Assembly, Integration and Test Engineering Technician (Aerospace)

University of Fort Hare; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Fort Hare seeks an Assembly, Integration and Test Engineering Technician (Aerospace) for hands-on RF and digital unit assembly, integration, and testing from engineering models to flight hardware. The role requires precision workmanship and fault-finding in RF and digital systems within an aerospace context.

You will collaborate with production, quality, and development engineers to build, test, and document results, while contributing to process improvements as manufacturing

Qualifications

• B-Tech Degree / Advanced Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years' experience as an AIT Technician or in a similar position with RF and communication systems.
• Experience in aerospace or space industry, with RF testing, fault-finding and exposure to automated testing equipment and scripted environments.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and test RF and digital units in production.
• PCB, cable and harness assembly, and mechanical integration.
• Perform functional, environmental, and RF testing using lab equipment.
• Troubleshoot and perform root-cause analysis to component level.
• Support development with test jig creation and DFMA feedback.
• Assist with product qualification and acceptance testing including thermal cycling and vibration tests.
• Maintain build records and test data per quality procedures.
• Handle flight hardware per ESD and cleanliness protocols.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of production yields and throughput.

Skills

RF testing

Digital electronics

ESD handling

Fault-finding

Test result recording

Education

B-Tech / Advanced Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Tools

Spectrum analysers

Vector network analysers

Oscilloscopes

Power meters

Test jig development

Job description

Assembly, Integration and Test Engineering Technician (Aerospace)

17 Sep 2026 - 17 Oct 2026

Permanent

SW006592

Techno Park, Stellenbosch. Our client is seeking an Assembly, Integration and Test Technician who will be responsible the hands‑on assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of RF and digital communication units, from engineering models through to flight hardware.

The successful candidate will work closely with production, quality, and development engineers to build, test, and troubleshoot units to space industry workmanship and quality standards, and you will contribute to improving the production processes as we scale up manufacturing volumes.

This role suits an experienced technician who takes pride in precision workmanship, enjoys fault-finding on complex RF and digital hardware, and wants their work to fly.

Responsibilities

• Assembly, integration, and testing of RF and digital communication units in production, including finepitch
• PCB assembly work, cable and harness assembly, and mechanical integration
• Functional, environmental, and RF performance testing of units using laboratory test equipment (e.g. spectrum analysers, vector network analysers, signal generators, power meters, oscilloscopes)
• Troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of production failures down to component level, and documenting findings in non-conformance reports.
• Supporting the development team with industrialisation tasks, including test jig development, work instruction creation, and design‑for‑manufacture feedback.
• Supporting product qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal cycling, vibration, and thermal vacuum test campaigns
• Maintaining accurate build records and test data in line with quality management system requirements
• Handling flight hardware in accordance with ESD, cleanliness procedures
• Contributing to continuous improvement of production processes, yields, and throughput

Requirements

• B-Tech Degree / Advanced Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or equivalent qualification with demonstrable relevant experience
• Minimum 5 years' experience as an AIT Technician or in a similar position working with RF and communication systems
• Experience working in an electronic engineering or electronic manufacturing environment
• Experiencein the Aerospace or Space Industry, with a particular focus on RF testing, RF fault-finding and exposure to automated testing equipment as well as scripted test environments

Technical Skills

• Electronic production and precision assembly of cable, and harness assemblies
• Digital electronics and RF testing, including the use of spectrum analysers, vector network analysers, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and power meters.
• Component-level fault-finding on analogue, digital, and RF circuits using schematics and test procedures
• Interpretation of engineering drawings, schematics, bills of materials, and work instructions
• ESD-safe handling practices and moisture-sensitive device (MSD) handling
• Computer literacy, including recording and reporting of test results