At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Assembly, Integration and Testing for our UK Active Debris Removal mission.
- Company: Join ClearSpace, a pioneering company in sustainable space operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space exploration while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and 7+ years of AIT experience required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
At ClearSpace, we believe in reusability, in affordability driving disruption, and that no progress is real unless it is sustainable. Our company was founded in 2018 out of the realization that in-orbit servicing and space debris removal are vital services for the future of space exploration and operations. Today ClearSpace has assembled an expert engineering team and is leading the way toward sustainable space operations.
ClearSpace is developing spacecraft and services to support the sustainable use of space, including active debris removal. We are seeking an experienced AIT Manager to lead the Assembly, Integration and Testing (AIT) campaign for the spacecraft on our UK Active Debris Removal (ADR) mission. Based in London, you will own the campaign from planning and facility readiness through integration and environmental testing to delivery for launch. The role will require travel to UK and European test facilities, suppliers and the launch site as needed.
Role Responsibilities:
- The AIT Manager will plan, coordinate and deliver all AIT activities for the UK ADR mission spacecraft.
- This hands-on leadership role works closely with Systems Engineering, Product Assurance, Programme Management and external partners to deliver a flight-ready spacecraft on schedule, within the agreed budget and to the required quality.
- Own and deliver the AIT plan for the UK ADR mission, including the AIT schedule, sequence of activities and resource plan, aligned with the overall programme baseline.
- Lead day-to-day assembly, integration and test activities at spacecraft and subsystem level, including integration of the capture system, avionics, propulsion and payload elements.
- Prepare and maintain AIT procedures, test specifications and reports, and coordinate their review and approval through the programme’s engineering, Product Assurance and configuration management processes.
- Ensure compliance with mission and contractual requirements and applicable standards, including relevant ECSS standards.
- Plan and lead environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, acoustic and EMC testing as applicable to the mission baseline.
- Coordinate UK and European test facilities from test readiness through execution, data review and anomaly resolution.
- Define requirements for, and oversee the procurement, verification and maintenance of, mechanical and electrical ground support equipment (MGSE/EGSE) and tooling.
- Lead, coordinate and mentor a team of AIT engineers and technicians, as well as contractor and supplier personnel on site.
- Act as the AIT point of contact for the customer, UK Space Agency stakeholders, suppliers and the launch service provider, including support for the launch campaign.
- Track and report AIT progress, cost and schedule to the Head of AIV/AIT and Programme Manager, and support programme milestones and reviews such as CDR, TRR, QR and FAR.
- Identify and mitigate AIT risks, manage non-conformances and feed lessons learned back into ClearSpace processes.
- Ensure safety, cleanliness, contamination control, ESD and workmanship standards are upheld across all integration and test activities.
Must have:
- Degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace, Mechanical or Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- 7+ years of experience in spacecraft AIT, with at least 2 years leading AIT activities or teams.
- Hands-on AIT experience on at least one complete spacecraft programme through to delivery or launch.
- Strong knowledge of spacecraft environmental test methods (TVAC, vibration, shock, acoustic and EMC/EMI) and relevant test standards, such as ECSS-E-ST-10-03 and MIL-STD-1540, where applicable.
- Proven ability to plan and manage AIT schedules, procedures, non-conformances and test documentation.
- Experience working within an ECSS-based product assurance and configuration management framework.
Nice to have:
- Experience with active debris removal, on-orbit servicing, or rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) missions.
- Experience on UK Space Agency or ESA-funded programmes, and familiarity with UK and European test facilities.
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or equivalent professional certification.
AIT Manager - UK ADR Mission in London employer: clearspace
At ClearSpace, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation in the space industry. As a People Operations Intern, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience in HR operations while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of space exploration. With opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside a supportive team environment, ClearSpace is an excellent employer for those looking to make a real impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land AIT Manager - UK ADR Mission in London
✨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
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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
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We think you need these skills to ace AIT Manager - UK ADR Mission in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at clearspace, 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 clearspace, 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 clearspace
✨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 clearspace.
✨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 clearspace. 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 clearspace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
