Mechanical AIT Engineer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a hands-on Mechanical AIT Engineer to join a growing spacecraft engineering team, supporting the assembly, integration, verification and testing of flight hardware throughout the full AIT lifecycle.

This is a practical, hardware-focused role rather than a mechanical design position, offering the opportunity to work directly with spacecraft hardware and contribute to the delivery of complex space missions.

You’ll work across activities ranging from equipment receipt and subsystem integration through to environmental testing and launch preparation, working within a controlled cleanroom environment and alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

Perform mechanical assembly and integration of spacecraft structures, subsystems and flight equipment.

Install, remove and configure hardware in accordance with approved procedures and build documentation.

Verify mechanical interfaces, alignments, clearances and hardware configuration.

Carry out torque-controlled assembly while maintaining full traceability.

Support spacecraft lifting and handling activities using Mechanical Ground Support Equipment.

Work from engineering drawings, procedures, travellers and work instructions.

Support environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal vacuum and deployment testing.

About You

We’re looking for someone with:

HNC, HND or degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related discipline (equivalent practical experience will also be considered).

Hands-on assembly and integration experience within space, aerospace, defence, automotive or another high-reliability environment.

The 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 hardware traceability.

Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality.

The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering environment.

Eligibility for, or current holder of, UK SC security clearance.

Desirable Experience

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

Spacecraft AIT or flight hardware handling

Cleanroom operations and contamination/FOD control

Environmental testing

MGSE operations

Non-conformance and configuration management

Launch campaign support

ECSS or other aerospace standards The role will primarily operate during normal working hours, although there may be periods where 24/7 shift working is required to support critical integration or test activities.

What’s on Offer

Hybrid and flexible working

Optional 9/75 working pattern

25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, increasing with service

Private healthcare and life insurance

Relocation support may be available

Access to modern engineering, laboratory and cleanroom facilities

Opportunity to work on innovative spacecraft programmes within a highly skilled engineering team

If you're a hands-on mechanical engineer looking to move into spacecraft AIT and want to play a direct role in building and testing flight hardware, I'd be keen to hear from you.

TT