Spacecraft Production Operator

Belcan; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in the UK seeks a Spacecraft Production Operator to contribute to the assembly and testing of spacecraft payloads. This role is critical to advanced space missions. Ideal candidates will have practical experience in mechanical assembly or electrical testing and an HNC/HND in Engineering. The position requires working in a dynamic team with a focus on quality and safety. Regular shifts and occasional offsite work may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in mechanical assembly or electrical/RF testing within a high-quality production environment.
• Completed apprenticeship in Aerospace, Space, or a similarly precision-driven field.

Responsibilities

• Installing payload equipment and structural components using technical drawings.
• Conducting RF tests and verifying payload performance.
• Upholding high standards through COSHH compliance.
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives like Kaizen.

Skills

Mechanical assembly experience

Electrical/RF testing

Team collaboration

Documentation accuracy

Education

HNC/HND in Engineering

Apprenticeship in Aerospace

Job description

Spacecraft Production Operator

Shift Pattern: 4-on, 4-off Rotating Days & Nights Weekend & Offsite Support as Required

Location: Onsite with Occasional Detached Duty

A leading space technology company is seeking a Spacecraft Production Operator to join its dynamic team at the forefront of satellite innovation. This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the assembly, integration, and testing of advanced spacecraft payloads and active antennas-playing a vital part in missions that extend beyond Earth.

Key Responsibilities

The Spacecraft Production Operator will be responsible for:

• Mechanical Integration: Installing payload equipment, coaxial cables, waveguides, thermocouples, heater circuits, accelerometers, DC harnesses, and structural components using detailed technical drawings and procedures.
• Electrical Testing: Conducting automated and manual RF tests, interpreting schematics, and verifying payload performance against benchmarks.
• Quality & Safety: Upholding high standards through 5S practices, COSHH compliance, and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
• Team Collaboration: Supporting continuous improvement initiatives such as Kaizen and SQCDP, and contributing to a high-performance production culture.
• Critical Moves: Operating cranes and MGSE to ensure safe and precise handling of sensitive equipment.
• Documentation: Accurately completing work orders and test records for all assigned activities.

Candidate Requirements

• Practical experience in mechanical assembly or electrical/RF testing within a high-quality production environment.
• HNC/HND in Engineering, Production, or Maintenance.
• Completed apprenticeship in Aerospace, Space, or a similarly precision-driven field.

Shift Details

• Regular Shifts: Early (06:00-14:00), Late (14:00-22:00), and Night (22:00-06:00) as required.
• Continuous Shifts: 12-hour rotations (06:00-18:00 / 18:00-06:00) on a 4-on, 4-off pattern.
• Weekend & Offsite Work: May be necessary during critical production phases.

Why Join?

This role offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, high-tech environment where precision meets purpose. Every payload built could be part of a mission that changes the world-or explores new ones.

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan