AIT Quality Build Inspector - Propulsion

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.

We are seeking an AIT Quality Build Inspector (Propulsion) to join our client's Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team in Stevenage, supporting spacecraft propulsion system build and integration. The role ensures the conformity of propulsion components and assemblies to customer and project requirements, with a strong emphasis on cleanliness, process compliance, and non-conformance management.

The successful candidate will conduct inspections across visual, mechanical, and electrical criteria, manage non-conformance reporting, and act as the quality focal point for the propulsion area. This role is integral to delivering spacecraft hardware on time, on cost, and right first time.

Responsibilities

Inspection Activities
Perform visual, mechanical, and electrical inspections on propulsion hardware and sub-assemblies (e.g. CPS systems, tanks, harnesses, brackets, thermistors, MLI, connectors).
Record all deviations; raise Occurrence Reports (ORs) or Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) when issues cannot be restored by the production team.
Document inspection outcomes in PROUD (Personal Reduction Of Undetected Defects) templates.
Conduct receipt inspections of incoming propulsion hardware.
Complete final inspections and sign-off of work orders.
Non-Conformance Management
Raise NCs (ORs/NCRs) using the NC-CAPA system.
Define containment actions and support corrective and preventive action processes.
Perform re-inspections post-rework and provide evidence for NC closure.
Quality Representation
Act as the quality referent for the propulsion cleanroom area.
Ensure compliance with cleanliness, contamination control, and tool calibration requirements.
Conduct process audits, spot checks, and activity safeguarding to mitigate risks to flight hardware.
Provide guidance to operators and influence a proactive quality mindset across the propulsion team.
Escalate quality issues to the correct stakeholders and provide timely responses.
Quarantine defective or out-of-calibration equipment.
Operational & Continuous Improvement Support
Update the Work To List (WTL) to reflect inspection status and schedule visibility.
Input into PROUD feedback loops and quarterly quality briefs.
Support lean and continuous improvement activities (5S, PPS, Kaizen).
Contribute to the robustness of the attestation process through coaching and surveillance.

Qualifications

Apprenticeship, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in aerospace, mechanical/electrical engineering, or related discipline.
Recognised training in quality fundamentals, mechanical/electrical inspection, or cleanroom operations.
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

Skilled in mechanical and electrical inspection techniques, including micrometers, depth gauges, verniers, multimeters, and magnifiers.
Familiarity with propulsion system assembly processes (e.g. tanks, harness routing, welding checks, heater mat and MLI blanket installation).
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, models, and work instructions.
Strong knowledge of non-conformance management systems (NC-CAPA or equivalent).
Excellent documentation, reporting, and traceability skills.
Strong communication and coaching skills to support and influence shop floor teams.
Proactive mindset with authority to halt activities to safeguard hardware when required.

Experience

Prior experience as a Quality Inspector or Manufacturing Technician in aerospace, defence, or precision engineering industries.
Experience working in a cleanroom or contamination-controlled environment.
Direct exposure to propulsion or satellite AIT processes (desirable).
Background in non-conformance reporting, inspection sign-off, and process compliance in a regulated industry.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing or continuous improvement practices.

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