Spacecraft Production Operator

Certain Advantage; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Portsmouth is seeking a Spacecraft Production Operator. This role involves mechanical integration and electrical testing of advanced spacecraft payloads. Candidates should have relevant experience in high-quality production environments along with an HNC/HND in Engineering. The position offers a dynamic work environment and the chance to contribute to innovative missions that explore beyond Earth.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Install payload equipment and structural components using detailed technical drawings.
• Conduct automated and manual RF tests, verify payload performance.
• Uphold high standards through 5S practices and maintain organized workspace.

Skills

Mechanical assembly expertise

Electrical/RF testing experience

Team collaboration

Education

HNC/HND in Engineering, Production, or Maintenance

Completed apprenticeship in Aerospace or Space

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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