AIT Lead Engineer in Surrey

Responsible for all phases of planning, control and execution of Payload or Spacecraft level AIT & EVT activities during the mission ground test phase.

Key Purpose of Job: Working as part of the spacecraft mission team to progress the Spacecraft or Payload through the in-house Assembly, Integration & Test process and external Environmental Test Phase.

Key Tasks:

• Work as a key member of the Core Project team, with the Project manager, AIT Manager and Systems Engineer to deliver fully tested payload and spacecraft.
• Manage test operators and responsible engineers activities on the payload or spacecraft in line with system level schedules and requirements, deputising these roles when required.
• Provide documentation and present at design, test and project reviews for both internal and external audiences.
• Support upcoming bids and proposals.
• Facilitate and schedule for core AIT support equipment:
• Electrical Ground Support Equipment
• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment
• Test equipment definition
• Spacecraft and payload harness definition
• Ground Test cable definition
• Facilitate and schedule all AIT and EVT phase activities:
• AIT Unit Integration and Test
• AIT System Integration and Test
• EVT test campaigns and logistics
• Implement Test Plans flowing down from system level requirements:
• Unit level integration and testing plans at system level
• System and subsystem level Integration & Testing plans
• Test procedures flowing down from test plans and traceable to system level requirements
• Oversee and participate in system level testing.
• Act as an expert spacecraft system operator.
• Ensure SSTL engineering policies and practices are implemented on the project.
• Oversee and maintain tidiness and safe working practices in the AIT clean room.
• Liaise with mission team and external customers.
• Support ground segment commissioning and LEOP activities.
• Support of training programmes for both internal & customer engineers.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Qualifications:

• Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline.
• Requirements of this post are to hold, or have held in the last 5 years, an EU based personal Security clearance and to be a citizen of one of the member states of the European Union or the Schengen association countries.

Experience:

• Working with spaceflight hardware, including integrated system testing at spacecraft level.
• Detailed test planning and scheduling.
• Working with verification / validation of requirements.
• Experience of managing test teams in very dynamic environments.
• Good understanding of scripting and operation of EGSE systems advantageous.
• Good general electrical & electronics background.
• Knowledge and understanding of material usage in spaceflight environment.
• Hands-on knowledge and experience of electronic test equipment usage including RF / communications.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Proactive problem solver with drive to chase issues through to their conclusion.
• Practical and proven hands-on abilities for both flight build as well as ground and development test activities.
• Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales.
• Ability to manage larger work packages or projects and associated resourcing, planning and facility negotiations.
• Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels.
• Demonstrable strong attention to detail and ensuring that the finished sub-systems/systems will function as designed.
• Strong judgment skill in order to work independently and effectively in ambiguous situations.
• Proven technical writing and presentation skills.
• Excellent inter-personal skills - both written and oral communications; ability to interface with customers and technical representatives.
• A flexible, pragmatic attitude to work, planning and interactions with others is required.
• Must be prepared to work irregular hours, weekends and shifts.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel along with proficiency in use of Microsoft Project.
• Overseas travel is required in this role to support testing in customer premises & test facilities in locations worldwide.
• Full, clean driving licence preferred.
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets; accountability, one team, customers and projects rule and audacity.