AIT Engineer (Contract)

AIT Engineer (Contract)

Guildford Freelance 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our spacecraft mission team to manage AIT & EVT activities during ground tests.
  • Company: Be part of a leading space technology company pushing the boundaries of innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for travel, and hands-on experience in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Contribute to exciting space projects while developing your skills in a collaborative and innovative culture.
  • Qualifications: Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science; experience with spaceflight hardware is a plus.
  • Other info: Role requires overseas travel and may involve irregular hours; a sense of humour is essential!

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

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.
  • Liase 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.

    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.
    • 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.
    • Familiar with Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel along with proficiency in use of Microsoft Project.
    • Good communication and presentation skills.
    • Must be prepared to work irregular hours, weekends and shifts.
    • A flexible, pragmatic attitude to work, planning and interactions with others is required along with a well-developed sense of humour & irony.
    • Overseas travel is required in this role to support testing in customer premises & test facilities in locations worldwide.

    AIT Engineer (Contract) employer: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.

    As an AIT Engineer at our company, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to advancing space technology. We offer a collaborative work culture that values employee growth through hands-on experience and training opportunities, ensuring you can develop your skills in a cutting-edge environment. Located in a vibrant area with access to state-of-the-art facilities, we provide a unique opportunity to contribute to exciting projects while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity and teamwork.
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    Contact Detail:

    Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land AIT Engineer (Contract)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Familiarise yourself with the specific AIT and EVT processes mentioned in the job description. Understanding these phases will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Network with professionals in the aerospace industry, especially those who have experience with spacecraft testing. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Brush up on your knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, as well as EGSE operations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart from other candidates.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in dynamic environments.

    We think you need these skills to ace AIT Engineer (Contract)

    Project Management
    Test Planning and Scheduling
    Integration and Testing of Spacecraft Systems
    Verification and Validation of Requirements
    Team Management in Dynamic Environments
    Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) Operation
    Hands-on Experience with Electronic Test Equipment
    Knowledge of Spaceflight Hardware
    Attention to Detail
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Communication and Presentation Skills
    Microsoft Office Proficiency (Outlook, Word, Excel)
    Microsoft Project Proficiency
    Ability to Work Independently in Ambiguous Situations
    Flexibility and Adaptability to Work Hours

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in spacecraft or payload AIT and EVT activities. Emphasise your hands-on knowledge of electronic test equipment and any experience with integrated system testing.

    Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about working in the space industry. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to manage dynamic environments.

    Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science. If you have additional certifications or training related to spaceflight hardware or test planning, be sure to include those as well.

    Showcase Teamwork and Communication Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in teams and communicated with various stakeholders. This is crucial for the role, so highlight any experience liaising with mission teams or external customers.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.

    ✨Know Your AIT & EVT Processes

    Familiarise yourself with the specific phases of Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) as well as Environmental Test (EVT) activities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in these areas and how you can contribute to the spacecraft mission team.

    ✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills

    Highlight your ability to work effectively within a project team. Share examples of how you've collaborated with project managers, engineers, and test operators in previous roles, especially in dynamic environments.

    ✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge

    Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with spaceflight hardware and electronic test equipment. Mention any relevant projects where you managed test planning, scheduling, or verification/validation of requirements.

    ✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios

    Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to share specific instances where you proactively addressed challenges during testing or integration phases, demonstrating your ability to drive issues to resolution.

    AIT Engineer (Contract)
    Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
    S
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