Product Line Quality Management - Defence (f/m/d)

At PALFINGER, we have been lifting goods to a new level for over 90 years - with a pioneering and passionate spirit. As a global technology and engineering company, we are the world's leading manufacturer and supplier of innovative crane and lifting solutions. Our success is based on the tireless efforts of our approximately 12,350 employees, who contribute their ideas and energy to our vision. With us, you can expect a dynamic working environment full of opportunities for personal and professional development. Become part of our team and start your career at PALFINGER.

To strengthen the quality team of the GLOBAL Product Line Special Lifting Solutions (Defence) at PALFINGER, based in Köstendorf, we are looking for an experienced and committed Product Line Quality Management - Defence.

In this role, you will play a key role in ensuring product and process quality throughout the entire lifecycle of Defence-related systems and solutions. This position is strategically important to our Defence portfolio and directly supports projects executed at the Köstendorf site.
You will act as a vital partner in cross-functional teams and ensure that quality is embedded proactively, from concept development to series production and field operation. Your expertise and commitment are key to our joint success.

YOUR TASKS

• Ensure preventive quality management across the entire product lifecycle by applying structured methods such as FMECA (per MIL-STD / DEF STAN / IEC 60812), managing PDP gate reviews, and conducting design validations
• Develop, maintain, and implement Quality Management Plans (QM-Plans) for Defence projects, ensuring alignment with military standards (e.g. AQAP, STANAG) and internal guidelines
• Serve as a quality gatekeeper in cross-functional project teams, making release decisions and ensuring compliance with all relevant Defence and product-specific requirements
• Lead root cause analyses and continuous improvement efforts using structured tools (e.g. 8D, Ishikawa), and manage the Quality Circle to ensure sustainable corrective actions
• Represent the product line in audits, customer reviews, and technical inspections; support supplier quality assurance and collaborate closely with engineering, purchasing, production, and service teams

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• Several years of professional experience in quality management, ideally in Defence, aerospace, or other safety-critical sectors (e.g. military, aviation, medical technology)
  
• Strong project management background, with expertise in implementing standard quality methods (e.g. FMEA, FMECA, APQP, PPAP) and handling Defence-specific compliance requirements (e.g. MIL-STD, DEF STAN)
  
• Proven experience in leading quality assurance for complex, multi-disciplinary projects, ideally with a focus on Defence products and systems
  
• In-depth knowledge of quality management systems (e.g. ISO 9001, AQAP, internal auditing), combined with advanced analytical skills and a strong customer focus
  
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written), with the ability to interact effectively across functions and at all organizational levels. Willingness to travel (approx. 20%)

WE OFFER

• Flexible working hours with no core time and the possibility to work from home
• Further training and international career opportunities
• Corporate health management "PALfit"
• Company restaurant with freshly prepared meals and daily meal subsidy
• Numerous employee discounts through Corporate Benefits

Minimum gross salary according to the Austrian metal industry collective agreement is EUR 52.197,04  per year. We are willing to overpay according to training and qualification.  

Are you interested in the position and still have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us.