Quality Integration & Improvement Engineer

About the role:

At Dcubed, we are redefining the future of space exploration with innovative solar arrays and space mechanisms. As a Quality Integration & Improvement Engineer (f/m/d), you will be the guardian of reliability and quality, making sure our products perform flawlessly in the harshest environments.

From the lab all the way to orbit. In this role, you’ll shape quality standards, define and oversee quality processes, manage non-conformances, and drive process improvements across the full product lifecycle. You’ll collaborate closely with engineering, production, suppliers, Customer Success, and Sales to ensure that Dcubed products not only meet but exceed expectations.

Your impact: By safeguarding product quality, you will directly shape the trust our customers place in Dcubed and ensure the success of future space missions. Every improvement you drive will contribute to safer, more reliable, and more ambitious missions beyond Earth.

Responsibilities:

• Integrated Management System (IMS): Support the maturation of the existing Quality Management System (QMS) into a comprehensive Integrated Management System (IMS), harmonizing processes, procedures, standards, and methodologies across the Actuators and Solar Array divisions in accordance with applicable ISO 9001 requirements.

• ERP and MES Standardization: Drive the standardization and integration of ERP and Manufacturing Execution System (MES) processes across both product divisions, working closely with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality Inspection to ensure consistent workflows, traceability, documentation, and quality data management.

• Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Action (RCCA): Lead and facilitate cross-functional root cause investigations and corrective action activities using recognized methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa, and other structured problem-solving techniques. Ensure effective implementation, verification, and prevention of recurring quality issues.

• Nonconformance Management: Support the creation, management, and resolution of Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), collaborating with Engineering, Production, Customer Solutions Engineering, and customers as appropriate. Monitor NCR trends, identify systemic issues, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven analysis and corrective actions.

• Quality Training and Competency Development: Develop and deliver along with the Head of Quality, quality-related training and onboarding programs for new and existing employees, covering topics such as First Article Inspection (FAI), RCCA, Quality Management principles, nonconformance management, and applicable industry standards. Support the development of organizational quality competencies.

• Inspection Standards and Methodologies: Collaborate with the Quality Inspection team to develop, improve, and standardize incoming, in-process, and final inspection procedures, methodologies, templates, and documentation. Work with Engineering to establish consistent inspection criteria and promote risk-based inspection approaches.

• Quality Culture and Policy Deployment: Act as a key operational partner to the Head of Quality in implementing the organization's Quality Policy, strategic quality objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives. Champion a proactive quality culture emphasizing accountability, prevention, transparency, and shared responsibility for quality throughout the organization.

• Cross-Functional and Customer Interface: Support the Head of Quality as a key Quality interface with Customer Solutions Engineering, supporting the effective communication and resolution of customer quality concerns, the translation of customer requirements into internal processes, and the coordination of quality-related activities across Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and customer-facing functions.

• Process Improvement and Risk Management: Identify and implement opportunities to improve operational efficiency, product conformity, and process reliability. Facilitate process risk assessments, support mitigation planning, and promote preventive quality practices throughout the product lifecycle.

• Documentation, Reporting, and Performance Monitoring: Support the Head of Quality in establishing and maintaining standardized quality documentation, procedures, and reporting practices. Monitor quality performance indicators, analyze trends, communicate lessons learned, and provide actionable insights to support management decisions and continuous improvement.

Candidate requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Quality Engineering, Quality Management Systems, Manufacturing Quality, Customer Complaint Management, or Continuous Improvement, preferably within aerospace, space, or another technically demanding manufacturing industry.

• Practical knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management System requirements, including process management, documentation, internal auditing, and continuous improvement. Familiarity with EN 9100 and ECSS standards is an advantage.

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, or improving quality management processes, procedures, and operational standards.

• Experience with ERP and/or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), including production workflows, traceability, quality records, and process standardization. Experience with Odoo is an advantage.

• Practical experience conducting root cause investigations and implementing corrective actions using recognized methodologies such as 8D, 5 Whys, Ishikawa, or equivalent structured problem-solving techniques.

• Knowledge of nonconformance management, corrective action effectiveness verification, and quality performance monitoring.

• Familiarity with manufacturing inspection processes, First Article Inspection (FAI), technical drawings, and inspection documentation. Knowledge of AS/EN 9102 is an advantage.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, standardize operational practices, and support organizational change.

• Experience developing and delivering technical training, facilitating workshops, or supporting employee competency development is desirable.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with the ability to analyze quality data and prepare clear technical documentation.

Personal attributes:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a structured, solution-oriented approach.

• Proactive, hands-on mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence others and drive organizational change.

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize initiatives and work independently.

• Detail-oriented, pragmatic, and committed to continuous improvement and fostering a positive quality culture.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment, adapting to evolving requirements and organizational growth.

• Collaborative, approachable, and capable of delivering constructive feedback while fostering a positive and proactive quality culture.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal; German language skills a plus.

• Eligibility to work in Germany, and ability to travel up to 30% to support the site in USA, and customer and supplier visits as required.

• Driver's license is a plus.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. and/or Germany export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. and/or Germany export controls.

Please note: Dcubed does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies and will not pay fees for any candidates we have not requested.