Mechanical AIT Engineer

Holt Executive; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Relocation support

Private healthcare

Life insurance

Job summary

Holt Executive is seeking a hands-on Mechanical AIT Engineer to join a growing spacecraft engineering team in the UK. The role covers assembly, integration, verification and testing of flight hardware across the AIT lifecycle, in a controlled cleanroom environment alongside multidisciplinary teams.

You will work across hardware receipt, subsystem integration, environmental testing and launch prep, with 24/7 shifts possible for critical activities. Hybrid and flexible working options are offered.

Qualifications

• HNC, HND or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline (equivalent practical experience will also be considered).
• Hands-on assembly and integration experience within space, aerospace, defence, automotive or another high-reliability environment.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience working to controlled procedures and work instructions.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools and torque-controlled assembly.
• Strong understanding of configuration control and hardware traceability.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly and integration of spacecraft structures, subsystems and flight equipment.
• Install, remove and configure hardware in accordance with approved procedures and build documentation.
• Verify mechanical interfaces, alignments, clearances and hardware configuration.
• Carry out torque-controlled assembly while maintaining full traceability.
• Support spacecraft lifting and handling activities using Mechanical Ground Support Equipment.
• Work from engineering drawings, procedures, travellers and work instructions.
• Support environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal vacuum and deployment testing.

Skills

Mechanical assembly

Engineering drawings

Space experience

Traceability

Torque-controlled assembly

Cleanroom procedures

Configuration control

Precision measurement

Education

HNC/HND or degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a hands‑on Mechanical AIT Engineer to join a growing spacecraft engineering team, supporting the assembly, integration, verification and testing of flight hardware throughout the full AIT lifecycle.

This is a practical, hardware-focused role rather than a mechanical design position, offering the opportunity to work directly with spacecraft hardware and contribute to the delivery of complex space missions.

You’ll work across activities ranging from equipment receipt and subsystem integration through to environmental testing and launch preparation, working within a controlled cleanroom environment and alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly and integration of spacecraft structures, subsystems and flight equipment.
• Install, remove and configure hardware in accordance with approved procedures and build documentation.
• Verify mechanical interfaces, alignments, clearances and hardware configuration.
• Carry out torque-controlled assembly while maintaining full traceability.
• Support spacecraft lifting and handling activities using Mechanical Ground Support Equipment.
• Work from engineering drawings, procedures, travellers and work instructions.
• Support environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal vacuum and deployment testing.

About You

• HNC, HND or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline (equivalent practical experience will also be considered).
• Hands‑on assembly and integration experience within space, aerospace, defence, automotive or another high‑reliability environment.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience working to controlled procedures and work instructions.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools and torque‑controlled assembly.
• Strong understanding of configuration control and hardware traceability.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality.
• The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.
• Eligibility for, or current holder of, UK SC security clearance.

Desirable Experience

• Spacecraft AIT or flight hardware handling
• Cleanroom operations and contamination/FOD control
• Environmental testing
• MGSE operations
• Non-conformance and configuration management
• Launch campaign support
• ECSS or other aerospace standards

The role will primarily operate during normal working hours, although there may be periods where 24/7 shift working is required to support critical integration or test activities.

What’s on Offer

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Optional 9/75 working pattern
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, increasing with service
• Private healthcare and life insurance
• Relocation support may be available
• Access to modern engineering, laboratory and cleanroom facilities
• Opportunity to work on innovative spacecraft programmes within a highly skilled engineering team

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