Electrical MAIT Engineer in Harwell

Magdrive is developing the next generation of spacecraft propulsion. Our cutting‑edge thruster technology promises to deliver unmatched thrust and efficiency, enabling accessibility to new orbits and entirely new industries such as satellite servicing, orbital assembly, and interplanetary transport. We are also starting to develop recycling & refuelling approaches for future spacecraft propulsion.

About the Role

As an Electrical MAIT (Manufacture, Assembly, Integration & Test) Engineer at Magdrive, you will build, integrate and validate the electrical systems that power our qualification and flight thrusters, acting as the bridge between R&D design and flight‑ready hardware. You’ll manufacture and route harnesses, support PCBA bring‑up, run flat‑sat and system‑level testing, and lead hands‑on electrical fault finding across development and flight builds, working closely with propulsion, test and design engineers to feed integration learnings back into improved reliability and manufacturability. This is a practical, delivery‑focused role owning hardware at the bench and helping scale Magdrive from early‑stage development to repeatable, flight‑ready production.

We offer a supportive and flexible work environment, with the ability to adjust work hours, hybrid working, competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and regular company socials. Magdrive is based at the Harwell Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire, UK, with occasional remote working possible.

What you will be doing

• Electrical Assembly & Integration

• Manufacture qualification and flight electrical harnesses (crimping, soldering, routing, inspection)
• Assemble, integrate, and rework PCBAs, harnesses, and electrical sub‑assemblies
• Perform fine‑pitch soldering and component‑level rework
• Ensure compliance with ESD, cleanliness, and workmanship standards

• Own and execute flat‑sat testing of the full electrical system
• Support acceptance, qualification, and troubleshooting testing
• Develop and improve electrical test setups, procedures, and data capture
• Perform inspections and ensure build and test traceability

• Support PCBA bring‑up, debug, and design iteration
• Act as the MAIT feedback loop into electrical design
• Contribute to reviews with a DFM/DFA focus
• Own procurement and logistics of PCBAs, harness parts, and components post‑release
• Manage supplier interfaces, lead times, and quality feedback
• Track component availability and obsolescence with design engineers
• Standardise and simplify electrical build and test activities
• Improve repeatability, documentation, and readiness for higher‑rate production
• Feed lessons learned into future designs and processes

Who we are looking for

• Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Electronic, Aerospace, or similar), or equivalent experience via apprenticeship and industry practice
• 5+ years’ experience in electrical MAIT / AIT / lab‑based roles in space or aerospace
• Strong hands‑on experience with harness manufacture, soldering, and PCBA rework
• Confident using electrical test equipment and interpreting schematics and layouts
• Comfortable working across build, test, procurement, and engineering interfaces
• Experience with ECSS / IPC standards and space hardware qualification
• ESA / IPC soldering or harness certifications
• Experience with electric propulsion or high‑voltage systems

Personal Attributes & Cultural Fit

• Hands‑on, proactive, and comfortable owning hardware end‑to‑end
• Adaptable and multi‑disciplinary
• Motivated by building real flight hardware in a fast‑moving environment
• Interested in not just building hardware, but improving how it is built

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays + Birthdays, and long‑service awards (up to 30 days)
• Flexible working hours
• Remote working where possible
• Financial support for home office setup
• Generous parental leave policy

Magdrive is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.