Lead AIT Engineer

Overview

Expleo is a leading Global Engineering Services Provider with UK presence in 10 locations. We are seeking a Lead AIT Engineer to be responsible for all phases of planning, control and execution of Payload or Spacecraft level AIT & EVT activities during the mission ground test phase.

The successful candidate will have a space industry related test experience typically gained in an engineering environment. The role demands 5 days a week on the client's site in Guildford and willingness to travel worldwide. Working in the spacecraft mission team, typical activities expected involve progressing the Spacecraft/Payload through the in-house Assembly, Integration & Test process and external Environmental Test Phase.

This role represents a great opportunity to work on cutting edge technology projects. Valued attributes are a team player who can use their initiative and has a real passion for engineering with an attention to detail, combined with a thorough, methodical approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

Key areas of responsibilities may include:

Work as a key member of the Core Project team, with the Project manager, AIT Manager and Systems Engineer to deliver fully tested payload and spacecraft
Manage test operators and responsible engineer's activities on the payload or spacecraft in line with system level schedules and requirements, deputising these roles when required
Provide documentation and present at design, test and project reviews for both internal and external audiences
Support upcoming bids and proposals
Facilitate and schedule for core AIT support equipments
Electrical Ground Support Equipment
Mechanical Ground Support Equipment
Test equipment definition
Spacecraft and payload harness definition
Ground Test cable definition
Facilitate and schedule all AIT and EVT phase activities
AIT Unit Integration and Test
AIT System Integration and Test
EVT test campaigns and logistics
Implement
Test Plans flowing down from system level requirements
Unit level integration and testing plans at system level
System and subsystem level Integration & Testing plans
Test procedures flowing down from test plans and traceable to system level requirements
Oversee and participate in system level testing
Act as an expert spacecraft system operator
Ensure client engineering policies and practices are implemented on the project
Oversee and maintain tidiness and safe working practices in the AIT clean room
Liaise with mission team and external customers
Support ground segment commissioning and LEOP activities
Support of training programmes for both internal & customer engineers

Qualifications

Degree in engineering with ideally electrical background
Where applicable suitable experience in addition to a lower qualification would be acceptable

Essential skills

Proactive problem solver with drive to chase issues through to their conclusion
Practical and proven hands-on abilities for both flight build as well as ground and development test activities
Ability to manage larger work packages or projects and associated resourcing, planning and facility negotiations
Good team working skills, together with the ability to interface with others at all levels
Demonstrable strong attention to detail and ensuring that the finished sub-systems/systems will function as designed
Strong judgment skill in order to work independently and effectively in ambiguous situations
Familiar with Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel along with proficiency in use of Microsoft Project.
Good communication and presentation skills
Must be prepared to work irregular hours, weekends and shifts
A flexible, pragmatic attitude to work, planning and interactions with others is required along with a well-developed sense of humour & irony

Experience

Working with spaceflight hardware, including integrated system testing at spacecraft level
Detailed test planning and scheduling
Working with verification/validation of requirements
Experience of managing test teams in very dynamic environments
Good understanding of scripting and operation of EGSE systems advantageous
Good general electrical & electronics background
Knowledge and understanding of material usage in spaceflight environment
Hands on knowledge and experience of electronic test equipment usage including RF/communications

What do I need before I apply

Ability and willingness to travel to and work on the clients Guildford site 5 days per week
Ability and willingness to travel to support testing in customer premises & test facilities in locations worldwide