Senior AIT On-Board Processor Engineer

MDA Space; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Pension plan

Life insurance

Hybrid work model

Employee assistance program

Job summary

MDA Space in the UK seeks a Senior AIT On‑Board Engineer to own and lead all AIT activities for the on‑board processor unit, ensuring timely, high‑quality payload integration within cost constraints.

You will perform OBP hardware and subsystem integration, support environmental qualification campaigns, and help drive test readiness reviews while mentoring junior engineers.

Hybrid work is offered; collaboration with ESA, UK‑Space Agency, and other industry partners is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in AIT, verification or systems integration on space flight hardware or complex electronics.
• Strong understanding of electronics including digital electronics and embedded systems, high‑speed data interfaces, FPGA‑based systems, power systems and electrical integration.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead all AIT activities for the on‑board processor unit and support its integration into the overall payload on time, quality and cost.
• Perform integration of the OBP hardware, subsystem, and supporting ground test equipment.
• Perform electrical and functional integration of the digital payload equipment.
• Prepare for and support environmental qualification and acceptance test campaigns including thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI and shock at OBP level.

Skills

AIT experience

Systems integration

Electrical/electronic

Python scripting

Linux/Windows

FPGA

Test equipment

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analysers

Logic analysers

Signal generators

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55‑year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The global MDA Space team of more than 3,800 space experts has the knowledge and know‑how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one‑of‑a‑kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide‑eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

Senior AIT On‑Board Engineer – Harwell (Stevenage option)

MDA Space’s international footprint in the UK creates opportunities to work with some of the most exciting space industrial players in the country. Delivering all three business area capabilities in Geointelligence, Robotics & Space Operations, and Satellite Systems, our UK team supports our European‑based customers while specialising in the development of advanced space sensors for exploration missions as well as space‑based communication technology.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead all AIT activities for the on‑board processor unit and support its integration into the overall payload on time, quality and cost.
• Perform integration of the OBP hardware, subsystem, and supporting ground test equipment.
• Perform electrical and functional integration of the digital payload equipment.
• Perform OBP verification and testing including functional testing, performance verification, characterisation, redundancy testing and interface verification.
• Prepare for and support environmental qualification and acceptance test campaigns including thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustics, EMC/EMI and shock at OBP level.
• Support the overall AIT team in the integration and test activities at payload level.
• Specify, commission, validate and maintain electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) including writing specifications, commissioning and validation procedures, maintenance plans and developing scripts and monitoring tools.
• Create, configure and maintain AIT documentation including integration procedures, test procedures, test reports, verification reports, data packs and configuration control documents for the flight hardware.
• Raise, manage and support non‑conformances in the review process.
• Provide inputs to project reviews, Test Readiness Reviews, Post‑Test Review & Test Review Boards.
• Develop and guide junior engineers from a technical perspective.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in AIT, verification or systems integration on space flight hardware or complex electronics.
• Strong understanding of electronics including digital electronics and embedded systems, high‑speed data interfaces, FPGA‑based systems, power systems and electrical integration.
• Hands‑on experience with test equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers, logic analysers and signal generators.
• Ability to use both Linux and Windows operating systems and Python for scripting automated test scripts and data analysis.
• Strong knowledge of digital signal processing concepts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; able to present technical data clearly to senior leadership and external customers (ESA, UK‑Space Agency).
• Proven ability to influence cross‑functional teams without direct authority.
• Collaborative team player with the drive to help junior engineers develop.

Desired Experience

• GEO, MEO or LEO satellite programmes.
• Ka‑band, Ku‑band, X‑band payloads.
• Digital transparent processors and regenerative payloads.
• Software‑defined payload architectures.
• Spacecraft‑level AIT campaigns.

Security Screening

• Right to work – confirm entitlement to take up the position, including nationality and immigration status.
• Identity – full ID check.
• Criminal records – basic disclosure.
• Employment history – confirmation of past three years of employment (minimum).
• Reference checks.

Benefits

MDA Space provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for all employees, including private healthcare, disability income protection, life insurance, pension plan and an employee assistance programme. We also have a hybrid work model in place to support a better work/life balance.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please let us know.

Accommodations

MDA Space is proud to provide accommodations during the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please indicate this on your application/cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.