Hybrid Supplier Quality Assurance Manager

at Open Cosmos

• Job title: Supplier Quality Assurance Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: No Education Requirement
• Tech skills: ERP
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Harwell, United Kingdom

About the role

• Supplier Quality Assurance Manager ensuring quality in the supply chain for space technology at Open Cosmos. Collaborating with suppliers to maintain high standards and resolve issues effectively.

Responsibilities

• Own how quality shows up across our supply chain, shaping how we select, work with and continuously improve our suppliers to meet the demands of space.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships while setting clear expectations and ensuring standards are met, risks are understood, and issues are owned and resolved properly.
• Define and lead our Supplier Quality Assurance approach across all programmes, aligned to ECSS, ISO9001 and AS9100.
• Own supplier qualification, audit and approval processes, understanding capability, identifying risks and setting expectations early.
• Build and manage supplier performance metrics, using data to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Embed quality into RFQs, contracts and technical requirements in close collaboration with Supply Chain and Engineering.
• Lead supplier-related non-conformances and MRBs, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions are effective.
• Monitor supplier manufacturing and inspection processes to ensure consistency, traceability and reliability.
• Support new product introduction by validating supplier readiness and process capability before production.
• Maintain clear, audit-ready supplier quality documentation and ensuring alignment with configuration and data control requirements.
• Support customer and external audits with robust evidence of supplier performance and compliance.
• Identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities across the supply base and feed these into wider business learning.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of supplier quality in high-reliability engineering environments where quality is critical
• Deep understanding of ECSS, AS9100 and ISO9001 and how to apply them in a practical, delivery-focused way
• Ability to conduct supplier audits, validate processes and lead effective root cause investigations
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g. electronics, harnessing, composites, mechanical structures) and associated quality risks
• Confidence managing non-conformances, MRBs and CAPA through to meaningful resolution
• Ability to use ERP, PLM or QMS systems to interpret supplier data and track performance
• Clear communication and influencing skills, able to challenge constructively and build alignment across teams and suppliers
• A pragmatic, structured approach to problem-solving, balancing rigour with pace
• Strong ownership, integrity and attention to detail in how you work with both internal teams and external partners.

Benefits

• 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.