Quality Control Technician - Space Systems

SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space.

HummingSat is the world’s first commercial telecom GEO SmallSat developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its uniquely compact size combined with highly capable telecom payloads allows telecommunications operators to deploy a cost-efficient, compact, and agile asset without sacrificing performance or security. HummingSat has been selected by Intelsat to build the I-45 satellite, by Inmarsat to build three I-8 satellites, and recently by Astrum Mobile to build the NEASTAR-1 satellite.

SWISSto12 is also a leading provider of Radio-Frequency (RF) products and sub-systems for satellite communication and remote sensing applications. The company’s patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF products.

This position is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the growth and scale-up of a new category leader in the Aerospace industry.

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Quality Control (QC) Technician with a strong background in the space industry, specializing in Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) processes. The QC Inspector will ensure that spacecraft hardware and systems meet exacting quality standards during all phases of AIT. This role is critical to mission success, helping ensure compliance with rigorous industry standards and customer specifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform incoming, in-process and final inspections of spacecraft components, subsystems, and full assemblies during AIT activities.
• Verify and enforce compliance with engineering drawings, specifications, and industry standards (e.g., ECSS, NASA-STD, ISO).
• Conduct first article inspections (FAI) and support incoming inspection of mechanical, electrical, and flight hardware.
• Review and validate test setups, procedures, and test data to ensure conformity with test plans.
• Document non-conformance (NCRs), initiate corrective actions, and participate in root cause analysis.
• Ensure all cleanroom protocols, ESD procedures, and contamination control practices are followed.
• Interface with AIT, engineering, and quality teams to resolve technical and quality-related issues.
• Review and verify build documentation, travelers, inspection reports, and test data packages.
• Participate in MRBs (Material Review Boards) and readiness reviews (TRR, IRR, FRR).
• Support configuration management and traceability of flight hardware and test equipment.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in quality inspection within the aerospace or space sector, with emphasis on AIT.
• Deep familiarity with space hardware integration, including structures, avionics, harnesses, and propulsion systems.
• Strong understanding of aerospace quality standards such as ECSS, NASA-STD, ISO 9001, and AS9100.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments (ISO 8 / ISO 7) with high discipline in contamination control.
• Competent in using inspection tools, measurement equipment (e.g., micrometers, calipers, multimeters), and reading GD&T drawings.
• Proficient in documentation tools, quality management systems, and digital inspection checklists.
• Ability to interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and technical specs.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across engineering and operations teams.
• Experience with non-conformance reporting systems and quality databases is a plus (e.g., Windchill, SAP...).
• Experience with PLM for inspection.
• Windchill knowledge is a plus.
• Certification in IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, or NASA/ESA workmanship standards.
• Prior experience in satellite or launch vehicle programs.
• Hands-on experience with space environmental testing (vibe, thermal vac, EMI/EMC).
• Work in cleanroom or controlled environments.
• May require weekend or shift work depending on project schedules (mid 2026).
• Position that can require frequent travel to supplier sites.
• Language: Fluent in English (with emphasis on excellent writing skills) and French.

Benefits

Further details to be shared by our recruitment team.

More about SWISSto12:

SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with Intelsat, Inmarsat, Astrum Mobile and ESA for HummingSat as well as contracts for their RF product line in Europe, and the US with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SES and the ESA. SWISSto12 is a spin off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors. SWISSto12 is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and operates a US and European-subsidiariesy in Foster City California. The company is well funded for its near and mid-term developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream.