Mechanical Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) Engineer

Astroscale UK is looking for hands-on Mechanical AIT Engineers to join our spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test team.

This role is focused on the assembly, integration, verification and testing of spacecraft hardware throughout the full AIT lifecycle, from equipment receipt and subsystem integration through environmental testing and launch preparation. The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly with flight hardware, following controlled procedures, maintaining configuration control and supporting spacecraft integration campaigns in a cleanroom environment. This role offers the opportunity to play a direct part in building and delivering spacecraft missions, working alongside experienced engineers and technicians.

This is not a mechanical design role. We are seeking an engineer who enjoys working on hardware, solving integration challenges and taking ownership of spacecraft build activities. Whilst the role will primarily have normal working hours, there may be times when the business requires a move to shift working across a 24/7 pattern, and candidates should be willing to support this as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical assembly and integration of spacecraft structures, subsystems and flight equipment.
• Install and remove spacecraft hardware in accordance with approved procedures and build documentation.
• Verify mechanical interfaces, alignments, clearances and hardware configuration.
• Carry out torque-controlled assembly operations and maintain full traceability.
• Support spacecraft lifting and handling activities using approved Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE).
• Work from engineering drawings, procedures, travellers and work instructions.
• Support environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal vacuum and deployment testing.
• Raise and support resolution of non-conformances and integration issues.
• Maintain accurate build records and as-built configuration documentation.
• Promote high standards of hardware protection, cleanliness and Foreign Object Debris (FOD) control.

Essential Skills

• HNC, HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline, equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• Experience in spacecraft, aerospace, defence, automotive or another high-reliability engineering environment.
• Practical hands-on assembly and integration experience.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Experience working to controlled procedures and work instructions.
• Familiarity with precision measurement tools and torque-controlled assembly.
• Strong understanding of configuration control and traceability.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
• Eligible to gain, or current holder of, UK Security clearance to SC level.

Desirable skills

• Specific experience of Spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test.
• Prior experience across one or more of
  • Flight hardware handling.
  • Environmental test campaigns.
  • Cleanroom operations.
  • Contamination and FOD control.
  • MGSE operations.
  • Non-Conformance Review and configuration management processes.
  • Launch campaign support.
• Functional understanding of ECSS (or other aerospace standards) and how they are applied.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Opportunity to work with a highly talented, diverse & dynamic international team with cutting edge technology
• Flexible working around core hours in a friendly and supportive environment
• Optional 9/75 working pattern
• Hybrid working available (dependent on individual role requirements)
• 25 days holiday (increasing yearly up to a maximum of 28 days) + 8 days Bank Holiday
• Life insurance and long-term sick pay
• Private healthcare (taxable benefit)
• Relocation allowance considered
• State of the art office and cleanroom facility
• Regular social events

Location

Astroscale UK (Harwell).

About Astroscale

Astroscale is the global leader in on-orbit servicing, dedicated to the secure and sustainable development of space. The company delivers a variety of innovative and scalable on-orbit servicing solutions, including life extension, refurbishment, upgrades, in-situ space situational awareness, end-of-life, and active debris removal. Since its first successful launch in March 2021, Astroscale has proven rendezvous and proximity operations technologies in orbit during the ELSA-d and ADRAS-J missions. Astroscale spacecraft have been selected for pioneering missions with JAXA, the U.S. Space Force, the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, and Eutelsat. As more satellite operators adopt on-orbit servicing to routinely inspect, relocate, remove, and extend the life of spacecraft, the potential of a circular space economy - and a future of no waste in space - is being unlocked. Headquartered in Japan, Astroscale has a global presence with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Israel. Find out more about Astroscale at www.astroscale.com.

At Astroscale UK we pride ourselves on our inclusive culture. Our essential criteria are based solely on the requirements necessary to perform the role. If any criteria could present a barrier, we are open to discussing reasonable adjustments and are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process. Astroscale UK is also open to supporting job share arrangements, to further our flexible working offering.

Note to recruitment agencies: Astroscale UK operates a preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency approaches. Please do not forward candidate CVs or details in response to this advert, or to any Astroscale employee.