ESA/IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector

iO Associates; Guildford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

iO Associates in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced ESA/IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector to support the build and integration of high-reliability spacecraft hardware on-site in a cleanroom environment in Guildford.

You will inspect electrical harnesses, wiring and interconnections to IPC/WHMA-A-620 and ECSS standards, working with production and engineering teams, and documenting NCRs and configuration records.

Qualifications

• Current or previous qualification/certification relating to ESA/ECSS-Q-ST-70-26 or ECSS-Q-ST-70-28.
• Experience with IPC/WHMA-A-620 requirements.
• Demonstrable experience inspecting high-reliability harnesses in space/aerospace/defence.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Experience in cleanroom environments and adherence to ESD/FOD controls.

Responsibilities

• Carry out detailed visual inspections of spacecraft electrical harnesses per IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space Addendum, ECSS standards and requirements.
• Inspect wiring, connectors, terminations, soldering, crimping, shielding and cable bend radii.
• Verify mechanical integrity and correct installation against drawings and specs.
• Perform electrical testing (continuity, insulation resistance, Hi-Pot) where required.
• Conduct Key Inspection Points (KIPs) during build, assembly and integration.
• Identify, document and report non-conformances with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Complete inspection documentation: traveller sheets, NCRs, inspection reports and configuration records.
• Ensure activities comply with cleanroom, ESD and FOD requirements.
• Collaborate with production and engineering to resolve quality issues and maintain schedules.
• Maintain quality, traceability and configuration control of spacecraft hardware.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Quality inspection

Schematic reading

Documentation

Job description

ESA/IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector

ESA/IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector

Location: Guildford | On-site | Cleanroom / Controlled Production Environment
Sector: Space

We are seeking an experienced ESA / IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector to support the build and integration of high-reliability spacecraft hardware.

This is a hands‑on inspection role focused on ensuring spacecraft electrical harnesses, wiring, interconnections and mechanical assemblies meet the stringent quality and reliability standards required for spaceflight. You will work closely with manufacturing, engineering and quality teams throughout spacecraft build and integration activities.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out detailed visual inspections of spacecraft electrical harnesses in accordance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space Addendum, ECSS standards and programme‑specific requirements.

Inspect wiring, connectors, terminations, soldering, crimping, shielding, braiding, lacing, strain relief, tie locations and cable bend radii.

Verify mechanical integrity and correct installation of spacecraft hardware against engineering drawings and specifications.

Perform or support electrical testing, including continuity, insulation resistance and Hi-Pot testing, where required.

Conduct Key Inspection Points (KIPs) during spacecraft build, assembly and integration activities.

Identify, document and report non‑conformances, supporting root‑cause investigation and corrective action activities.

Complete inspection documentation, including traveller sheets, NCRs, inspection reports and configuration records.

Ensure all inspection activities are carried out in accordance with cleanroom, ESD and FOD requirements.

Work closely with production and engineering teams to resolve quality issues while maintaining programme schedules.

Ensure spacecraft hardware is built and inspected to the required level of quality, traceability and configuration control.

Key Requirements

Current or previous qualification/certification and practical experience relating to ESA/ECSS-Q-ST-70-26 or ECSS-Q-ST-70-28.

Experience with IPC/WHMA-A-620 requirements.

Demonstrable experience inspecting or manufacturing high-reliability harnesses within the space, aerospace or defence sectors.

Strong understanding of spacecraft or high-reliability electrical harness construction and inspection.

Practical knowledge of soldering, crimping and electrical termination techniques to aerospace/ESA standards.

Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and manufacturing documentation.

Experience with electrical inspection and testing, including continuity and insulation resistance testing.

Experience working within cleanroom and controlled production environments.

Strong understanding of ESD, FOD and contamination‑control procedures.

Experience raising and managing non‑conformances (NCRs) and maintaining accurate quality documentation.

Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to inspection and quality assurance.

Previous experience with spacecraft AIT / Assembly, Integration and Test activities.

Experience carrying out mechanical inspections on spacecraft hardware.

Experience conducting formal Key Inspection Points (KIPs).

Experience with spacecraft configuration control and traceability.

Background in satellite, launch vehicle or other high-reliability space hardware programmes.

Knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality systems.

This is an on‑site role within a cleanroom / controlled production environment, supporting high‑value spacecraft build and integration activities.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working to demanding production schedules while maintaining rigorous quality, documentation and configuration‑control standards.

If you have hands‑on experience inspecting high‑reliability aerospace or spacecraft harnesses and a strong understanding of ESA/ECSS and IPC requirements, we would be keen to hear from you.