Optical AIV Engineer

UK Space Jobs; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working policies

32 days annual leave + bank holidays

Annual company bonus

Employer pension contribution up to 8%

Life Assurance (6x salary)

Private Health Care

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave

Discount schemes

Job summary

UK Space Jobs is seeking an Optical AIV Engineer to join the Optical Payload Team in Guildford. The role involves assembly, integration and verification of optical payloads in a cleanroom, with a focus on precise alignment, testing and documentation.

Prior spaceflight or optics experience is advantageous, with a strong hands‑on approach and familiarity with precision metrology tools. The successful candidate will work in a hybrid environment, supporting build activities, progress reporting and

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or Science required.
• Hands-on abilities with hand tools and measuring devices.
• Knowledge of adhesives, torquing and cure times.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Operate complex GSE setups to meet optical alignment tolerances and test payloads.
• Design and set up smaller GSE for sub-assemblies.
• Perform bonding of optical components using adhesives.
• Align mechanical parts with CMM/DTI to minimise tolerance stack‑ups.
• Record discrepancies and test results; maintain detailed build records.

Skills

Hands-on skills

Optics familiarity

Python scripting

CAD skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)

Hexapods

Theodolites

Autocollimators

Interferometers

Motorised Stages

Job description

Optical AIV Engineer | Spacecraft | Guildford | Competitive salary & package

We are seeking an Engineer to join the Optical Payload Team of a leading Spacecraft / Satellite company. We’re seeking an engineer with high standards and technical capabilities to support the delivery of the next generation of spacecraft Optical Payloads with Assembly, Integration and Verification inside a cleanroom environment. Previous Spacecraft experience is desirable but not essential. Engineers with Assembly / Integration / Verification of other sensitive hardware in a cleanroom setting will also be considered.

Key Tasks

• Operation of complicated GSE (Ground Support Equipment) setups to achieve the required optical alignment tolerances and to perform optical performance testing (MTF & Radiometry) to verify the finished payload.
• Design & setup of smaller GSE to aid in the build of smaller sub-assemblies.
• Performing critical bonding operations of optical components through use of adhesives.
• Early-stage fit checks and alignment of mechanical parts through use of CMM, DTI clocking, or similar processes to minimise machining tolerance stack-ups.
• Investigate and problem solve issues which occur during build; recording both the issue and the outcome in Discrepancy Reports.
• Handling and transporting of flight items (or entire completed payloads) within, and between working areas.
• Inspection of incoming optical components.
• Cleaning of mechanical parts manually and through use of Ultrasonic bath.
• Co-operating with the Opto-mechanical workshop for various stages of payload assembly, and for part modification.
• Maintaining a detailed record of all build activities, including photos, measured values achieved, and test reports.
• Co-operate with the Optical Cleanroom Manager to ensure cleanliness of the working areas is maintained, and all relevant health & safety is adhered to.
• Supporting the Work Package Manager through regular updates on progress and estimates of work to be completed, as well as potential scope to be allocated the role of Work Package Manager, taking responsibility of the budget and schedule for a given optical payload build.

Previous Experience

Required:

• Worked within a cleanroom environment, laboratory, or low-volume high-value production environment.
• Worked with sensitive hardware; ideally optics or spaceflight hardware.

Proven Hands-on Experience Assembling Or Building a Product.Ideal:

• Has used precision equipment commonly used in optical alignment, e.g. Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), Hexapods, Theodolites, Autocollimators, Interferometers, Motorised Stages.
• Has used setups to verify optical systems (i.e. use of test setups which measure Modulation Transfer Function or Integrating Spheres).
• Has aligned components to tight tolerances (whether optical or mechanical).
• Experience gained through relevant hobbies or home projects will be considered.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

Required:

• A degree in Engineering or Science discipline.
• Practical and hands-on abilities, including use of hand tools and measuring devices.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical parts and adhesives; specifically in the context of assembly (i.e. should understand concepts such as torquing and cure times).
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.

Must Hold, Or Be Willing To Undergo, BPSS Clearance.Ideal:

• Familiarity with optics, including basic understanding of the subject and common alignment and testing methods.
• Understands the impacts of lack of cleanliness and ESD safety to an optical payload.
• Ability to write and understand simple python scripts.
• Ability to use Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Proficient in MS Project.
• Knowledge of Quality Management systems.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets; accountability, one team, drive & delivery, self-manage effectively, and communicate effectively.

Reward:

• Highly competitive Salary
• Flexible / hybrid working policies
• 32 days annual leave + BH
• Annual Company Bonus Scheme
• Up to 8% employer pension contribution
• Life Assurance (6X salary)
• Private Health Care
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity leave
• Multiple Discount, Memberships schemes