Operations Engineer (AIT Production)

Open Cosmos Ltd; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology company is seeking an Operations Engineer to enhance satellite production processes. Based in Harwell, UK, the role involves improving manufacturing efficiency, applying Lean principles, and collaborating across teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong manufacturing background, preferably in aerospace, and a keen interest in data analysis and continuous improvement. Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of space technology, dedicated to solving real-world challenges.

Benefits

Cutting-edge technology exposure

Mission-driven environment

Diverse and supportive team

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of manufacturing or industrial processes, ideally in electronics or aerospace environments.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement approaches.
• Ability to document processes clearly and implement standardized ways of working.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain manufacturing processes to support quality and efficiency.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement.
• Analyse production data to understand performance and defects.

Skills

Understanding of manufacturing processes

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing

Familiarity with electronic assembly

Manufacturing execution systems knowledge

Data and reporting confidence

Job description

Aim high, go beyond!

At Open Cosmos we are solving the world’s biggest challenges from space, providing businesses, governments and researchers access to more readily available information than ever before - ready for the challenge? Then read on…

Working in our Chief Technology Office (CTO)

The CTO division is where Open Cosmos technology comes to life. Covering engineering, product development, and technical innovation, the team designs, builds, and operates the satellites, systems, and platforms that make our missions possible. It’s a highly collaborative environment where ideas become real hardware, software, and data solutions that deliver impact from space.

The AIT team is at the heart of turning ideas into real, orbit‑ready satellites. They’re the workshop where Open Cosmos missions come to life — taking designs from paper to physical hardware.

It’s hands‑on, fast‑paced, and mission‑critical - it doesn’t get much cooler than this!

What You'll Be Doing

As our Operations Engineer you’ll play a key role in turning satellite designs into high‑quality, flight‑ready hardware. This role sits at the heart of our production facility, focusing on how we build, assemble, and test satellites — and how we can do it better every day.

You’ll work closely with teams across production, engineering, quality, IT, and supply chain to improve processes, remove friction, and increase efficiency without compromising on safety or quality. From refining assembly workflows to using data to solve real manufacturing challenges, this role is about making our operations smarter, more reliable, and ready to scale.

• Developing and maintaining manufacturing processes to support consistent quality, efficiency, and output
• Applying Lean and Six Sigma principles to identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement
• Analysing production data to understand performance, defects, and areas for improvement
• Working with design and manufacturing engineers to ensure products are easy and efficient to build
• Defining and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) and clear work instructions
• Supporting production line setup, equipment calibration, and process validation for new or updated assemblies
• Working with IT and systems teams to improve data capture, traceability, and reporting
• Making sure production activities meet internal quality, safety, and compliance standards
• Contributing to cross‑functional improvement projects focused on yield, lead time, and cost

What You’ll Bring

• A strong understanding of manufacturing or industrial processes, ideally in electronics or aerospace environments
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement approaches
• Familiarity with electronic assembly processes such as soldering, PCB handling, and ESD control
• An understanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES) and production data analysis
• Working knowledge of quality tools such as RCA, FMEA, and SPC
• Ability to document processes clearly and implement standardized ways of working
• Awareness of equipment calibration, maintenance, and process validation
• Confidence working with data and reporting tools
• Awareness of health, safety, and environmental standards in an industrial setting

This role will be based in either Harwell, UK or Barcelona, Spain.

To apply, you must have the legal right to work in this location.

Please submit your application and CV in English.

Why Open Cosmos?

• Work at the cutting edge of space technology with customers around the globe.
• A mission‑driven company making space accessible to help solve real‑world challenges.
• A diverse, ambitious, and supportive team.