Optomechanical AIT Technologist/Technician

Simera Sense; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of Earth observation solutions is looking for an Optomechanical AIT Technologist/Technician in Somerset West. You will be integral to assembling and testing advanced optical systems. A Bachelor's or Advanced Diploma in a relevant engineering field is essential, along with hands-on experience in cleanroom environments. Enjoy a competitive salary and a friendly working environment in the fast-growing space industry.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Friendly working environment

Opportunity in fast-growing space industry

Qualifications

• 0 – 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering roles.
• Proficiency in assembling high-precision systems.
• Ability to interpret detailed engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and guidance to team members.
• Assemble and integrate optical and mechanical components.
• Maintain the integrity of optical systems in a cleanroom environment.

Skills

Precision engineering

Optics

Mechanical design

Technical documentation

Environmental testing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, Optomechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens Teamcenter

NX software

Job description

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base. Our Head Office is in Belgium, and our South African company is based in Somerset West, close to all amenities and diverse natural beauty, providing great lifestyle options.

We seek a highly skilled and detail-oriented Optomechanical AIT Technologist/Technician to join our dynamic South African space industry team. You will play a critical role in assembling, integrating, aligning, and testing advanced optical and mechanical subsystems for spaceborne instruments and satellite payloads.

This position is ideal for someone with a strong background in precision engineering and optics and hands-on experience in cleanroom environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and guidance to team members
• Assemble and integrate optical and mechanical components to ensure proper alignment and functionality
• Maintain the integrity of optical systems in a cleanroom environment
• Develop and refine assembly and integration procedures and execute test plans
• Implement quality control procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards
• Maintain detailed records of assembly, integration, and testing activities
• Prepare technical documentation, including design documentation, work instructions, build history documentation, test reports, and customer documentation

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Advanced Diploma in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, Optomechanical Engineering, or a related field

Required Experience

• 0 – 2 years of experience in mechanical engineering roles.
• Experience in mechanical design, development and manufacturing.
• Ability to interpret detailed engineering drawings
• Proficiency in assembling high-precision systems
• Knowledge of environmental testing procedures, including thermal, vibration, and shock tests
• Ability to execute test plans and analyse test dataImplementation of quality control procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards
• Proficiency in generating and maintaining technical documentation

Recommendations

The following will be advantageous for the role:

• Experience and knowledge of optical/optomechanical systems.
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter and NX software
• Experience working in a cleanroom environment and complying with quality processes
• Experience performing AIT of optical payloads or other high-precision optical instrumentation
• Hands‑on experience with interferometry techniques and equipment.
• Proficiency in optical metrology.

Special requirement(s)

• Will be expected to work on weekends and after hours

What we offer

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting‑edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.