For questions: robert.vandenouwelant@headfirst.nl

Quality Control Inspector | 40 hours | Leiden/Oegstgeest | Space Industry | Quality Control | Start date: December 2026 / January–February 2027 | Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands

Start date: December 2026 (January or February 2027 is also possible)
Hours: 40 hours per week
Locations: Leiden (1 position) and Oegstgeest (1 position)
Number of positions: 2
Duration: 1 year, with the possibility of an extension or permanent employment
Contract type: Secondment only, no freelance
Education level: MBO
Reason: Additional capacity needed
 

Company description

At Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands, we work at the cutting edge of technology in one of the most challenging and rapidly changing industries in the world: space. Our products and services—including solar arrays, launcher structures, instruments, and optical communication—are among the best in the world. They enable missions that are of great importance to our daily lives on Earth.

Our multidisciplinary teams develop, integrate, and test innovative space systems that contribute to some of the world's most advanced satellite missions.
 

About the role

Airbus Defence and Space Netherlands is seeking two Quality Control Inspectors for its Quality department to support the testing, integration, and production of advanced space products.

In this hands-on role, you will ensure that products, components, incoming goods, and production activities meet the required quality standards. You will perform inspections, verify technical documentation, identify deviations, and coordinate findings with colleagues across AIT, Production, and Quality.

You will work closely with colleagues in Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA), as well as other technical stakeholders, to ensure that quality requirements are met throughout the production and integration process.

We are looking for practical, detail-oriented professionals who enjoy working in a technical environment, take responsibility for their work, and are confident in communicating quality findings to colleagues and suppliers.
 

Your role and responsibilities

As a Quality Control Inspector, you will:

• Conduct quality inspections of integration activities and work performed by production employees and test engineers.
• Inspect incoming goods, components, and materials to verify that they meet the required quality standards.
• Use measuring instruments, technical documentation, drawings, and established procedures to verify product quality.
• Check the completeness and accuracy of production documentation, inspection records, and other quality-related information.
• Identify, document, and report deviations from established quality standards and procedures.
• Prepare deviation reports and coordinate the findings with the relevant stakeholders.
• Record incoming goods and inspection results in automated systems.
• Maintain high-quality documentation and ensure that relevant records are complete and up to date.
• Monitor authorizations, qualifications, and certificates of competence, including their expiration dates.
• Coordinate with colleagues from AIT, Production, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance to resolve quality-related issues.
• Conduct quality inspections at customer or supplier locations as needed.
• Support the consistent application of quality procedures throughout the testing, integration, and production processes.

Your profile

You are a hands-on and meticulous professional who takes pride in delivering high-quality work. You have a practical mindset, are comfortable working with technical documentation, and understand the importance of following established procedures in a demanding production environment.

You bring:

• MBO-level education in a technical field.
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in quality control, inspection, production, or a comparable technical environment.
• Practical, hands-on technical knowledge and experience conducting inspections or quality checks.
• The ability to read and understand technical documentation, drawings, and work instructions.
• A strong attention to detail and a structured approach to documenting findings.
• Good communication skills and the ability to collaborate with various technical stakeholders.
• A proactive attitude and the confidence to identify and report deviations.
• Good English communication skills; English is essential for this role.
• Willingness to work day and night shifts as needed.
• Experience with SAP, Excel, or similar systems is a plus.
• Experience with Windchill is a plus.
• A background in mechanical engineering or a related technical field is a strong advantage.

What we offer

• A practical Quality Control role within a leading international space organization.
• The opportunity to contribute to the production, testing, and integration of advanced space products.
• Close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across AIT, Production, Quality Control, and Quality Assurance.
• A technically challenging work environment where accuracy and quality are essential.
• A one-year fixed-term assignment, with the possibility of an extension or permanent employment, depending on business needs and performance.
• The opportunity to develop your technical and quality expertise in the space industry.

Recruitment Process

1. First interview: On-site interview with the hiring manager and a member of the Quality Control team.
2. ​​​​​​​Second interview: Online interview.

For questions: robert.vandenouwelant@headfirst.nl