AIT & Mechanical Technician

NewOrbit Space; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

NewOrbit Space is assembling the next generation of ultra-low orbit satellites. The role is a hands-on technician position focusing on precision mechanical assembly, integration and test support for the AURA X satellite and propulsion system.

You will report into the AIT Lead and work with engineers across mechanics, propulsion, and satellite teams. You will work across the hardware lifecycle—from assembly and inspection of flight-quality structures to building test fixtures and supporting AIT

Qualifications

• Proven hands-on experience in precision mechanical assembly of flight hardware.
• Experience reading and interpreting mechanical drawings with GD&T callouts.
• Experience in cleanroom/ISO-classified environments and contamination control.
• Ability to log travelers, torque records and maintain full hardware traceability.
• Strong attention to detail and meticulous documentation discipline.

Responsibilities

• Assemble satellite structure, subsystems, and propulsion components to drawings.
• Apply and record torque using calibrated tooling per procedures.
• Handle flight hardware following contamination control and ESD rules.
• Maintain cleanroom operations and logging to ISO class requirements.
• Install thermal blankets (MLI) and thermal control hardware.
• Build mechanical test fixtures and GSE from drawings.
• Support vibration, shock, and structural test campaigns.
• Assist integration of propulsion into satellite structure.
• Maintain as-built records and non-conformance logs.
• Inspect and photograph hardware at assembly stages and flag issues.
• Perform goods-in inspection and log items into inventory.

Skills

Precision assembly

GD&T drawings

Cleanroom/ISO-classified env

ESD-aware practices

Documentation & traceability

Safety mindset

Team collaboration with engineers

Vibration/shock test support

Tools

Calibrated torque tools

GSE assembly

CAD literacy (SolidWorks/CATIA)

Job description

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites.

Your role

You will be a hands-on technician responsible for the precision mechanical assembly, integration, and test support of the AURA X satellite and thruster system. You will work across the full hardware lifecycle - from assembling and inspecting flight-quality structural assemblies and mechanisms, through building test fixtures and mechanical GSE, to supporting Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) campaigns on the satellite and propulsion system.

As part of a lean AIT team, you will also support the Goods In function - receiving and inspecting incoming mechanical parts, structures, and materials against drawings and purchase orders, and logging them into the programme inventory.

You will report into the AIT Lead and work alongside the mechanical design, propulsion, and satellite teams, taking direction from engineers while owning the quality, traceability, and cleanliness of the hardware you build and handle.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision mechanical assembly of satellite structure, subsystems, and propulsion system components to engineering drawings and assembly procedures.
• Apply and record fastener torques using calibrated tooling in accordance with torque procedures and drawing callouts.
• Handle flight hardware in accordance with contamination control, ESD, and cleanliness procedures.
• Carry out and maintain cleanroom operations, including monitoring, gowning, and logging to ISO class requirements.
• Install thermal blankets (MLI) and other thermal control hardware to procedure.
• Build mechanical test fixtures, jigs, and GSE from drawings and instructions.
• Support vibration, shock, and structural test campaigns, including fixture build, accelerometer placement, and hardware removal and inspection post-test.
• Support integration of the propulsion system into the satellite structure.
• Maintain as-built records, travellers, torque records, and non-conformance reports to support full hardware traceability.
• Inspect and photograph hardware at defined assembly stages; flag non-conformances to the AIT Lead.
• Perform goods in inspection of incoming mechanical parts, structural components, and raw materials — checking against purchase orders, engineering drawings, and certificates of conformance.
• Log received items into programme inventory; quarantine and tag any non-conforming or suspect parts for disposition.
• Proven hands-on experience in precision mechanical assembly of flight, aerospace, defence, or other high-reliability hardware.
• Practical experience applying and recording fastener torques with calibrated tooling.
• Experience working in a cleanroom or ISO-classified environment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, including GD&T callouts.
• Experience building and operating mechanical test fixtures and GSE.
• Strong attention to detail and discipline in documentation and traceability.
• ESD-aware working practices.
• Safety-first mindset, particularly around structural test, pressurised systems, and vacuum environments.

Nice-to-haves

• Space industry or satellite assembly experience.
• Familiarity with ECSS workmanship standards, particularly ECSS-Q-ST-70.
• Experience with MLI and thermal blanket installation.
• Basic CAD literacy (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for interpreting models and marking up drawings.
• Experience supporting structural test campaigns (vibration, shock, static load).
• Experience with propulsion system assembly or pressure system hardware.

Personality

• Meticulous and process-disciplined — takes handling and cleanliness seriously as a matter of instinct, not instruction.
• Safety-first mindset, particularly around structural test, pressurised systems, and vacuum environments.
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving development environment where hardware and procedures evolve quickly.
• Collaborative team player who can take direction from engineers while owning the quality of the hardware they build.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.
• Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.
• Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package –Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.
• Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.
• Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.