Configuration Manager
Forres, Scotland, United Kingdom
Full Time
Experienced
At Orbex we are looking for a Configuration Manager, to manage and coordinate software and hardware configurations and implement configuration processes.
This role can either be based in Forres Scotland or Copenhagen Denmark.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading orbital launch services company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being developed to launch payloads on behalf of commercial customers. Orbex Prime is our microlauncher designed to support the small satellite industry and offering launches direct from Scotland. Orbex Proxima, our new medium-sized launch vehicle, will offer customers the chance to launch bigger payloads to a wider range of orbital locations.
We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €149m/£129m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.
We are a rapidly growing company with team members located between our design, manufacturing and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and choosing to launch using bio-propane will mean that a single launch of Prime will have a carbon footprint that is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles using fossil fuels, this has driven innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art patented re-flight system means we can recover our Stage 1 and refurbish and reuse components, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in orbit.
Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex propulsion system components, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and we also have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.
In July 2025, ESA announced that Orbex had been pre-selected as a candidate in the first stage of the European Launcher Challenge. Orbex is one of only five candidates chosen by ESA and the only UK company that has reached this stage.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.
The Position
You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining configuration management (CM) practices that ensure traceability, control, and integrity of hardware, software, and documentation across the entire product lifecycle. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, and manage the coordinated and fully configured delivery of Orbex’s PRIME launch vehicle and all sub-systems and elements required to facilitate its manufacturing, assembly, test and launch.
Key responsibilities of the role
Qualifications and Experience
Personality
Personality
Location
For this role you can be based in our office in Forres in Scottish Highlands, or in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.
Security
You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.
Benefits – Scotland
Benefits – Denmark
This role can either be based in Forres Scotland or Copenhagen Denmark.
Orbex
Orbex is a leading orbital launch services company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being developed to launch payloads on behalf of commercial customers. Orbex Prime is our microlauncher designed to support the small satellite industry and offering launches direct from Scotland. Orbex Proxima, our new medium-sized launch vehicle, will offer customers the chance to launch bigger payloads to a wider range of orbital locations.
We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €149m/£129m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.
We are a rapidly growing company with team members located between our design, manufacturing and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do and choosing to launch using bio-propane will mean that a single launch of Prime will have a carbon footprint that is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles using fossil fuels, this has driven innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art patented re-flight system means we can recover our Stage 1 and refurbish and reuse components, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris in orbit.
Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex propulsion system components, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and we also have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.
In July 2025, ESA announced that Orbex had been pre-selected as a candidate in the first stage of the European Launcher Challenge. Orbex is one of only five candidates chosen by ESA and the only UK company that has reached this stage.
Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.
The Position
You will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining configuration management (CM) practices that ensure traceability, control, and integrity of hardware, software, and documentation across the entire product lifecycle. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, and manage the coordinated and fully configured delivery of Orbex’s PRIME launch vehicle and all sub-systems and elements required to facilitate its manufacturing, assembly, test and launch.
Key responsibilities of the role
- Define and manage the product breakdown structure and Configuration Items (CIs)/Configuration Artefacts (CAs)
- Define and implement baseline management for hardware, software, and documentation and ensure full traceability processes are in place for all aspects of the company
- Define and roll out Change Management System that will function across different functions in Orbex
- Maintain accurate records of configuration items, baselines, change history, approvals, and audit trails
- Manage changes to configuration items through formal change control processes
- Schedule and conduct Functional and Physical Configuration Audits to ensure compliance with approved specifications and industry standards
- Review, recommend, and implement process improvements, new CM policies, and procedures aligned with aerospace standards (e.g., ISO 10007, AS9100, ECSS)
- Analyse and resolve configuration-related issues across teams and projects,
- Act as a CM point of contact during design reviews, readiness milestones, and project audits
Qualifications and Experience
- Educational background in Aerospace engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- Proven experience as a Configuration Manager
- Experience with defining and writing process documentation and configuration management plans
- Experience with evaluations of hardware and software products to ensure proper identification, control, and status accounting of the baseline for each (sub-)system, element and/or component
- Experience navigating PLM system or Configuration Management Database (e.g., Windchill)
- Ability to maintain and document development status to ensure adherence to policy and planned schedules
- Demonstrated interest (professionally or academically) in government
- Knowledge of aerospace standards such as ECSS-M-ST-40C and AS9100.
- Certifications in Configuration Management (CM2, ITIL, or PMP)
- Knowledge of Agile methodologies
- Program, project, or product management experience, preferably from defense, aerospace, engineering, logistics, IT, or program management involving government contracts
- Experience with hardware and software design reviews preferred
Personality
- Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
- It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members.
- You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.
Personality
- Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
- It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members.
- You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.
Location
For this role you can be based in our office in Forres in Scottish Highlands, or in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.
Security
You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.
Benefits – Scotland
- Competitive Salary
- 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
- NEST workplace pension
- Cycle to Work scheme
- The Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme, including mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps
- Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary
Benefits – Denmark
- Competitive Salary
- Annual 1% special holiday allowance
- Group Life Insurance, Lump Sum
- 30 days of paid vacation plus public holidays
- Up to 8 days additional leave per year, for child related sickness (up to age of 12)
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
- Cycle to work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
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