Senior Manager Product Structure & Systems (PLM/MES)

Atropos

POSITION SUMMARY The Head of Quality is a senior leadership position responsible for establishing, implementing, and maturing all quality management functions across Atropos Group's development and production operations. This role is the company's primary quality authority and will serve as the central driver of the Production Approval process — leading the quality system infrastructure, processes, and organizational readiness required to achieve an FAA Production Certificate (PC). The Head of Quality will build and lead a high-performing quality organization from the ground up, shaping the culture, systems, and procedures necessary to support production certification activities, entry into service, and long-term operational excellence in a highly regulated aerospace environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FAA PRODUCTION CERTIFICATION & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE * Serve as the company's primary quality authority and key point of contact for all FAA Production Certificate (PC) activities * Lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System (QMS) to satisfy FAA PC requirements under 14 CFR Part 21 * Coordinate directly with FAA personnel and Designated Airworthiness Representatives (DARs) throughout the PC application and approval process * Develop and maintain the Production Approval Holder (PAH) quality manual, quality procedures, and associated command media in support of PC issuance * Support Type Certificate (TC) activities by ensuring that design-to-production traceability, conformity inspections, and first article evaluations are executed in compliance with FAA requirements * Monitor and interpret applicable FAA regulations, policy updates, and airworthiness directives for impact on quality processes and production readiness * Lead internal and external quality audits in support of FAA oversight, including responses to findings and implementation of corrective actions QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (QMS) DEVELOPMENT & MAINTENANCE * Architect and implement a scalable, AS9100D-aligned QMS that supports both current development activities and future high-rate production * Establish and maintain the full suite of quality procedures, work instructions, and forms constituting the company's quality command media structure * Drive QMS integration across all functional areas including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and program management * Develop and maintain Quality plans for all major programs, ensuring appropriate inspection, verification, and validation gates are defined and executed * Own the internal audit program, including scheduling, execution, corrective action tracking, and management review inputs * Establish and monitor quality KPIs and metrics to provide leadership with visibility into system health and performance trends * Lead periodic Management Review processes and provide executive leadership with quality system status reports and improvement recommendations * Ensure seamless integration between the QMS and the company’s Safety Management System (SMS), establishing clear interfaces between quality processes and the four SMS components defined under 14 CFR Part 5 (Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion) * Collaborate with the SMS program manager to ensure that nonconformance data, CAPA outcomes, and audit findings feed into the SMS Safety Assurance function, supporting hazard identification, risk assessment, and continuous monitoring obligations under Part 5 * Support development of integrated QMS/SMS documentation architecture to avoid duplication, ensure traceability across both systems, and present a cohesive compliance posture to the FAA during PC and SMS acceptance activities PRODUCTION QUALITY & NONCONFORMANCE MANAGEMENT * Establish and lead all production quality functions including receiving inspection, in-process inspection, and final acceptance activities * Own and administer the Material Review Board (MRB) process, including disposition of nonconforming materials, components, and assemblies * Develop and implement robust nonconformance reporting (NCR) and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes that drive root cause elimination * Ensure First Article Inspection (FAI) processes comply with AS9102 requirements and support the TC/PC certification record * Implement statistical process control (SPC) and other data-driven quality tools to monitor production process stability and capability * Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to establish and enforce inspection points, acceptance criteria, and product definition compliance checkpoints * Develop and maintain test and inspection records management systems to support airworthiness documentation and regulatory traceability SUPPLIER QUALITY MANAGEMENT * Establish and oversee the supplier quality program, including qualification, surveillance, and performance management for the approved supplier list (ASL) * Define and implement supplier quality requirements, flow-down clauses, and quality purchase order terms aligned with AS9100D and FAA regulations * Lead supplier audits and assessments, including delegation of Supplier Source Inspection where required * Manage supplier corrective action processes and ensure timely resolution of supplier-originated nonconformances * Collaborate with Supply Chain on supplier selection, risk assessment, and development initiatives to build a capable and compliant supplier base TEAM LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT * Build, lead, and develop a high-performing quality organization scaled to meet the demands of the production ramp and PC certification milestones * Establish organizational structure, roles, and hiring plan for the quality function in alignment with the overall manufacturing headcount roadmap * Foster a culture of quality consciousness, accountability, and continuous improvement across the entire organization * Implement talent development programs, training curricula, and succession planning for key quality positions * Serve as a senior voice for quality in cross-functional forums, program reviews, and executive-level discussions QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION * Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Quality Systems, or a related technical field required * Master's degree in Engineering, Quality Management, or Business Administration preferred * Professional certifications such as ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or equivalent highly desirable EXPERIENCE * Minimum 12 years of progressive quality experience, with at least 5 years in senior quality leadership roles within aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing * Demonstrated experience leading or directly supporting an FAA Production Certificate application and approval process * Deep working knowledge of 14 CFR Part 21 (Production Approval), Part 43, and related FAA regulatory frameworks governing production quality * Hands-on experience developing and implementing AS9100D-compliant QMS from an early-stage or startup manufacturing environment strongly preferred * Proven track record managing MRB authority, nonconformance disposition, and CAPA programs in a production environment * Experience conducting and managing internal and supplier quality audits, including corrective action follow-up * Background in First Article Inspection (AS9102), acceptance test procedures, and production conformity documentation * Familiarity with ITAR/EAR compliance requirements and their implications for quality records management and data handling TECHNICAL SKILLS * Expert knowledge of 14 CFR Part 21 Production Approval requirements and FAA PC certification processes * Strong working knowledge of AS9100D Quality Management System requirements and audit methodology * Familiarity with AS9102 First Article Inspection requirements and conformity documentation standards * Proficiency with quality management tools including FMEA, SPC, Root Cause Analysis, and related methodologies * Experience with PLM and MES systems in a production environment; familiarity with Siemens Teamcenter or equivalent preferred * Strong analytical and data interpretation skills; ability to translate quality data into actionable insights for leadership   LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES * Exceptional ability to build quality organizations and systems from early-stage foundations toward full production readiness * Strategic thinker who can balance near-term certification deliverables with long-term system maturity goals * Strong communicator and collaborator capable of engaging credibly with FAA personnel, executive leadership, and production teams alike * Decisive and technically grounded — able to make sound risk acceptance decisions under pressure * Change agent mindset with demonstrated ability to drive quality culture in a fast-paced, resource-constrained startup environment * High integrity and attention to detail; models the standard of compliance and rigor expected of the broader organization * Effective mentor and people developer committed to building lasting organizational quality capability WORKING CONDITIONS * Professional office and manufacturing environment; regular presence on the production floor expected as facilities come online * Domestic travel required (up to 20-30%) for supplier visits/audits, FAA meetings, and industry engagements * Initially remote with transition to on-site at Atropos manufacturing headquarters; exact location to be determined in connection with facility site selection * May require extended hours during critical certification milestones, audit preparation periods, or production launch activities * Must be authorized to work in the United States; ability to work with ITAR-controlled technical data required

Isar Aerospace

Mission Brief  As Director of Production Engineering, you are accountable for the end-to-end production engineering capability across all manufacturing operations. Your mission is to industrialize development outputs into repeatable, scalable, and compliant serial production, ensuring manufacturing readiness, process stability, quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery. You lead the team that converts early procedures into robust production standards, embeds them in PLM/MES systems, and drives continuous improvement across the factory. You act as the primary interface between Engineering (design & development) and Manufacturing (production & operations)—ensuring requirements, procedures, tooling, documentation, test strategies, and digital manufacturing infrastructure are aligned for high-rate, high-quality execution.  Your Role in Our Space Mission:  1) Production engineering strategy & leadership * Define and execute the production engineering roadmap, including industrialization strategy, standardization, and scalability for serial production. * Lead and develop a team of production/process/manufacturing engineers; set goals, coaching plans, hiring needs, and performance standards. * Establish clear governance for process ownership, engineering change implementation, and cross-functional decision-making. 2) Assembly, integration & test (AIT) process ownership * Own manufacturing process definition across: * Assembly: mechanical/electrical build procedures, torque specs, critical process parameters, work instructions. * Integration: subsystem integration strategy (e.g., avionics, propulsion, communications), sequencing, interfaces, and acceptance criteria. * Testing: functional, subsystem, and system-level test strategy; test readiness, execution plans, and troubleshooting methodology. * Ensure processes are repeatable, auditable, and optimized for safety, throughput, and quality. 3) Industrialization & manufacturing readiness (NPI / transfer to production) * Coordinate with development teams to receive initial procedures and convert them into production-ready standards (control plans, critical-to-quality characteristics where relevant). * Drive manufacturing readiness reviews, line readiness, and process qualification for new products, variants, or upgrades. * Lead the “first builds”/pilot runs, capturing learnings and stabilizing procedures for volume execution. 