Mechanical Spacecraft Engineer

Recognising the RESTRICTED nature of the work suitable candidates will be SC clearable or eligible for this level of clearance.

To provide Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) Mechanical Engineering support to a Defence & Space focused manufacturer. Role involves writing processes, plans and procedures in 3D Experience for the production of Satellites and payloads. Involved in supporting hardware assembly on the Satellite such as black boxes, Solar Arrays and structure panels. Supporting Satellite environmental testing at the test facility and launch.

Role will be based at clients Stevenage facility for first phase of project, then transfer to testing facility based in Didcot, Oxford. Candidates can claim travel expenses as well as hotel accommodation for either location.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Project Preparation Phase

• Support to the customisation phase starting at the project kick off.
• Support project DMU (Digital mock-up/design for manufacture) sessions to ensure design for manufacture.
• Support in the creation of documentation required for the production phases, including ACS inputs, work instructions, and procedures.
• Lead the installation of Satellite appendages and applicable integration flows and preparation.
• Support the definition of MGSE for use on the Satellite and support procurement activities.
• Support Process Owner team in all aspects of their role.

• Support to AIT Lead Engineering team in periods of high workload.
• Creation of MBOMs and build process in DDMS.
• Support process owners with observation resolution and operational activities.
• Oversee unit installation activities on the Satellite.
• Support quality reviews, conduct PFMEA and Root Cause Analysis.
• Support in the creation of re-work instructions based on project requirements and identify parts and tooling required to carry them out.

• Design of tooling / build aids for assembly execution.
• Support to R&D Training module creation and maintenance.
• Responsible for ensuring that our working modes and processes are standardised, optimised, and current.
• Produce new processes, undertake process improvement and maintenance and monitor process implementation in operations.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidate MUST have previous Satellite/Space experience.
• Experience of carrying out environmental test experience (vibration, Acoustic Mass properties, Thermal) at unit, subsystem, instrument and spacecraft level.
• High mechanical skills and relevant experience.
• Writing Procedures and process control.
• Mechanical integration of subsystems and instruments (Mechanisms, including antennas, solar array etc).
• Delmia 3D experience (or use of other CAD systems).
• Minimum of HNC level in a Mechanical discipline. A lesser qualification is acceptable if a high level of similar industry experience can be demonstrated.
• Good understanding and detailed experience of complex mechanical systems.
• Lean manufacturing techniques including 5S, root cause analysis and continuous improvement.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and experience in the production of high quality documentation (test specs, test plans, test procedures, AIT Plans, DDV plans).
• High self-motivation and ability to deal with changing priorities on a multi project basis.
• Good problem solving skills (technical, logistics and organisational).
• Good planning skills and process competence, (MRP system experience an advantage).
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Previous experience of payload builds is a distinct advantage.
• Appreciation of satellite integration processes and project phases.
• Satellite Appendage installation process (Solar Array, reflectors, antennas, deployable systems).
• Experience of Lean engineering.
• Clean room experience.
• FMEA Experience.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement philosophies.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety principles and their application to the specific environment.
• Understanding of RF properties and associated risks.