PA/QA Engineer - Space Systems

PA / QA Engineer – Space Systems

Belgium | Space & High‑Reliability Systems | Permanent

iO Associates are partnering with an early‑stage European engineering company operating in the space and high‑reliability systems sector. The organisation is developing advanced technology for deployment in demanding environments and is entering a significant growth phase as multiple programmes move toward qualification and production. As part of this expansion, they are seeking an experienced PA/QA Engineer to embed product assurance and quality practices across the full development lifecycle, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and external stakeholders to ensure reliability, compliance, and robust delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Support engineering teams throughout development by providing practical guidance on risk reduction, component selection, and reliability‑driven design choices.
• Plan, perform, and review reliability and risk analyses, including recognised methods such as FMEA/FMECA, parts derating and related assessments.
• Define suitable assurance and quality practices for complex systems operating in demanding environments, adapting standards to fit a fast‑moving engineering context.
• Oversee configuration control activities, including baseline management, change tracking, and milestone audits.
• Contribute to qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing by setting validation criteria and supporting critical test reviews and execution.
• Establish and maintain component quality approaches, covering approval strategies, screening requirements, and qualification paths for non‑traditional components where needed.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and integration teams to define workmanship expectations and review assembly and integration processes.
• Act as a point of contact for external parties on quality and assurance topics during technical reviews, audits, and programme checkpoints.

Experience & Skills

• Background in product assurance, quality assurance, or reliability engineering within the space sector
• Prior hands‑on experience in an engineering discipline (such as electrical, mechanical, or systems engineering)
• Familiarity with structured risk and reliability analysis techniques applied to real hardware programmes
• Working knowledge of industry standards commonly used in European space or aerospace projects, with the ability to apply them pragmatically rather than rigidly (ECSS)
• Comfortable representing quality‑related topics to customers, partners, or external reviewers.
• Fluent English required; additional European languages are an advantage.

This is an opportunity to take on a role with genuine technical influence during a key growth phase for a high‑reliability engineering organisation. You’ll be closely involved in shaping how assurance and quality are embedded across complex development programmes, working in an engineering‑led environment where collaboration and practical problem‑solving are central to delivery. The position offers exposure to challenging space‑grade projects, the chance to work with experienced multidisciplinary teams, and a competitive compensation package aligned with the Belgian market, alongside a supportive and close‑knit team culture.

To apply, please submit your most up‑to‑date CV. If the role aligns but you’d like to explore timing or suitability first, an initial confidential conversation can also be arranged.