Quality Manager

Orbex are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Quality Manager to join our team. The Quality Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the implementation of a robust quality management system throughout the organization. This includes overseeing quality assessments, establishing inspection processes, managing non-conformance procedures, and implementing a company-wide technical lessons learned system.

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime vehicle being prepared to launch from our home spaceport, Space Hub Sutherland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €85m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, our launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting-edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in space.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Responsibilities:

• Establish and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive quality management system for structures development and production.
• Conduct quality assessments using tools such as Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Design & Process Key Characteristics, and other relevant methodologies to identify potential risks and ensure product quality.
• Define work orders for quality inspections and closely monitor adherence to the agreed Control Plan to maintain consistent quality standards.
• Manage the treatment of non-conformances, including those related to subcontracted parts, by conducting audits and implementing internal or external corrective actions. Familiarity with relevant tools and procedures such as Practical Problem Solving is required.
• Develop and deliver quality training programs to ensure that all personnel are certified in accordance with the organization's quality assurance requirements.
• Provide support to key Structures Quality Gates, including manufacturing and integration key points, readiness reviews, and other critical quality checkpoints.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to compile structures product data packages, including definition and justification, inspection records, and certifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards and customer requirements.
• Support first article inspections to compare design specifications with as-built products, ensuring accuracy and adherence to quality standards.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience in quality management within the aerospace or manufacturing industry, with a focus on structures development and production.
• In-depth knowledge of quality assessment methodologies, including PFMEA, Design & Process Key Characteristics, and other relevant tools.
• Strong understanding of inspection processes and control plans.
• Familiarity with non-conformance procedures, including auditing and corrective actions for subcontracted parts.
• Proficiency in practical problem-solving techniques.
• Experience in developing and delivering quality training programs.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to aerospace quality management.

Personality

Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.

It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non technical team members.

You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.

Location

This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.

If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.

Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of Sutherland.

If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check. 

Benefits

For the right candidate, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes:-

• Competitive salary
• An equity stake in the company so you will really benefit from your hard work as the company grows and is successful. 
• Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security, but we are happy to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide relocation assistance as required.
• Company Cycle to Work scheme