AIT Mechanical Technician

Expleo Group; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift premium

Competitive benefits

Expleo Academy

Job summary

Expleo Group in Stevenage is seeking AIT Mechanical Technicians to work in a cleanroom environment on flight spacecraft components. The role includes assembling parts, installing kits, and reading 3D drawings with tools like Dragonfly and 3DXML.

Candidates should have ONC/NVQ Level 3 in Engineering or substantial relevant experience, with willingness to work shifts (premium paid). BPSS clearance and site access are required.

Qualifications

• Engineering qualification at ONC/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Experience in cleanroom production or aerospace/space manufacturing preferred.
• Ability to read 3D drawings and follow complex procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assemble mechanical parts per Work Orders and processes in the cleanroom.
• Install and integrate kits of parts and read 3D drawings using Dragonfly or 3DXML.
• Follow COSHH, risk assessments and quality standards; raise NCR when needed.
• Support environmental tests and provide feedback to resolve action items.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Teamwork

MRP experience

Communication skills

Education

ONC/NVQ Level 3 in Engineering

Tools

Apriso

EWIS

Dragonfly

3DXML

Job description

Expleo is a leading Global Engineering Services Provider with UK presence in 10 locations. As part of our continued support to our customer in the space sector we are looking for AIT Mechanical Technicians. The role will be based at our customer’s facility in Stevenage and the candidate should be prepared to work shift (for which a premium will be paid).

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to develop and grow their skills and knowledge within a thriving organisation. The successful candidate will be engaged in mechanical operations relating to the production of parts and assembly of flight spacecraft in accordance with Work Orders and processes in the cleanroom.

This is an area of significant growth within Expleo, an area where we are looking at growing our team demonstrating our commitment to continue to grow our space business. Individuals with energy and drive with broad expertise are ideal, however of particular interest would be candidates with space, aerospace or high‑tech manufacturing experience.

This role represents a great opportunity to work on cutting edge satellite programmes. Valued attributes are a team player who can use their initiative and has a real passion for engineering with an attention to detail, combined with a thorough, methodical approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Utilise Work orders on Apriso or EWIS or paper as an input into the mechanical assembly process
• Work with and be responsible for the successful installation and integration of Kits of parts
• Read and understand 3D Drawings and technical notes using Dragonfly or 3DXML
• Utilise procedures and documents containing engineering data e.g. torque values as part of the mechanical installation process.
• Be aware of COSHH and Risk Assessment Documents that support Integration and Assembly activities
• Using customer procedures, perform the following:
  • Complete Receipt, inspection and handling of equipment to the relevant standard
  • Complete component / equipment installation and grounding
  • Complete Bonding of parts
  • Conduct Waveguide installation
  • Carry out Coaxial cable installation and routing
  • Carry out Thermal hardware installation and routing (heaters, thermistors, insulation)
  • Carry out DC Harness routing and connection
  • Assemble Mechanical parts as directed by the customer
  • Ensure Procedures completed and filled IAW customer requirements
  • Raise NCR, in cases of an anomaly or a deviation.
  • Ensure all work completed complies with relevant Quality Standards
  • Mechanical integration of electronic units, subsystems and instruments, mechanisms, antennas, solar arrays, mechanical sub-systems, instruments, payloads and spacecraft
  • Support environmental tests (Vibration, Acoustic, Mass properties, Thermal) at unit, subsystem, instrument and spacecraft level
  • Support process owners by reporting observations and supporting resolution corrective actions as directed

Qualifications

• ONC or NVQ Level 3 in an Engineering related discipline
• No/lower qualification would be acceptable should the candidate be able to demonstrate significant demonstrable relevant experience in lieu

Essential Skills

• Good understanding and detailed experience of complex mechanical systems
• Lean manufacturing techniques including 5S, root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• High mechanical skills and relevant experience
• High self‑motivation and ability to deal with changing priorities on a multi project basis.
• Good problem‑solving skills (technical, logistics and organisational).
• Good planning skills and process competence, (MRP system experience an advantage).
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a team

Desired Skills

• Prior AIT experience
• Satellite Appendage installation process (Solar Array, reflectors, antennas, deployable systems)
• Previous experience of payload builds is a distinct advantage

Experience

• Experience working in a high‑quality production environment relating to mechanical parts production or assembly
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment, including FOD/ESD practices

What Do I Need Before I Apply

• BPSS Cleared
• Ability and willingness to travel to and work on the clients Stevenage site 5 days per week
• Ability and willingness to support the following client repeating shift pattern:
  • Mon‑Fri (06:00‑14:00) @ x1.2 pay uplift
  • Mon‑Fri (14:00‑22:00) @ x1.2 pay uplift
• This role includes work within the Bio Clean Facility (BCF). This environment requires extended periods in full PPE, including masks, and involves a lengthy gowning and de‑gowning process. Movement in and out of the area is restricted to protect bio‑clean integrity, meaning unscheduled breaks or rapid exit may not always be possible. Applicants should ensure they are comfortable working in these conditions. Expleo will consider reasonable adjustments where they can be accommodated without compromising safety, cleanroom integrity or process requirements.

Benefits

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges
• We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects
• Expleo Academy – enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses
• Competitive company benefits
• Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo
• As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:
  • Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
  • Communicating and promoting vacancies
  • Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job
  • Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
  • Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long‑term health condition, enabling them to stay in work at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive.