Engineer the Quantum RevolutionYour expertise can help us shape the future of quantum computing at Oxford Ionics.

View Open Roles

Propulsion Technician

Aalto
Farnborough
1 week ago
Create job alert

Welcome to AALTO, a global leader in Stratospace. Based in Farnborough, AALTO is an Airbus subsidiary that manufactures, operates, and delivers services with its solar-powered, stratospheric platform: Zephyr.

Zephyr’s persistence enables continuous flight for months at a time. Its current flight-time record of over 67 days in the stratosphere. From above 60,000+ft, or 20km above ground, AALTO can deliver several applications including direct-to-device connectivity and high-resolution Earth observation.

AALTO operates in a new operational layer between most of air traffic and low-Earth orbit, Stratospace. This is where high-altitude platforms led by Zephyr deliver services to commercial and government partners. We can help monitor environments, observe borders, track natural disasters and connect unconnected communities.

Join us as we create a new domain of aerospace: Stratospace. You’ll be part of a highly-skilled, innovative and passionate group of people – Team AALTO. Together, we can Unlock Stratospace.

Job Purpose:

Working as part of a team to manufacture, assemble and test the Zephyr Aircraft, while providing support to other areas of the Manufacturing Facility to ensure the on time and in budget delivery of aircrafts to achieve HAPS Global business requirements.

Responsibilities:

  • Avionic and mechanical equipment installation, wiring and component integration of Propulsion Systems.
  • Manufacture of avionic in-house components as required.
  • Maintain build records.
  • Health and Safety process adherence and reporting.
  • Contribution to Problem Solving and corrective action delivery.
  • Using measuring equipment and calibrated jigs to carry out dimensional verification to the specification.
  • Identify waste in assembly processes and implement activities to improve efficiency.
  • Support shop safety initiatives and manage timely implementation of countermeasures to resolve problems.
  • Safe handling and protection of very fragile and flexible components
  • Mitigate immediate risks including ‘stop work’ as well as escalate emerging risks, issues and shortfalls in a timely manner.
  • Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to new and existing team members to support workforce development and knowledge sharing.
  • Carry out daily housekeeping tasks to ensure health, safety, and operational requirements.

Requirements:

  • Strong understanding of ability to read engineering drawings and follow process

instructions.

  • Conducting and recording of installation and system integration tests.
  • Ability to read and understand test procedures.
  • Knowledge of test equipment such as power supply units, multi metres and oscilloscopes.
  • Ability to carry out soldering to a good quality standard.
  • Understanding and practical knowledge of working in ESD sensitive environments.
  • Knowledge of general aircraft manufacturing/ maintenance and processes applicable.
  • Dimensional verification to the specification.
  • Demonstrated experience pro-actively solving technical problems.
  • Experience of hands-on production of avionic hardware and wiring installations.
  • Quality conscious working method and organised approach to tasks.
  • Works well under pressure, works hard to meet strict production targets.
  • Clear and effective communication skills (both written and oral).
  • Knowledge of general aircraft manufacturing/ maintenance and processes applicable to the aviation environment (Human Factors, FOD, Tool Control, Health & Safety & COSHH).
  • Understanding of 6S.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Proficient computer skills, and use of the Microsoft Office suite.

Qualifications:

  • Aerospace or Engineering Full Apprenticeship.
  • Completed an NVQ Level 03 Qualification in Avionics Engineering or other relevant discipline.

Preferred Skills:

  • Previous experience in Aerospace, Space or other highly regulated sector.
  • Understanding of manufacturing Pulse Lines.
  • EWIS (Electrical Wiring and Interconnection Systems) Training.
  • Understanding of Lean/ 6 Sigma.

#LI-LC1


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Propulsion Technician

Test Technician

Cleanroom Technician

Mechanical Technician

Maintenance Technician 12 month FTC

Electrical Technician

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Seasonal Hiring Peaks for Space Industry Jobs: The Best Months to Apply & Why

The UK's space industry has emerged as one of Europe's most strategically vital and technologically advanced sectors, with roles spanning from junior satellite engineers to principal spacecraft scientists and heads of space systems development. With space positions commanding salaries from £32,000 for graduate aerospace engineers to £135,000+ for senior space systems architects, understanding when organisations actively recruit can dramatically accelerate your career progression in this extraordinary and rapidly evolving field. Unlike traditional aerospace roles, space industry hiring follows distinct patterns influenced by launch windows, government space initiatives, and satellite constellation deployment schedules. The sector's unique combination of advanced aerospace engineering, orbital mechanics, and space systems integration creates predictable hiring windows that strategic professionals can leverage to advance their careers in building tomorrow's spacecraft and satellite technologies. This comprehensive guide explores the optimal timing for space industry job applications in the UK, examining how national space strategies, academic research cycles, and space technology initiatives influence recruitment patterns, and why strategic timing can determine whether you join a cutting-edge space development team or miss the opportunity to develop the next generation of satellites and space exploration systems.

Pre-Employment Checks for UK Space Jobs Jobs: DBS, References & Right-to-Work and more Explained

The space industry represents one of the most strategically significant and technologically advanced sectors in modern aerospace, with space professionals playing crucial roles in developing satellite systems, advancing space exploration technologies, and transforming applications from Earth observation and telecommunications to space manufacturing and planetary exploration. As the space sector experiences unprecedented growth through commercial space ventures and national space programmes, pre-employment screening processes have become increasingly sophisticated and security-focused. Space careers span diverse environments from satellite manufacturers and launch service providers to space agencies, Earth observation companies, and emerging space tourism operators. Each sector brings unique screening requirements reflecting the strategic sensitivity of space technologies, the mission-critical nature of space systems, and the critical importance of maintaining both national security standards and operational reliability. Understanding space industry pre-employment screening helps professionals navigate career opportunities effectively whilst enabling employers to identify candidates capable of contributing to space innovation whilst maintaining appropriate security standards, mission assurance protocols, and technical excellence. The screening processes examine not only technical space competencies but also security clearance eligibility, systems engineering capabilities, and ability to work effectively within the highly regulated space ecosystem. This comprehensive guide examines the full spectrum of pre-employment screening practices across space careers, from basic right-to-work verification through enhanced security clearance processes, technical competency assessment, and industry-specific requirements. Whether pursuing opportunities in satellite engineering, launch systems development, space science research, or space operations management, understanding these screening processes enables space professionals to prepare effectively and advance their careers successfully. The space sector's unique combination of cutting-edge technology, mission-critical reliability, and strategic importance creates screening requirements that reflect both the technical demands of space systems engineering and the security considerations of nationally strategic technologies. These processes ultimately support the continued advancement of the space industry by ensuring high professional standards and technical competence necessary for successful space missions and responsible space technology development.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Launch Your Career in Space: The UK's Cosmic Revolution

The United Kingdom stands at the forefront of a space revolution that's fundamentally transforming how we communicate globally, navigate precisely, monitor our planet's climate, and explore the cosmos beyond Earth. From the advanced satellite technologies developed by British companies powering global communications networks to the revolutionary space propulsion systems enabling deep space missions, the UK's leadership in space technology, satellite manufacturing, and space services has created an unprecedented demand for skilled space professionals that dramatically exceeds the current talent supply. If you've been seeking a career at the final frontier of human exploration or looking to position yourself in one of the most strategically critical and inspirational sectors of the modern economy, space represents an extraordinary opportunity. The convergence of NewSpace commercialization, satellite mega-constellation deployment, space manufacturing advancement, and interplanetary exploration acceleration has created perfect conditions for space career success.