AIT Quality Build Inspector - Panels

Overview

Expleo is a trusted partner for end-to-end, integrated engineering, quality services and management consulting for digital transformation. We help businesses harness unrelenting technological change to successfully deliver innovations that will help them gain a competitive advantage and improve the everyday lives of people around the globe.

As part of our ongoing support to a major customer in the space sector, we are seeking an AIT Quality Build Inspector (Panels) to ensure the conformity of satellite components to customer requirements within the Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) environment. This role is based in the Panels area at our client's Stevenage facility and will be central to upholding product quality, process compliance, and delivery standards.

The successful candidate will carry out inspections across mechanical, electrical, and visual criteria, ensuring a "right first time" approach. They will also play an active role in non-conformance management, cleanliness and contamination control, and fostering a strong quality culture on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

Inspection Activities
Perform quality inspections on satellite panel assemblies and subassemblies using visual, mechanical, and electrical measurement methods.
Record and classify all deviations; raise Occurrence Reports (ORs) or Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) where necessary.
Complete and maintain inspection records, including PROUD (Personal Reduction of Undetected Defects) templates.
Conduct final sign-off for work orders and ensure inspection evidence is documented in line with requirements.
Non-Conformance Management
Raise and manage non-conformances in the NC-CAPA tool.
Define containment actions and support corrective/preventive measures.
Re-inspect hardware post-rework and provide closure evidence in NC-CAPA.
Quality Representation
Act as the quality focal point for the Panels cleanroom area.
Ensure compliance with cleanliness, contamination, calibration, and process standards.
Perform spot checks, process audits, and activity safeguarding to prevent hardware damage.
Provide guidance and coaching to manufacturing staff, embedding a proactive quality mindset.
Quarantine defective or out-of-calibration equipment/parts as required.
Operational Support
Maintain and update the Work To List (WTL) to ensure schedule visibility.
Contribute to PROUD feedback loops and provide data for quality briefs and operational reporting.
Support lean and continuous improvement initiatives (5S, PPS, Kaizen).
Contribute to quarterly quality briefs and operational QA reviews.

Qualifications

Apprenticeship or equivalent vocational/technical qualification in engineering, aerospace, or manufacturing.
Recognised training in quality fundamentals, mechanical/electrical inspection, or cleanroom standards.
Completion of (or willingness to complete) training such as:

Spacecraft Production Induction
Cleanliness & Contamination (EN/ISO 9 refresher)
Human Factors for Space
DIM Awareness
5S Practices
Working at Height
Hand Measuring Tools (M129a)

Essential skills

Strong understanding of mechanical/electrical inspection techniques using tools such as micrometers, verniers, depth gauges, DMMs, and magnifiers.
Knowledge of satellite AIT processes, including bonding, insert checks, dent mapping, flatness checks, heater/MLI installation, and grounding.
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and work orders.
Familiarity with non-conformance reporting systems (e.g., NC-CAPA).
Strong documentation and reporting skills, with attention to accuracy and traceability.
Effective communication and coaching skills to influence and support production teams.
Proactive mindset with the ability to halt activities to safeguard hardware if needed.

Experience

Previous experience in quality inspection or manufacturing engineering within aerospace, defence, or precision engineering industries.
Hands-on experience in a cleanroom environment, with awareness of contamination and handling standards.
Proven background in non-conformance management and corrective action processes.
Experience working to tight schedules and regulated quality standards.

Benefits

Collaborative working environment - we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and our peers through good times and challenges
We empower all passionate technology loving professionals by allowing them to expand their skills and take part in inspiring projects
Expleo Academy - enables you to acquire and develop the right skills by delivering a suite of accredited training courses
Competitive company benefits
Always working as one team, our people are not afraid to think big and challenge the status quo

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer we have committed to:
Ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible
Communicating and promoting vacancies
Offering an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the job
Anticipating and providing reasonable adjustments as required
Supporting any existing employee who acquires a disability or long term health condition, enabling them to stay in work at least one activity that will make a difference for disabled people"We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age".

We treat everyone fairly and equitably across the organisation, including providing any additional support and adjustments needed for everyone to thrive