Hardware Quality Assurance Engineer (Space and Defense)

Hardware Quality Assurance Engineer (Space and Defense)

ARQUIMEA

Madrid, Spain

ARQUIMEA Connect is seeking a Hardware Quality Assurance Engineer to support Product Assurance activities for high-reliability hardware used in space and defense applications, including avionics equipment, PCBAs, and integrated circuits.

Main Responsibilities

• Support Product Assurance activities for space and defense electronic hardware, including avionics equipment, PCBAs, and integrated circuits.
• Ensure compliance with applicable ECSS, MIL, IPC, and customer-specific quality requirements.
• Review hardware quality plans, inspection plans, manufacturing documentation, acceptance criteria, and qualification evidence.
• Perform or oversee inspections of PCBAs for space and defense applications, including workmanship, soldering quality, cleanliness, coating, traceability, and conformity to approved documentation.
• Review manufacturing data packs, certificates of conformity, test records, and acceptance documentation.
• Support EEE parts and integrated circuit assurance activities, including part selection, traceability, screening, qualification, and reliability data review.
• Support the qualification of ASICs and integrated circuits under applicable ECSS or MIL standards.
• Manage or support non-conformances, root cause analyses, corrective actions, and supplier quality follow-up activities.
• Participate in design reviews, manufacturing readiness reviews, qualification reviews, and acceptance reviews.

Education and Required Competencies

Degree:

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience in Hardware Quality Assurance, Product Assurance, or Manufacturing Quality for high-reliability electronics.
• Background in space, defense, aerospace, or mission-critical electronic systems.
• Hands-on experience inspecting PCBAs for space and/or defense applications.
• Strong knowledge of electronic assembly workmanship standards and inspection methods.
• Relevant PCBA inspection or workmanship certifications, such as IPC-A-610 and J-STD-001, preferably for high-reliability or space-grade electronics.
• Experience reviewing manufacturing records, inspection reports, test documentation, and certificates of conformity.

Desirable Knowledge and Experience:

• Experience qualifying ASICs, integrated circuits, or EEE components under ECSS or MIL standards.
• Knowledge of ECSS Product Assurance requirements and MIL standards for high-reliability electronic components.
• Experience with derating, reliability analysis, FMEA/FMECA, radiation assurance, or parts stress analysis.
• Experience working with semiconductor suppliers, foundries, packaging houses, or test laboratories.
• Experience participating in supplier audits, customer audits, or quality reviews within space or defense programs.

Minimum Experience Required:

• 3+ years of experience in Hardware Quality and Product Assurance within the aerospace and/or defense sectors.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Hardware Quality or Product Assurance Engineer with strong experience in space or defense electronics, particularly in PCBA inspection and high-reliability manufacturing. They should be comfortable working with ECSS, MIL, and IPC requirements and ensuring that avionics hardware, ASICs, and integrated circuits meet demanding mission assurance standards.