At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform satellite designs into flight-ready hardware in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
- Company: Join Open Cosmos, a mission-driven company making space accessible for global challenges.
- Benefits: Work with cutting-edge technology and a diverse, supportive team.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment based in Harwell or Barcelona.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that have a real impact on the future of space.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing processes, Lean principles, and data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Aim high, go beyond! At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…
Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO) The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.
The AIT team is at the heart of turning ideas into real, orbit-ready satellites. They’re the workshop where Open Cosmos missions come to life — taking designs from paper to physical hardware. It’s hands-on, fast-paced, and mission-critical - it doesn’t get much cooler than this!
What You'll Be Doing
As our Operations Engineer you’ll play a key role in turning satellite designs into high-quality, flight-ready hardware. This role sits at the heart of our production facility, focusing on how we build, assemble, and test satellites — and how we can do it better every day.
You’ll work closely with teams across production, engineering, quality, IT, and supply chain to improve processes, remove friction, and increase efficiency without compromising on safety or quality. From refining assembly workflows to using data to solve real manufacturing challenges, this role is about making our operations smarter, more reliable, and ready to scale.
- Developing and maintaining manufacturing processes to support consistent quality, efficiency, and output
- Applying Lean and Six Sigma principles to identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement
- Analysing production data to understand performance, defects, and areas for improvement
- Working with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure products are easy and efficient to build
- Defining and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and clear work instructions
- Supporting production line setup, equipment calibration, and process validation for new or updated assemblies
- Working with IT and systems teams to improve data capture, traceability, and reporting
- Making sure production activities meet internal quality, safety, and compliance standards
- Contributing to cross-functional improvement projects focused on yield, lead time, and cost
What You’ll Bring
- A strong understanding of manufacturing or industrial processes, ideally in electronics or aerospace environments
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement approaches
- Familiarity with electronic assembly processes such as soldering, PCB handling, and ESD control
- An understanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and production data analysis
- Working knowledge of quality tools such as RCA, FMEA, and SPC
- Ability to document processes clearly and implement standardised ways of working
- Awareness of equipment calibration, maintenance, and process validation
- Confidence working with data and reporting tools
- Awareness of health, safety, and environmental standards in an industrial setting
This role will be based in either Harwell, UK or Barcelona, Spain. To apply, you must have the legal right to work in this location. Please submit your application and CV in English.
Why Open Cosmos?
- Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
- A mission-driven company making space accessible to help solve real-world challenges.
- A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.
Operations Engineer (AIT Production) in Didcot employer: Open Cosmos
Open Cosmos is an exceptional employer for those passionate about space technology, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to collaborate across disciplines while tackling real-world challenges through cutting-edge satellite communications solutions. Join a diverse and ambitious team dedicated to making space accessible, all while enjoying the benefits of a supportive culture that values respect and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Engineer (AIT Production) in Didcot
✨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 Open Cosmos for a Operations Engineer (AIT Production). 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 Operations Engineer (AIT Production) in Didcot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Open Cosmos, 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 Open Cosmos, 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 Open Cosmos
✨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 Open Cosmos.
✨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 Open Cosmos. 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 Open Cosmos love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
