AIT Instrument Technician

TN United Kingdom; Forres; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking an experienced AIT Instrument Technician to join its team in Forres, Scotland. This role involves constructing, installing, and maintaining electrical hardware for cutting-edge launch vehicles. The ideal candidate will work outdoors at a former RAF base, supporting vital test activities and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. With a focus on advanced rocket fuel technology and a commitment to sustainability, this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the future of aerospace. Join a dynamic team that values initiative and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

34 days paid holiday

NEST pension

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Group Life Insurance (4x salary)

Relocation support

Qualifications

• Experience with electrical installations according to BS 7671:2018 standards.
• Hands-on experience in hazardous environments.
• Knowledge of electrical design tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, install, and maintain instrumentation circuits at the Kinloss test site.
• Conduct site maintenance activities including inspections and testing.
• Create Bills of Materials (BoMs) and manage inventory.

Skills

Electrical Installations

Instrumentation Circuits

Problem-Solving Skills

Hands-on Experience with Electrical Systems

ATEX Regulations Knowledge

Education

Electrical Apprenticeship (SVQ Level 3)

Level 3 Award in Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018

HND or Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering

Tools

Visio

SolidWorks

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Orbex is currently seeking an experienced AIT Instrument Technician with experience in constructing, installing, testing, and maintaining electrical hardware. This role involves working on the development, construction, and support of test facilities for the Orbex Prime launch vehicle and its ground support systems (E-GSE).

The ideal candidate should have experience working on electrical installations according to BS 7671:2018 standards, and experience with ATEX products (explosive atmospheres) would be beneficial.

A significant portion of this work is outdoors at our test site at the former RAF base at Kinloss, supporting site maintenance, testing, integration, and trials. This role is suitable for electrical technicians, instrument technicians, maintenance/service technicians, or panel builders.

Important Note:

This role will require periods of working away at our spaceport on the Shetland Isle. Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being prepared to launch from Scotland. We are among the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe, with over €158m/£133m of project financing secured, numerous customers signed up, a launch license application submitted, and backing from UKSA and ESA.

Company Overview:

Orbex is a rapidly growing company with staff located between our facilities in Forres, Scotland, and Copenhagen, Denmark. We work on cutting-edge rocket fuel technology, with Prime’s carbon footprint being up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles. Our innovations include a re-flight system for reusing technology, advanced separation mechanisms, in-house production capabilities such as 3D printing engines and producing full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and dedicated avionics and software testing labs.

Based in Forres, you will gain a unique insight into building new launch vehicles for a dynamic commercial market. Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in the aerospace industry.

Position Responsibilities:

• Design, install, and maintain instrumentation circuits and hardware at the Kinloss test site, ensuring compliance with ATEX regulations where applicable.
• Occasionally perform electrical design, installation, inspection, and testing of single-phase and three-phase low power circuits from generators.
• Carry out cabling, glanding, and control box installation, especially in hazardous environments.
• Conduct site maintenance activities including inspections, testing, PAT testing, and fault finding.
• Support various test activities at the Kinloss test site.
• Apply theoretical electrical/electronics knowledge and hands-on problem-solving skills, especially in explosive atmosphere-rated systems.
• Maintain accurate documentation of work performed.
• Create Bills of Materials (BoMs), source parts, and manage inventory.
• Maintain registers of electrical and ATEX equipment.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Electrical Apprenticeship (SVQ Level 3) and Level 3 Award in Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018 (or equivalent).
• PAT Testing qualification.
• Hands-on experience with electrical and avionics systems, especially in hazardous environments.
• HND or Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with industrial electronics installation, wiring diagrams, and schematic understanding.
• Knowledge of electrical design tools like Visio and SolidWorks.

Desirable Experience:

• Experience with Electrical-Avionic AIT activities for spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, or similar systems.
• Experience with ATEX-certified products and explosive atmospheres.
• CompEx Ex01-Ex04 certification.
• PLC programming and implementation experience.
• Experience working with generating sets and maintenance.

Personality & Environment:

Orbex fosters a high-paced, startup culture. Initiative, open communication, collaboration, and adaptability are essential. Ability to thrive in a diverse, multicultural environment is crucial.

Location:

Based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters, with significant time at the RAF Kinloss test site, working outdoors. The area offers spectacular natural environments, outdoor pursuits, and adventure sports.

Security & Eligibility:

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country signatory to the MTCR. A UK BPSS check may be required.

Benefits:

• Salary: £40-50K depending on experience.
• 34 days paid holiday including bank/public holidays.
• NEST pension, Cycle to Work scheme, Employee Assistance Programme.
• Group Life Insurance (4x salary).
• Relocation support, including visa assistance, accommodation, and allowances.