Lead AIT Engineer

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.; Guildford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering firm in Guildford is seeking a Lead AIT Engineer to oversee all phases of Assembly, Integration, and Test activities. The role requires a degree in engineering or a science discipline and experience with spaceflight hardware. Responsibilities include managing test teams, ensuring proper documentation, and collaborating with mission teams. The role is contract-based for an initial duration of 6 months with potential for extension, offering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with spaceflight hardware, particularly spacecraft level testing.
• Proven experience in test planning and scheduling.
• Experience managing test teams in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of planning and execution of AIT & EVT activities.
• Work as part of a team to ensure spacecraft payload is delivered fully tested.
• Manage scheduling and test operations for payload and spacecraft.

Skills

Proactive problem solver

Hands-on abilities

Team working skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Microsoft Project

Electronic test equipment (RF/communications)

Job description

Overview

Lead AIT Engineer Contract– Job Ref - 363

Responsible For: All phases of planning, control and execution of Payload or Spacecraft level AIT & EVT activities during the mission ground test phase.

Key Purpose of Job

Working as part of the spacecraft mission team to progress the Spacecraft or Payload through the in house Assembly, Integration & Test process and external Environmental Test Phase.

Key Tasks

• Work as a key member of the Core Project team, with the Project manager, AIT Manager and Systems Engineer to deliver fully tested payload and spacecraft.
• Manage test operators and responsible engineers activities on the payload or spacecraft in line with system level schedules and requirements, deputising these roles when required.
• Provide documentation and present at design, test and project reviews for both internal and external audiences.
• Support upcoming bids and proposals.
• Facilitate and schedule for core AIT support equipment's including:

• Electrical Ground Support Equipment
• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment
• Test equipment definition
• Spacecraft and payload harness definition
• Ground Test cable definition

• Facilitate and schedule all AIT and EVT phase activities: AIT Unit Integration and Test, AIT System Integration and Test, EVT test campaigns and logistics.

• Implement: Test Plans flowing down from system level requirements; Unit level integration and testing plans at system level; System and subsystem level Integration & Testing plans; Test procedures flowing down from test plans and traceable to system level requirements.

• Oversee and participate in system level testing.
• Act as an expert spacecraft system operator.
• Ensure SSTL engineering policies and practices are implemented on the project.
• Oversee and maintain tidiness and safe working practices in the AIT clean room.
• Liaise with mission team and external customers.
• Support ground segment commissioning and LEOP activities.
• Support of training programmes for both internal & customer engineers.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline

Experience

• Working with spaceflight hardware, including integrated system testing at spacecraft level
• Detailed test planning and scheduling
• Working with verification / validation of requirements
• Experience of managing test teams in very dynamic environments
• Good understanding of scripting and operation of EGSE systems advantageous
• Good general electrical & electronics background
• Knowledge and understanding of material usage in spaceflight environment
• Hands on knowledge and experience of electronic test equipment usage including RF / communications

Knowledge & Skills

• Proactive problem solver with drive to chase issues through to their conclusion
• Practical and proven hands–on abilities for both flight build as well as ground and development test activities
• Ability to manage larger work packages or projects and associated resourcing, planning and facility negotiations
• Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels
• Demonstrable strong attention to detail and ensuring that the finished sub-systems/systems will function as designed
• Strong judgment skill in order to work independently and effectively in ambiguous situations
• Familiar with Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel along with proficiency in use of Microsoft Project
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Must be prepared to work irregular hours, weekends and shifts
• A flexible, pragmatic attitude to work, planning and interactions with others is required along with a well developed sense of humour & irony.
• Overseas travel is required in this role to support testing in customer premises & test facilities in locations worldwide

Location

Guildford

Contract

Please note that this contract will need to be processed through one of our sub-contracting partners, and we will be happy to put you in contact with them.

Contract duration

Initially 6 months