Mechanical Technician - AIT in Stevenage

As part of our continued support to our customer in the space sector, we are looking for a number of Mechanical AIT Engineers to join us on a permanent or contract basis. The role will be based at our customer’s facility in Stevenage and will require successful candidates to work from our customer's site 5 days per week. We are now looking for Mechanical Technicians to grow and develop their careers within AIT as part of an international company expanding its internal space capability.

The mission is part of the mechanical operational activities for Manufacturing, Panels, Structures and Propulsion departments within AIT, Stevenage. The main aim of this work package is to perform mechanical activities to support the manufacture, assembly and test of satellite components and structures. This vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for ambitious individuals to develop and grow their skills and knowledge within a thriving organisation.

The job holder will be engaged in a wide variety of mechanical operations/activities covering all areas of assembly and integration onto spacecraft. Although not essential, specific experience in RF and optical cable routing and assembly, as well as clean room experience, are highly sought after for this role. This is an area of significant growth within Expleo, where we are looking at growing future team leads from within.

Responsibilities

• Utilise Work orders on Apriso or EWIS or paper as an input into the mechanical assembly process.
• Work with and be responsible for the successful installation and integration of Kits of parts.
• Read and understand 3D Drawings and technical notes.
• Utilise procedures and documents containing engineering data e.g. torque values as part of the mechanical installation process.
• Be aware of COSHH and Risk Assessment Documents that support Integration and Assembly activities.
• Complete Receipt, inspection and handling of equipment to the relevant standard.
• Complete component/equipment installation and grounding.
• Complete Bonding of parts.
• Panel core cutting, panel cutting (Aluminium and Honeycomb), panel edge trimming and taping.
• Thermal blanket fitting, heat pipe installation.
• Carry out Coaxial cable installation and routing.
• Carry out Thermal hardware installation and routing.
• Carry out DC Harness routing and connection.
• Assemble Mechanical parts as directed by the customer.
• Ensure Procedures completed and filled IAW customer requirements.
• Author reports, in cases of an anomaly or a deviation.
• Ensure all work completed complies with relevant Quality Standards, ensuring Quality inspection passed.
• Support in the creation of documentation required for work instructions and procedures.
• Support The Mechanical Process Owner team in all aspects of their role.
• Handling and installation of thermal hardware (heaters, thermistors).
• Mechanical integration of electronic units, subsystems and instruments, mechanisms, antennas, solar arrays, mechanical sub-systems, instruments, payloads and spacecraft and control the documentation/process associated with performing these.
• Prepare and carry out environmental tests (Vibration, Acoustic, Mass properties, Thermal) at unit, subsystem, instrument and spacecraft level.
• Support process owners with observation resolution and operational activities.
• Support in the creation of re-work instructions based on project requirements and identify parts and tooling required.
• Support to standardisation activities ensuring that our working modes and processes are standardised, optimised, and current.
• Support the production of new processes, undertake process improvement and maintenance and monitor process implementation.
• Processing assembly, integration and testing (AIT) tasks as part of Space projects (satellites, payloads, subsystems).
• Coordination of the mechanical AIT work on the satellite in consultation with the AIT manager and other disciplines involved.
• Preparation and implementation of mechanical integrations of flight hardware on the satellite, documenting the work results.
• Preparation of concepts for mechanical AIT and MGSE (Mechanical Ground Support equipment) and creation of corresponding planning documents.
• Creation of the necessary specifications, support of the Tender process (tender evaluation).
• Participation in NRBs (Non-Conformance Review Boards) to find the causes of error and finding solutions.

Qualifications

• NC, HNC or HND in engineering/maintenance OR Apprenticeship in Aerospace/Space or other high quality production field with experience in mechanical engineering field.

Essential skills

• Prior AIT experience.
• Appreciation of satellite integration processes and project phases.
• Satellite Appendage installation process (Solar Array, reflectors, antennas, deployable systems).
• Good understanding and detailed experience of complex mechanical systems.
• Lean manufacturing techniques including 5S, root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge and experience in the production of high quality documentation (test specs, test plans, test procedures, AIT Plans, DDV plans).
• High mechanical skills and relevant experience.
• Writing Procedures and process control.
• 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.
• Ability to work in a team.

Experience

• Experience working in a high quality production environment relating to mechanical assembly.
• Experience working in a clean-room environment including FOD/ESD practices.
• Experience in manufacture of aluminium/carbon honeycomb core panels, specifically the handling and preparing of honeycomb and aluminium sheet metal skins.
• Experience in handling and preparation of foam and film adhesives.

Benefits

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges.
• We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects.
• Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses.
• Competitive company benefits.
• Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we have committed to ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible, communicating and promoting vacancies, offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job, anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required, and supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive.