Propulsion AIT Engineer

NewOrbit Space; Reading; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Hybrid work with one remote day per wk

Private health insurance

Relocation support

Visa sponsorship

Job summary

NewOrbit Space is seeking a mid-level propulsion AIT procedures engineer to transform qualification requirements into a complete library of test plans and assembly instructions. You will work with propulsion design/test engineers and the Technical Programme Manager to ensure delivery and maintain procedural documentation throughout first-article to system-level testing.

You will own writing and executing procedures hands-on, manage version control of the library, and drive safety, contamination

Qualifications

• 3+ years' experience writing test procedures, assembly instructions, or work instructions for mechanical, fluidic, or propulsion hardware.
• Hands-on experience executing the procedures you write.
• Experience with pressurised systems and safe procedures.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and system documentation.
• Strong version control and traceability discipline.
• ESD-aware practices and contamination control.
• Safety-conscious around hazardous operations.

Responsibilities

• Own the writing, review, and maintenance of assembly instructions and build procedures.
• Write and own test plans and procedures for propulsion campaigns.
• Maintain the propulsion system schedule and ensure test facilities and GSE readiness.
• Ensure all equipment is calibrated.
• Develop hazardous operations procedures for pressurised activities.
• Write propellant handling and loading procedures.
• Execute test and assembly procedures hands-on with test rigs.
• Maintain the propulsion procedure library with version control.
• Support integration of propulsion into the satellite structure.
• Manage non-conformances on propulsion hardware and NCR dispositions.
• Perform goods-in inspection of incoming components.
• Coordinate with technicians to ensure tasks meet schedule.
• Support environmental test campaigns and witnessing tests.
• Support satellite AIT activities.

Skills

Technical writing

Flight hardware

Pressure systems

Engineering drawings

Documentation discipline

ESD and contamination control

Safety mindset

Job description

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites.

Your role

You will be the technical process owner for the AURA X propulsion AIT programme, responsible for turning qualification requirements and engineering intent into a complete library of test procedures, test plans, and assembly instructions.

You will work alongside the Propulsion Design and Test Engineers, report into the Lead AIT Engineer, and partner closely with the Technical Programme Manager to ensure delivery. You will own the procedural and logistical backbone of the propulsion qualification campaign - from first-article assembly through to system-level acceptance testing.

This is a mid-level role for someone who can translate system knowledge into rigorous, operator-ready documentation, and then execute those procedures hands-on. Qualification strategy and test logic are defined by the Technical Programme Manager; your role is to take that framework and build the detailed technical processes that make it executable - and then run them.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the writing, review, and maintenance of all assembly instructions, work instructions, and build procedures - from component level through to integrated module on the propulsion system.

• Write and own test plans and test procedures for propulsion campaigns, including pressure test, proof test, leak test, functional flow test, and performance characterisation.

• Maintain the AIT schedule for the propulsion system, interfacing with test facilities and ensuring all GSE is available for each test in the plan.

• Ensure that all equipment is kept calibrated.

• Develop and maintain hazardous operations procedures for all pressurised system activities, in line with safety requirements defined for the programme.

• Write propellant handling and loading procedures.

• Execute test and assembly procedures hands-on, operating test rigs and instrumentation and recording results to programme traceability standards.

• Maintain the propulsion procedure library - version control, review cycles, and configuration management of all procedural documents.

• Support integration of the propulsion system into the satellite structure, contributing assembly procedures for the integration sequence.

• Manage non-conformances on propulsion hardware - raising NCRs, supporting dispositions with the propulsion design team, and updating procedures where needed.

• Perform goods in inspection of incoming components, against purchase orders, drawings, and certificates of conformance.

• Coordinate with technicians ensuring tasks are understood and completed in line with the schedule.

• Support environmental test campaigns involving the propulsion system, contributing test procedures and witnessing campaigns.

• Support satellite AIT activities.

Fundamental Requirements

• 3+ years' experience writing test procedures, assembly instructions, or work instructions for mechanical, fluidic, or propulsion hardware in a flight or high-reliability environment.

• Practical hands-on experience executing the procedures you write - comfortable on the bench as well as at the desk.

• Experience with pressurised systems - sufficient to write safe, compliant procedures and execute them competently.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and system documentation to produce accurate procedural content.

• Good documentation discipline - understands version control, review processes, and what traceability means in a flight programme context.

• ESD-aware working practices and understanding of contamination control requirements.

• Strong safety mindset around pressurised and hazardous operations.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in a space, aerospace, defence, or other high-reliability industry environment.

• Familiarity with pressure testing methods (proof, leak, burst, flow) and the standards that govern them.

• Experience with vacuum chamber operation and maintenance.

• Experience with electric propulsion systems or vacuum test environments.

• Familiarity with ECSS standards or equivalent quality and workmanship frameworks.

• Experience handling xenon or other inert propellants, including loading and facility operations.

• Background in mechanical AIT as well as propulsion - comfortable contributing to wider satellite integration activities.

Personality

• Writes procedures the way a good operator would want to receive them - clear, unambiguous, and complete.

• Equally at home writing documentation and getting hands-on with hardware.

• Safety-conscious around pressurised and hazardous systems without needing to be prompted.

• Collaborative - works closely with design engineers to extract the technical content needed for good procedures, and communicates problems early.

• Comfortable in a fast-moving programme where procedures are living documents that evolve with the hardware.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations.

• Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

• Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package –Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.

• Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week.

• Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.