Optical AIV Engineer in Guildford

SatVu is a rapidly expanding space technology company, backed by leading investors like Adara Ventures and Lockheed Martin. As the ‘World’s Thermometer,’ we deliver high‑accuracy thermal datasets from space, providing invaluable insights across sectors. Our cutting‑edge technology fuels significant growth in climate, sustainability, and defence & intelligence/national security markets, with HotSat-1 launched in 2023 and HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 planned for 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, high‑growth organisation at a pivotal moment in its development.

The Role

SatVu is seeking an Optical AIV Engineer to support on‑site assembly, integration and verification of the HotSat-4 optical instrument at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford. This is an on‑site role requiring presence five days per week for the payload build phase. You will be embedded within SSTL’s Optical AIV and Optical Imaging teams to perform precision optical/mechanical assembly, instrument AIV, operation of interferometers/CMMs/MTF rigs/TV chambers and bespoke test equipment, and to deliver verified flight hardware. Following the active build, you will contribute to SatVu’s technical team to capture lessons learned and support future payload AIV planning as we grow the constellation. Day‑to‑day technical direction will come from SSTL’s Optical AIV leads on‑site; overall line management will report to SatVu’s Head of Programmes. This position offers an opportunity for professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic and rapidly growing company.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out optical and mechanical alignment of instruments; perform AIV activities in cleanroom and lab environments.
• Operate and maintain test equipment (interferometers, CMM, thermal vacuum, MTF rigs, integrating spheres).
• Build and verify optical, mechanical and electrical ground support equipment.
• Troubleshoot, report and resolve hardware issues; author and maintain build/test procedures, reports and cleanroom records.
• Prepare and manage build materials and cleanliness protocols.
• Capture detailed AIV documentation and lessons learned to support IP transfer and SatVu lab setup.
• Liaise with design teams to feedback producibility and testability observations.
• Work closely within a core project team.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in engineering, optics or equivalent.
• Practical AIV experience in low‑volume, high‑technology manufacturing; cleanroom experience essential.
• Experience handling optics and optical test hardware; operation of interferometers, CMMs, or thermal‑vacuum chambers is desirable.

Desirable Skills and Experience

You don’t need to tick every box to apply—we value curiosity, learning, and the ability to add impact. These are some of the ways you may bring value:

• Detail‑oriented, methodical, good with hands‑on instrumentation and procedures.
• Strong written skills for test documentation and transfer packs.
• Able to work autonomously and also integrate in multidisciplinary teams.
• Flexible, resilient under schedule pressure, and collaborative with SSTL staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross‑functional team.
• A passion for technology and a desire to make a significant impact.
• Strong analytical abilities and communication skills - able to clearly articulate and present growth strategy, tactics, and results to senior executives and boards of investors.
• Adaptability, resilience, and a passion for driving positive change.

Why Join SatVu

• The opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most ambitious space start‑ups – developing a completely new and cutting‑edge technology, for a large and accessible market.
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative and high‑growth environment.
• Collaborate with and learn from a team of experienced and talented individuals.
• Make a significant impact on urgent global themes—defence and climate tech.

Interview Process

• Initial phone screen: a 30‑minute video call to learn more about you, provide details about the role, and discuss what you are looking for.
• First stage interview: Video call intro with SatVu’s Programmes Director to discuss the role in more detail, as well as your experience. The call will last approx. 30 minutes.
• Technical Assessment: Interview with the with SatVu’s Programmes Director and SSTL’s Head of Optical Payload (approx. 60 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in‑person at SSTL HQ in Guildford or via a remote video call, based on location and availability.
• HR Screening: Call with our People Director to discuss requirements further (approx. 30 minutes).
• Final stage: Interview with Co‑Founders (approx. 30 minutes). This stage may be conducted either in‑person or via a remote video call, based on availability.

Competitive base salary, share options, 25 Days Holiday + Birthday Off, 6 weeks Work from Anywhere, Home Office Budget, Learning and development allowance, Life insurance, Wellbeing days, Yulife perks and rewards, Generous parental leave policies, Family friendly policies, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), Cycle to Work scheme, Workplace Nursery Benefit scheme, Contribution towards switching to a renewable energy provider at home, Regular lunch & learn sessions, Office perks; regular team lunches.

As part of our pre‑employment screening process, we may undertake background checks on applicants who receive an offer of employment. We have in place appropriate policies and safeguards which we are required by law to maintain when processing vetting data.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at SatVu

SatVu is committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity within our team. We strive to provide equality and fairness for all job applicants and employees, and never discriminate on the basis of gender, marital status, age, race, ethnicity, religion, or physical differences. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful treatment and discrimination. Our ambition is for our team and its Board to be representative of the diversity in society, and for every employee to feel respected and able to bring their best selves to work.