Your space-enabled career begins here

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you driven by precision, innovation, and the pursuit of technical excellence? Our high-tech engineering team is expanding, and we are looking for a meticulous and forward-thinking Quality Assurance Engineer to help us build world-class space-industry hardware right here in South Africa. At the forefront of advanced manufacturing and high‑precision engineering, we design and deliver mission‑critical systems that operate in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. If you are passionate about elevating standards, solving complex engineering challenges, and contributing to groundbreaking aerospace technologies, this is your opportunity to make an impact on a global stage.

Position Type: Full-time

Remote Opportunity: No

Report To: Quality Manager

Location: Somerset West, South Africa

Job Purpose:

Ensures the safety, reliability, and performance of aerospace systems and components by implementing rigorous quality assurance and control processes, resolving quality issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives with a strong focus on quality assurance/production compliance.

Responsibilities:

Final verification and sign-off of shipping documentation

• Review, approval, and release of product documentation (Master Record Index, End Item Data Pack, CoC) prior to shipping and final sign off the product (Quality Assurance function)
• Ensure all production documentation and product build history documentation is complete and correct prior to shipping (Processing of production records and customer-facing documents)
• Facilitate quality input in project planning, risk assessments, and technical reviews.

Cost savings

• Cost saving through improved, efficient, and effective processes.

Support customer and regulatory audits with technical documentation

• Ensure customer quality requirements are clearly understood, documented, and integrated into internal processes.
• Review customer contracts, technical specifications, and quality clauses to ensure compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
• Translate customer-specific quality expectations into actionable internal quality plans.

Implement and maintain Quality Management System (QMS)

• Assist to develop, implement, and continuously improve the internal QMS in alignment with ISO 9001, AS9100, and other relevant aerospace standards.
• Ensure documentation, procedures, flowcharts, and records are maintained and accessible across departments.
• Ensure critical organisational policies are maintained and current.

Conduct inspections, tests, and audits on components and systems

• Plan and conduct internal quality audits to assess compliance with internal procedures and regulatory standards.
• Prepare and compile an audit report for QMS audits.
• Ensure corrective actions and audit findings are closed off timeously.
• Identify non-conformances, lead root cause analysis, drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and risk management.
• Define and track key quality performance indicators (KPIs), including defect rates, audit findings, and rework levels.
• Prepare internal quality reports and dashboards for management review.

Implement and maintain quality control procedures and standards

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and testing teams to define and monitor critical process parameters.
• Analyse process data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support quality assurance throughout the product lifecycle—from design reviews and prototyping to final assembly and testing.
• Participate in design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for quality (DFQ) initiatives.
• Work with procurement and engineering teams to ensure supplier quality requirements are clearly defined and met.
• Coordinate internal reviews of supplier performance and quality issues.
• Develop and deliver internal training on quality standards, procedures, and best practices.
• Promote a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement across all departments.

Investigate non-conformances and lead root cause analysis

• Conduct internal investigations of product or process non-conformances.
• Ensure timely documentation, resolution, and communication of quality issues.
• Support configuration control processes to ensure traceability and integrity of product changes.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to assess quality impacts of design or process changes.

Continuous Improvement:

• Develop and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and technological advancements

Required Qualifications:

National Diploma in Mechanical, Electronic, or Industrial Engineering

Required Experience:

• 3 - 5 years of experience in developing and implementing quality control procedures (ISO 9001)
• Conducting inspections and tests to ensure compliance with quality standards and regulations
• Working closely with design, production, and other teams to integrate quality assurance processes
• Documenting and reporting quality assurance activities and finding
• Ensuring compliance with government regulations and industry standards
• Reviewing customer feedback and implementing changes to enhance product quality
• Developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives

Required Technical Competencies

Core Quality Tools:

• APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning): Planning approach for new product development
• First Article Inspection: Newly supplied and custom-designed components.
• PPAP (Production Part Approval Process): Documentation package for the approval process
• FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis): Risk analysis to identify and prevent future failures
• MSA (Measurement System Analysis): Ensuring measurement systems capture accurate data
• SPC (Statistical Process Control): Monitoring and controlling processes
• Control Plan (CP): Detailed plan for controlling product and process quality

Quality Functions:

• Review and approval of shipping documents (Master Record Index, Packing List, Certificate of Conformance)
• Improve and maintain product inspection reports.
• Inspection and Testing: Conducting tests to ensure compliance with quality standards
• Quality Control Processes: Developing and implementing procedures to maintain consistency

Data Analysis and Problem Solving:

• Root Cause Analysis: Identifying and addressing the underlying causes of quality issues
• Statistical Analysis: Using statistical methods to analyse production data

Software Proficiency:

• Quality Management Software: Familiarity with software tools used for quality management
• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in tools like MATLAB, Minitab, or similar

Industry-Specific Knowledge:

• Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of government regulations and industry standards

Emerging Technologies:

• Industry 4.0 Technologies: Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies
• Functional Safety Expertise: Ensuring safety in complex aerospace systems
• Lean and Six Sigma Certification: Techniques for process improvement and efficiency

Recommendations:

• Degree in Mechanical, Electronic or Industrial Engineering.
• Certified Quality Manager (CQM) or Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is desirable.
• Experience with AS9100.
• Prior work experience in the aerospace industry.

Special requirement(s):

Will be required to work overtime.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.

Ready to make an impact?

Apply now by submitting your CV.