4) Digital manufacturing (PLM/MES) & configuration control * Own the production engineering contribution to PLM/MES: * Translate procedures into structured digital work instructions. * Ensure traceability, configuration control, and alignment of as-built data. * Oversee creation and maintenance of: * mBOM (Manufacturing Bill of Materials) * BOP (Bill of Process) * Routings, work centers, and data collection points for quality and traceability. * Ensure engineering changes are implemented cleanly and quickly, with minimal disruption to production. 5) Documentation, compliance & quality partnership * Ensure complete, consistent documentation for: * Work instructions, process specifications, test reports, NCRs (non-conformance reports), deviations/waivers, and as-built configurations. * Partner with Quality to build robust nonconformance management and corrective action systems (root cause, containment, RCCA & PA). * Ensure processes meet applicable regulatory, customer, and internal compliance requirements. 6) Cross-functional execution & production support * Serve as senior escalation point for technical blockers in production: diagnose recurring issues, direct corrective actions, and prevent reoccurrence. * Align with Supply Chain and Operations on: * Kitting strategy, material availability, critical path timelines, and constraint removal. * Coordinate engineering support coverage and readiness for shifts, rate increases, and critical campaigns. 7) Continuous improvement, cost & throughput * Support Lean Team on Lean/CI initiatives to improve: * Yield, cycle time, takt adherence, OEE, scrap/rework reduction, and labor efficiency. * Establish KPIs and operating mechanisms (tier meetings, weekly business reviews) to track and improve production engineering performance. * Build business cases for capital investments (test equipment, tooling, automation) and manage the budget for your scope. 8) Capability building: training & knowledge management * Build a strong knowledge-transfer system between engineers and technicians: * Training plans, certification matrices, standardized visual work instructions, and lessons-learned libraries. * Ensure procedures are systematically categorized, version-controlled, and easily accessible to production teams. Success measures (typical KPIs) * Improved first-pass yield, reduced NCR rate, reduced rework hours * Reduced cycle time and improved on-time delivery * Faster and cleaner engineering change implementation * Increased process stability (fewer repeat issues, fewer line stops) * Strong audit outcomes and complete traceability / as-built compliance * High team engagement, retention, and capability maturity Qualification Checklist  * Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Automotive, Industrial Engineering, or similar. * Significant experience in production/manufacturing engineering, industrialization, manufacturing operations—ideally across complex electromechanical systems. * Proven leadership experience managing teams and cross-functional stakeholders. * Strong working knowledge of PLM and/or MES, and structured manufacturing artifacts such as mBOM/BOP, routings, work instructions, and configuration control. * Demonstrated ability in troubleshooting and structured problem solving (e.g., 8D, Ishikawa, 5-Why). * Solid project/program management skills: prioritization, risk management, schedule ownership. * Fluent English; German or other languages depending on site needs. Benefits  * Employee Participation Program: Share in our success through our virtual company share program * 30 days of vacation: Enjoy the days off to relax and recharge * Company pension plan: Secure your future with our company pension plan, featuring a 20% employer contribution after the probation period * Subsidised lunch: Stay energised with delicious, subsidised lunches every day * Public transport ticket: Commute with ease using a fully financed Deutschlandticket * Rental clothing with laundry service: Enjoy hassle-free workwear with our convenient rental clothing and laundry service   * Sport Clubs membership: Stay fit with our sponsored sports club memberships (EGYM Wellpass) * Individual learning allowance: Grow your skills with an individual learning budget granted after the probation period * Childcare allowance: Receive a childcare allowance for your non-school-age children * And Much More! Discover additional perks and benefits when you join our team.          Who we are We are Isar Aerospace and we are at the forefront of New Space building a modern space business to enable faster, better and cheaper access to space. Our mission is to help democratise space and use it for good in order to improve life on Earth now and for the future generations. We are a fast-growing company aiming to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly launch solutions for small and medium-sized satellites and constellations into Low Earth Orbit. The company is privately funded by world-leading technology investors with strong commitment and support and our team is made of driven and talented people with a real passion for space innovation. We're making rockets in a way that hasn't been done before disrupting a traditional industry. If you are up for the challenge, want to work on cutting-edge projects and be part of a team changing the world for better, come, join us and launch your career! Want to find out more about us? Visit www.isaraerospace.com Data Protection We process your personal data for the purpose of managing the recruitment process and assessing your application. For detailed information on how your data is processed, including your rights, please refer to our Privacy Policy. Disclaimer Isar Aerospace SE is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fairness and inclusivity. We do not prioritize any specific religion, gender, nationality, or background. Due to security clearance requirements, affiliations with countries listed under § 13 para. 1 no. 17 SÜG may affect the application process. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Metaview We use Metaview to record interview audio so our team can review it later and stay focused during the conversation. We will record interviews only if you opt in. Please note that we will request your consent separately during the interview process. Participation is completely voluntary and will not affect your application in any way. For more information on how we process your personal data, please see our Privacy Policy.

Xshore

ABOUT THE ROLE X Shore is rebuilding operations and product development under new ownership. We are now looking for a Mechanical Engineering & Analysis Manager to lead the structural and mechanical integrity of our electric boats — ensuring that every hull, component, and assembly that leaves Nyköping is designed right, validated correctly, and built to last. This is a leadership role with deep technical ownership. You will guide a small engineering team, drive analysis and simulation work, and be the person who signs off that our mechanical solutions are both safe and manufacturable. The role is based on-site at our office and production facility in Nyköping. ROLE PURPOSE Own the mechanical engineering function — from concept validation and structural analysis through to production release — ensuring that X Shore boats are designed to specification, analysed to standard, and handed to production with complete and correct documentation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Lead mechanical engineering and structural analysis activities across the X Shore product range * Own FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and CFD simulations — from setup through to results interpretation and design recommendations * Define and maintain engineering standards, tolerances, and material specifications * Review and approve drawings, 3D models, and engineering change orders * Manage product validation testing: define test plans, oversee execution, and sign off results * Work closely with production engineering to ensure designs are manufacturable and assembly-ready * Lead root cause analysis on field failures, warranty cases, and production non-conformances * Maintain the mechanical BOM structure and ensure drawing revisions are controlled and complete * Support supplier development — reviewing manufacturing capabilities and engaging on critical components * Build and develop a small team of mechanical engineers, setting clear priorities and technical standards * Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, and certification activities (e.g. CE, RCD) TECHNICAL DEPTH — WHAT WE NEED X Shore builds high-performance electric boats in marine-grade aluminium and composite materials. The Mechanical Engineering & Analysis Manager must be able to go deep — not just manage the team, but own the analysis work and stand behind the results. * Define and execute FEA studies for hull structures, brackets, mounts, and drivetrain interfaces * Assess fatigue life, impact loads, and hydrostatic pressure scenarios relevant to marine certification * Interpret and challenge simulation outputs — know when results are credible and when the model needs revisiting * Specify and oversee physical testing that correlates with simulation work * Drive design-for-manufacture review: identify tolerance stack-ups, assembly constraints, and production risks before they reach the floor QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED * Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Naval Architecture, or equivalent * Minimum 7 years of engineering experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role * Hands-on FEA experience using commercial tools (e.g. ANSYS, Abaqus, Nastran, or similar) * Strong working knowledge of CAD — 3D modelling and drawing release in tools such as SOLIDWORKS or CATIA * Experience in metals and composites — material selection, joining methods, and manufacturing constraints * Documented experience leading engineering validation: test planning, execution, and sign-off * Fluent in English; Swedish is an advantage * Available to work on-site in Nyköping NICE TO HAVE * Background in marine, automotive, aerospace, or high-performance vehicle engineering * Experience with CE marking, RCD (Recreational Craft Directive), or ISO 12215 hull structural standards * Experience from a company in growth, transformation, or restart phase * Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or similar ERP/PLM systems NON-NEGOTIABLES * Hands-on analysis capability — this role requires personal technical output, not just management * Rigorous approach to documentation — drawings, reports, and release notes are complete before sign-off * Speaks up early when a design has a structural risk, regardless of schedule pressure * Takes ownership of problems through to resolution — not just identification * Treats manufacturing constraints as design inputs, not afterthoughts * Comfortable leading in an environment where processes are still being built WHAT GOOD AND BAD LOOK LIKE WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE Design decisions are backed by analysis before production release Production raises a structural question — engineering has the answer the same day Test results correlate with simulation — deviations are explained Drawing revisions are controlled and complete — no ambiguity on the floor Field failures are root-caused with corrective action in place within two weeks Engineers know what they are working on, why, and what good looks like WHAT BAD LOOKS LIKE Designs released without structural validation Production finds structural issues during assembly Test data filed without interpretation or corrective action Multiple drawing versions in circulation simultaneously Failures are documented but never actioned Team direction unclear — priorities shift without explanation PERSONAL QUALITIES To succeed in this role we believe you: * Are technically rigorous and do not accept 'close enough' when precision matters * Lead by example — you still do the hard analysis work yourself * Are structured and clear in how you communicate engineering decisions * Build credibility with production and suppliers through sound technical judgement * Are comfortable in ambiguity and can create structure where little exists * Have strong drive and see problems through to resolution * Thrive in a small, fast-moving team where every person's contribution is visible KEY INTERFACES * Head of R&D — direct reporting line; alignment on technical direction, priorities, and resource * Production Engineering — design-for-manufacture review, assembly support, and non-conformance resolution * Procurement — supplier capability assessment, component specifications, and critical part qualification * Quality — validation testing, field failure analysis, and certification documentation * External suppliers and partners — manufacturing review, tooling sign-off, and prototype builds WHAT WE OFFER At X Shore you get the chance to be part of an exciting journey with significant responsibility and real impact. You will be a central figure in rebuilding the engineering function of a pioneering electric boat company — setting the technical standards that determine whether our boats are safe, reliable, and built right. This is not a caretaker role. It is a building role, and the standards you set today will shape the product for years to come.