AIT Engineer (Mechanical)

Key Purpose

Working as part of the cross-cleanroom teams to progress Unit level build, Spacecraft Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) and Environmental Testing (EVT), towards the Spacecraft launch phase.

Responsibilities

Lead process development and implementation on Satellite Assembly and Unit Level Manufacturing Activities.

• Satellite Assembly
• Harness Manufacture
• Module Manufacturer, PCB or Unit-Level
• Lead and Maintain the cleanroom functionality and serviceability.

Key Tasks

Satellite Build

• Platform and Payload assembly (including ground equipment)
• Review AIT Plan and standard processes
• Create essential documentation (work instructions, procedures, processes, logbooks, as-build configuration tables, mate/demate logs) for smooth production flow and traceability.
• Build sub-assembles and satellites
• Route DC harness and RF cables onto satellites.

Harness Build

• Harness build and test (Including ground test cables)
• Review of harness specifications and design documents
• Review and alignment of equipment electrical interface specifications
• Review of pin-to-pin definition with key stakeholders
• Spacecraft bracket/bulkhead connector definition in conjunction with the engineering teams
• Build and test harnesses 
• Cross checking power, signal, and data bus pin-to-pin alignment during build
• Implement harness design to meet all electrical, grounding, and environmental requirements 
• Liaison with the spacecraft systems team to resolve issues and anomalies
• Assist with harness routing discussions and the procurement of harness related parts and materials
• Carry out appropriate configuration and change management processes

PCA/PCB build

• PCA/PCB build and hand fit of PCB components
• Review of documentation and instructions prior to work commencing
• Review of parts to be placed on the PCA against Circuits diagrams and layouts 
• Assembly of electronics boards into their enclosures
• Liaison with the Electronics team to resolve issues and anomalies
• Build of associated test harnesses and test boxes 
• Carry out appropriate configuration and change management processes

Cleanroom Management

• Maintenance of clean room tools, equipment, and consumables:
• Co-ordinate calibration of test equipment, tool calibration and lifting equipment inspections
• Act as point of contact for lifting equipment inspections and facility servicing & maintenance.
• Checks and maintenance of ESD protection equipment, toolkit equipment levels & tidiness, and the monitoring & replenishing clean room consumables.

Co-ordinate logistics of

• Clean room working areas & allocation of space and storage areas for flight hardware.
• Planning to enable the regular cleaning of the facility.
• Inventory and Transfer of equipment to & from off-site storage.
• Health & Safety
• Maintain COSHH and other health & safety records
• Ensure work areas are safe and tidy and best working practices are followed in clean room
• Logistical services
• Provide support to both UK and overseas test campaigns.
• Assisting with
• Processing of incoming goods and materials
• Assisting with stock control and allocation

Where required,

• Generate and maintain processes.
• Order AIT non flight equipment.
• Generate and maintain any logs needed.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline

• Clean room disciplines and procedures, including ESD (Electrostatic Discharge)
• The use of common cleanroom equipment, tooling, and cleaning processes
• The use of common chemical adhesives, epoxies and glues and the weighing, mixing and traceability
• Good working knowledge of health & safety requirements and controls
• Maintaining accurate work records, documentation & traceability of products, parts & workmanship
• Good general computing skills and specifically familiar with using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook 
• Experience of electro-mechanical build and test boxes
• Working to electrical drawings, build instructions, wiring schedules and BOMs (Bills of Material)

• Familiar with ECSS standards
• Qualities         
• Excellent practical, hands-on abilities 
• Good Inter-personal and communication skills 
• Practical, proven hands–on ability for build as well as ground and development test activities
• Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels
• Proactive problem solver with drive to chase issues through to their conclusion
• Strong judgment skill in order to work independently and effectively in ambiguous situations
• Organized, self-motivated and willing to take the initiative
• Flexibility, pragmatism and adaptable to changing priorities

About In-Space Missions 

In-Space Missions (ISM) are world class experts who design, build and operate space missions for global customers from our UK site. We also offer ‘Space as a Service’ by flying customer payloads on our spacecraft and by providing customers the ability to upload digital applications to operate on our hardware. ISM was founded in 2015 and has grown to comprise approximately 100 staff. The company was acquired by BAE Systems in 2021 and operates from offices and satellite cleanrooms located in Alton, Hampshire in the UK.

Culture 

We have a close-knit and supportive team, with diversity and inclusion being a key to our success. Although we are looking to rapidly expand our team, we are passionate about maintaining our small company ethos, something which is at the heart of our culture. We welcome varying backgrounds, skills, perspectives and life experiences.  Here at In-Space Missions we are embracing Hybrid Working. Wherever possible, we offer flexible working arrangements to allow us to balance our work and personal life more effectively.

What can we offer you? 

• Financial Reward: Competitive salary, 10% Non-Contributory Pension with the option for additional salary sacrifice, free onsite parking, access to BAE Share Incentive Plan, Income protection, 3 x salary life assurance policy, discounted shopping and much more
• Work / Life Balance: 37.5 hour week, hybrid working options, flexible working around core hours, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Personal Development: Personalised development plan along with access to BAE’s E-learning courses
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Scheme with AXA Healthcare (including 24/7 online GP and mental health support), travel insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, eye test

Recruitment Process 

If you’ve been shortlisted for the role, our Recruitment team will reach out to schedule a 1st stage Teams interview with you.

We want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible so if you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments. Additionally, if you don’t meet all of the criteria please still apply. We really enjoy meeting diverse people who might bring a fresh perspective on a problem we need to solve!

Unfortunately, we do not offer sponsorship. Please be aware that many roles working for In-Space Missions will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the company.