Head of Quality - Aviation/Space (m/w/d)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Mission of the Head of Quality

The Head of Quality is responsible for ensuring that products, processes, and teams consistently meet the highest standards of quality, reliability, safety, and compliance across development, manufacturing, integration, and operational activities.

This role partners closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams to establish scalable quality processes, proactively manage risks, and ensure successful delivery of high-performance systems in a fast-paced and technically demanding environment.

• Define and lead the company-wide quality management framework across the full product lifecycle
• Drive quality assurance and continuous improvement initiatives across engineering, manufacturing, integration, and operations
• Lead risk management, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and reliability improvement activities
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory expectations
• Partner closely with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations teams to resolve quality issues pragmatically and efficiently
• Support design, readiness, and review activities throughout development and delivery phases

Expected Outcomes (12-18 months)

• Quality standards and processes are effectively implemented and embedded across development, manufacturing, integration, and operational activities
• Product and process risks are identified early and managed proactively through structured quality and reliability practices
• Quality requirements and compliance standards are clearly defined, monitored , and continuously improved
• Non-conformances, anomalies, and failures are rigorously investigated, with effective corrective and preventive actions implemented and tracked to closure

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS YOU SHOULD HAVE

• 7+ years of professional experience in quality management, quality engineering, reliability engineering, or related technical leadership roles within space, aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other high-reliability industries
• Strong understanding of quality management systems, risk management methodologies, and continuous improvement principles
• Experience working across complex technical products and cross-functional development environments
• Hands-on experience in anomaly investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective action implementation
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulated environments (e.g. ISO, AS9100, ECSS, or comparable frameworks)
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence across technical and business teams
• Pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset with the ability to balance operational speed and quality requirements

Your strengths and experience count at Rheinmetall, even if you may not meet all of the listed requirements. We look forward to receiving applications from candidates (m/f/d) who are keen to make a difference and take on responsibility. We value individuality and equal opportunities. Severely disabled applicants (m/f/d) will be given special consideration if they are equally qualified.

WHAT WE OFFER YOU

• The chance to be part of a brand-new New Space organization in Germany.
• A role where you have a chance to define the company’s DNA.
• Competitive compensation, professional growth, and the freedom to innovate.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

At RISS, we believe that diversity sparks innovation and drives us forward. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone’s unique perspectives and talents are not just welcomed, but celebrated.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation. We will hire you based on your qualifications, passion, expertise and ideas.