Lead AIT Engineer

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL); Guildford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company is seeking a Lead AIT Engineer to manage AIT and EVT activities during spacecraft testing in Guildford. This contractual role involves coordinating project teams, overseeing test operators, and ensuring compliance with testing standards. Candidates should have a degree in engineering or a science discipline, hands-on experience with spaceflight hardware, and strong problem-solving skills. This position requires flexibility and willingness to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Experience with spaceflight hardware and integrated system testing.
• Detailed test planning and scheduling skills.
• Experience managing test teams in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan, control, and execute Payload or Spacecraft level AIT & EVT activities.
• Work closely with project team to deliver fully tested payload and spacecraft.
• Manage test operators and oversee AIT phase activities.

Skills

Proactive problem solver

Hands-on abilities

Team working skills

Good communication skills

Expertise in electrical & electronics

Education

Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Electronic test equipment

Job description

Overview

Lead AIT Engineer - Contract – Guildford

Responsibilities

• All phases of planning, control and execution of Payload or Spacecraft level AIT & EVT activities during the mission ground test phase.
• Work as a key member of the Core Project team, with the Project manager, AIT Manager and Systems Engineer to deliver fully tested payload and spacecraft.
• Manage test operators and responsible engineers activities on the payload or spacecraft in line with system level schedules and requirements, deputising these roles when required.
• Provide documentation and present at design, test and project reviews for both internal and external audiences.
• Support upcoming bids and proposals.
• Facilitate and schedule core AIT support equipment: Electrical Ground Support Equipment, Mechanical Ground Support Equipment, Test equipment definition, Spacecraft and payload harness definition, Ground Test cable definition.
• Facilitate and schedule all AIT and EVT phase activities: AIT Unit Integration and Test, AIT System Integration and Test, EVT test campaigns and logistics.
• Implement test plans flowing down from system level requirements; Unit level integration and testing plans at system level; System and subsystem level Integration & Testing plans; and test procedures flowing down from test plans and traceable to system level requirements.
• Oversee and participate in system level testing; act as an expert spacecraft system operator.
• Ensure SSTL engineering policies and practices are implemented on the project.
• Oversee and maintain tidiness and safe working practices in the AIT clean room.
• Liaise with mission team and external customers; support ground segment commissioning and LEOP activities.
• Support training programmes for both internal & customer engineers.

Qualifications

• Qualifications: Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline.
• Experience:
• Working with spaceflight hardware, including integrated system testing at spacecraft level.
• Detailed test planning and scheduling.
• Working with verification / validation of requirements.
• Experience of managing test teams in very dynamic environments.
• Good understanding of scripting and operation of EGSE systems advantageous.
• Good general electrical & electronics background.
• Knowledge and understanding of material usage in spaceflight environment.
• Hands on knowledge and experience of electronic test equipment usage including RF / communications.

Knowledge & Skills

• Proactive problem solver with drive to chase issues through to their conclusion.
• Practical and proven hands–on abilities for both flight build as well as ground and development test activities.
• Ability to manage larger work packages or projects and associated resourcing, planning and facility negotiations.
• Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels.
• Demonstrable strong attention to detail and ensuring that the finished sub-systems/systems will function as designed.
• Strong judgment skill in order to work independently and effectively in ambiguous situations.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel along with proficiency in use of Microsoft Project.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Must be prepared to work irregular hours, weekends and shifts.
• A flexible, pragmatic attitude to work, planning and interactions with others is required along with a well developed sense of humour & irony.
• Overseas travel is required in this role to support testing in customer premises & test facilities in locations worldwide.

Location & Contract

• Location: Guildford
• Contract type: Contract
• Please note that this contract will need to be processed through one of our sub-contracting partners, and we will be happy to put you in contact with them.
• Contract duration: Initially 6 months

Additional

• Department: AIT
• Role: AIT Lead Engineer
• Locations: Guildford
• Job Reference: 363