Optical AIV Engineer

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL); Guildford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SSTL in Guildford, Surrey, seeks an engineer to support the delivery of next‑generation optical payloads through assembly, integration and verification within a cleanroom environment.

You will work with precision equipment to align components, bond optics, and perform tests while maintaining detailed build records and coordinating with the optical workshop. A degree in engineering or science, hands‑on skills, and BPSS clearance are essential.

Qualifications

• A degree in Engineering or Science discipline.
• Practical and hands‑on abilities, including use of hand tools and measuring devices.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.
• Clear and effective communication skills; both written and verbal.
• Must hold, or be willing to undergo, BPSS Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Operate GSE to achieve optical alignment tolerances and perform optical testing (MTF & Radiometry).
• Design & setup of smaller GSE for sub-assemblies.
• Perform bonding operations of optical components with adhesives.
• Early-stage fit checks and alignment using CMM, DTI clocking, to minimise tolerance stack-ups.
• Record build issues and outcomes in Discrepancy Reports and maintain detailed build records.

Skills

Cleanroom experience

Hands-on assembly

Planning & organization

Communication skills

Education

Engineering or Science degree

Tools

CMM

Hexapods

Autocollimators

Interferometers

Motorised stages

Job description

Key Purpose of Job

The Optical Payload Team seeks a dynamic, organised and proactive engineer with high standards and technical capabilities to support the delivery of the next generation of SSTL’s spacecraft Optical Payloads with Assembly, Integration and Verification inside a cleanroom environment.

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.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Previous Experience

• 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.

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.
• Good planning & organisation skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills; both written and verbal.
• Able to work under pressure in a calm and responsive manner.
• Works well within both a functional and project team.
• Demonstrates decision making and creative problem‑solving skills.
• Pro‑active with can‑do approach; able to take initiative.
• 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.

Location

Guildford, Surrey