Product Assurance Manager

Details matter. You have a natural affinity for digging into details within critical manufacturing or testing processes to assess whether they can be checked and repeated when necessary. You are proactive and driven to assess project and process risks, prevent failures and justify your point of view in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment where 'new' is only better if it is proven.   

Within a space project, the PA manager plays a key role in the core team of the project. In this position, you will be involved in the following tasks:

• Defining the quality and reliability environment for the design processes and the realization of the instrument
• Define, implement and monitor the product assurance program, including software product assurance, within projects
• Supporting and verifying the correct use of version control systems to ensure traceability and controlled documentation/design/software changes
• Acting as chair of the Nonconformance Review Board (NRB) in case of deviations
• Assessing and evaluating the design documentation of SRON and SRON's subcontractors or suppliers on the basis of certain criteria
• Support the selection and evaluation of the suitability of EEE-components, materials and processes (PMP) for aerospace applications
• Support of qualification programs for different types of hardware and assemblies or EEE components
• Participate in several project review milestones. PDR, CDR, etcetera… and following-up of actions
• Define testing requirements and plans for the PMP and the final product
• Perform reliability analyses
• Participate in design reviews with customers

This vacancy is part of the PA/QA/CC Section within the Engineering Group (EG). Working in an EG at a space institute is a unique and rewarding experience. In many engineering industries, commercial pressures mean that at some point a design is good enough, it goes out the door, and improvements can come later. Space engineering is different. When it goes into space, it simply has to work. That creates a special environment for engineers and other technical staff. We face with nearly impossible puzzles and are given the opportunity to really solve them: to design, build, test, learn, improve and design again until we get it right. That challenge brings enormous job satisfaction, and it is why you will find such a passionate and motivated engineering team at SRON.
You will be part of a team of five Product Assurance managers, a QA engineer and two document controllers, stationed in Leiden and Groningen. The PA manager can work at either location.

SRON contributes to various scientific space missions through various projects by realising groundbreaking instruments. The super-sensitive detectors developed by SRON contain highly accurate mechanical and optical parts, electronics and firmware/software. Due to the unique conditions in space, there are strict requirements for the design, hardware, processes and testing. SRON processes often require a high degree of cleanliness.  In addition, SRON conducts extensive tests on the end products so that the instrument can be delivered to the spacecraft. From the planning of the production of the first component to delivery to the spacecraft, the processes must be supported from a quality assurance perspective.

The PA manager is involved in all types of projects, including the realization of all products for space travel. You like to deal with questions such as "can we build it", "is the process defined in sufficient detail" and "will it survive the mission". Your role requires a mindset where you are able to approve an electronic or mechanical design or software product in accordance with a set of established quality criteria and the processes to obtain this approval.

In addition to the projects, you will also contribute to assessing and improving design, manufacturing and testing processes. You will implement improvements in existing processes as a team and help develop new technology. Your position will take into account, among other things: process validation, cleanliness, electrostatic safety, traceability and quality assurance.

For this great position, you need at least a college degree (EQF 6/7) in engineering or a related field. Experience as a PA manager is an advantage. We are looking for someone who enjoys working together, has strong analytical skills and values open communication. Your unique approach is welcome. You can work independently to help implement the project's PA requirements. You have a structured approach, a well-thought-out critical mindset and are solution-oriented when taking on challenges.

As a PA manager, some experience working in multidisciplinary teams (mechanics, electronics, optics, software) is an advantage. You have knowledge and experience in the field of: 

• Technical disciplines
• ECSS standards and their implementation
• PA related assessments such as NRB, MPCB, PCB, ERCB
• Evaluation and validation of PMP, including cleaning, surface treatment, SMT

Do you also have experience with software or firmware? Then that's a plus!

If you are motivated to be part of the project team and contribute to product assurance, this is your chance to join our team.

Don't have much experience yet, but do you see this as your mission? Then contact us, because who knows, we might be able to help each other!

The position we offer is a full-time position. You will be employed by NWO-I (Foundation for Dutch Scientific Research Institutes). You will be employed by NWO-I (Foundation for Dutch Scientific Research Institutes). The appointment is in the position of Product Assurance manager (SRON A or B experience level), on the basis of a temporary contract with NWO-I for at least one year, with the prospect of permanent employment.

The salary is in accordance with the NWO salary scale 11 with a maximum of €6.722.- gross per month on a full-time basis, depending on education level and experience. 

NWO-I has good secondary employment conditions such as: 

• An end-of-year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary
• 42 days of vacation leave per year on a full-time basis
• Compensation for commuting expenses
• An excellent pension scheme
• Options for (additional) personal development
• Excellent facilities for parental leave
• Ample training opportunities
• Possibility of flexible working hours