AIT Spacecraft Technician

AIT Spacecraft Technician

Full-Time 40000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ALTEN

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to assemble, integrate, and test spacecraft hardware for exciting space missions.
  • Company: Dynamic space sector company based in London with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private medical insurance, flexible working, and a supportive team atmosphere.
  • Other info: Diverse projects, career growth opportunities, and a commitment to inclusivity.
  • Why this job: Be part of groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of space exploration.
  • Qualifications: Hands-on experience with spacecraft hardware and a degree in Engineering or equivalent.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.

Seeking an AIT Technician to join our team in London to support the assembly, integration, and testing of spacecraft hardware for a major mission within the space sector. You will work hands‑on with flight and non‑flight equipment, ensuring that all components and subsystems are built, integrated, and tested to the highest reliability standards required for orbital operations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Perform assembly and integration of spacecraft components, subsystems, and harnesses according to engineering documentation and procedures.
  • Execute functional tests, electrical checks, and mechanical verifications on flight hardware.
  • Support environmental testing activities, including vibration, thermal‑vacuum, and EMC campaigns.
  • Carry out harness installation, routing, and termination with high‑reliability standards.
  • Work with engineers to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve integration issues during AIT phases.
  • Maintain cleanroom discipline, ensuring proper handling of sensitive spacecraft hardware.
  • Complete test logs, integration reports, and non‑conformance documentation with accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Operate test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, torque tools, crimping tools, and specialised AIT fixtures.
  • Support mechanical assembly tasks, including bracket installation, fastener torquing, and structural integration.
  • Follow strict ECSS‑style procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards throughout all AIT activities.
  • Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to ensure smooth integration workflows.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of AIT processes, tooling, and documentation.

Qualifications Required Skills:

  • Mandatory Space industry experience — hands‑on work with spacecraft hardware, satellite subsystems, or high‑reliability space components.
  • Experience performing AIT tasks on electrical, mechanical, or harness subsystems.
  • Ability to follow detailed procedures, drawings, and integration instructions.
  • Skilled in using standard AIT tools and test equipment.
  • Strong understanding of cleanroom practices and handling of sensitive hardware.
  • Ability to identify issues during integration and support engineers in resolving them.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
  • Experience with environmental test campaigns (vibration, TVAC, EMC).
  • Knowledge of spacecraft electrical interfaces and data buses.
  • Familiarity with ECSS standards or similar high‑reliability frameworks.
  • Experience with non‑conformance reporting and root‑cause analysis.
  • Exposure to flight hardware acceptance testing and verification activities.

Additional Information:

  • A personalised career path and a rewarding management style.
  • A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries.
  • Private Medical Insurance.
  • Employee assistance programme.
  • Life insurance & Pension Scheme.
  • Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings.
  • Flexible way of working (role dependent).

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

AIT Spacecraft Technician employer: ALTEN

ALTEN is an exceptional employer located in London, offering a dynamic work environment where AIT Technicians can thrive in the exciting space sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a diverse range of engineering projects, and a supportive management style, ALTEN fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance, flexible working arrangements, and a vibrant social atmosphere that encourages team bonding and personal development.

ALTEN

Contact Details:

ALTEN Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land AIT Spacecraft Technician

Join Aerospace Forums and Groups

Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.

Attend Industry Conferences

Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.

Spotlight Your Projects

Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!

Apply Directly on Company Websites

When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with ALTEN for a AIT Spacecraft Technician. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace AIT Spacecraft Technician

Assembly and Integration of Spacecraft Components
Functional Testing
Electrical Checks
Mechanical Verifications
Environmental Testing (Vibration, Thermal-Vacuum, EMC)
Harness Installation and Termination
Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at ALTEN, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!

Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.

Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At ALTEN, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.

Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.

How to prepare for a job interview at ALTEN

Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge

Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with ALTEN.

Showcase Your Projects with Confidence

Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with ALTEN. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.

Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills

As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like ALTEN love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.