and EU programme standards.

As a member of an agile project organization, you will be expected to bring a flexible way of working and an adaptive mindset to a dynamic development environment.    

As a Quality Manager, IRIS2 Programme Office, you will be responsible to :

• Define and maintain quality standards aligned with ESA quality processes, ECSS standards, and programme requirements.
• Ensure proper implementation of quality management systems (QMS), procedures, and documentation across all teams and suppliers.
• Plan and execute audits and process reviews to verify compliance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions for non-conformities, ensuring lessons learned are captured and applied.
• Provide quality guidance and training to internal teams and suppliers, fostering a strong culture of quality and compliance.
• Support configuration management and document control to maintain traceability and integrity of programme deliverables.
• Act as the quality interface with ESA and EU stakeholders, ensuring adherence to contractual and regulatory requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in Engineering, or a related technical discipline with focus on Quality Management
• 5+ years of experience in quality management within aerospace, space, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong knowledge of ESA quality processes, ECSS standards, and international QMS standards (AS9100, ISO 9001).
• Proven experience in auditing, non-conformity management, and implementing corrective/preventive actions.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Fluency in English, any other language considered as an asset.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in European space or secure connectivity programmes (e.g. GOVSATCOM, Galileo).
• Certification in quality or auditing (e.g., ASQ CQE, IRCA Lead Auditor).
• Experience with supplier quality assurance, process validation, and risk management.
• Familiarity with configuration management tools and document control systems.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work independently and with limited supervision in complex environments, including matrixed or multi-stakeholder projects
  • Flexibility and adaptability in response to evolving project requirements and dynamic environments
  • Ability to think strategically and align project goals with organizational objectives
  • Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies
• A detail-oriented and proactive professional with a strong understanding of quality assurance in complex, regulated environments.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU SECRET personnel security clearances is essential. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance.
• Willing to work at least 60% onsite from office
• Travel as required for project realization purposes

The job responsibilities outlined in this document are not exhaustive and may evolve over time and be reviewed according to business needs.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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