Head of Quality Control and Labo

At our Lummen site, SABCA Limburg, we are specialized in the manufacturing of high-tech composite assemblies for aircraft. On the one hand, we produce integrated skins for flaps and stabilizers using two automatic tape-layers and very large autoclaves and of course, our colleagues’ extended know-how. In cooperation with the Engineering office in Brussels, SABCA Limburg is also responsible for the flap track fairings of several aircraft.

On the other hand, the Space industry is also present in this plant with the final system integration of Ariane and Vega assemblies.

Mission

Are you a strong people manager with a passion for quality and technology? At SABCA Limburg, we are looking for a Lead Quality Control & Labo to lead two teams: the Quality Control team (QC & NDT) and the physical testing laboratory. You will be responsible for organizing, coaching, and supporting your team efficiently, while helping ensure that we meet the high-quality standards of the aerospace industry. Together with your teams, you play a key role in ensuring the quality of components for the F-35 and other cutting-edge aerospace and space projects.

Your Responsibilities

Leadership and Coaching

• Lead both the QC/NDT team and the lab team (approximately 12 employees).
• Coach, motivate, and support team members in their technical development and soft skills.
• Conduct evaluations, development discussions, and plan training programs. Organize and plan team activities, monitor progress, and set priorities.
• Ensure the team meets its goals in terms of quality, timing, and output.

Organization and Follow-Up

• Ensure efficient task distribution within your teams.
• Oversee the accurate and timely execution of quality controls on production parts.
• Foster strong collaboration with other departments (production, engineering, maintenance, etc.).
• Monitor inspection output and ensure that any non-conformities are quickly reported back to production (RDR within 48h).
• Ensure day-to-day communication through daily production meetings and maintain up-to-date SQCDP and QC boards.

Quality and Process Improvement

• Ensure compliance with EN9100 and ISO14001 standards.
• Support continuous improvement projects related to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Keep procedures and testing methods up to date, and optimize them when needed.
• Manage the calibration planning for lab equipment and measurement tools.
• Analyze trends in non-conformities and contribute to structural improvements.

Your Profile

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or Materials Science, or equivalent through experience.
• Relevant experience in quality or a lab environment, ideally in an industrial or production context.
• Knowledge of aerospace standards (EN9100, EASA) or composites is a strong plus.
• Leadership experience or a clear ambition to take on a team lead role.
• Strong knowledge of physical testing methods, quality control processes, and calibration is a major advantage.
• Structured, analytical, and results-driven. Strong communication skills, with a collaborative and motivating approach to leadership.
• Perfect fluent in Dutch and English; knowledge of French is a plus.

So, What’s in it for you?

Experience! Gain new experience to thanks to the full range of services we offer to the civil, space and military aviation markets as well as to the commercial Unmanned Autonomous Systems (drones). Our activities include designing, manufacturing, maintaining, and upgrading large and complex elements for aircraft and space launchers for customers and partners belonging to the elite of the aerospace industry.

Excitement! Work in an exciting environment where long-standing expertise and research and technological development feed off each other. Sabca collaborators have their passion and their know-how as common denominator. Teamwork, reliability and innovation are part of the culture we value and that lead us to success.

Challenges! Help Europe access to space by designing and manufacturing rocket structures. Be part of the pioneers in developing advanced air mobility solutions inside our division dedicated to drones. Use your knowledge to take people around the world on board low-carbon aircraft. Contribute to the environmental and technological challenges of the century. Play your own role in the fast-moving world of aerospace.

Be ready for take-off!