As part of our continued support to our customer in the space sector we are looking for a number of  AIT Shift Team leads to join us on a permanent or contract basis. The salary/rate is negotiable based on experience, seniority, etc. 

The Spacecraft Production Shift Team Leader is responsible for shop floor co-ordination of the Assembly, Integration and Test activities of Spacecraft Payloads and active antennas. Ensuring the shift team are focused on the correct priorities so that production tasks are completed to strict deadlines and of the highest quality.

This vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individuals to develop and grow their skills and knowledge within a thriving organisation. The job holder will be engaged in a wide variety of mechanical operations/activities covering all areas of assembly and integration on spacecraft payloads - although not essential specific experience in RF and optical cable routing and assembly, as well as clean room experience are highly sought after this role.

This is an area of significant growth within Expleo, an area where we are looking at growing future team leads from within. Demonstrating our commitment to continue to grow our space business.

• Health and Safety - Comply with production area Health and Safety requirements and practices, including handling of hazardous substances iaw COSHH requirements. Including ensuring the team are adhering to PPE requirements and monitoring the team for safe working practices. Shop floor safety observations are highlighted regular to allow continuous improvement by the entire team and FISH incidents are raised when necessary. Supporting the H&S champions within the bay and ensuring they are carrying out their daily duties.
• Team Output- Responsible for the output of the team related to Mechanical integration activities and electrical test activities. Challenging the team to perform to the expected standard/duration/quality.  Provide technical support and resolve issues locally where possible as first point of technical expertise (Utilising the manufacturing process engineers and test ops support engineers to fill in expertise gaps).
• Plan adherence -Monitor the performance of the team against the plan, accountable for operator efficiency within their span of control contributing to the efficiency loss/waste/CVAT/CNQ KPIs. Monitoring the burn down of the hours in the plan and feeding back to manufacturing engineering when durations are inaccurate.
• Work to list - Work with the Lead Engineers/Production Manager to agree and deliver the ‘daily/weekly contract’ of work to be carried out and highlight any difficulties based on skill, resource, tools, and means. Ensure that the order of priorities is clearly understood from the Lead Engineer/Production Manager and tasks are communicated to the team in this priority order. Allocate tasks to the team based on skills taking into account competence levels.
• Workplace standard - Ownership of the local workspace standards including 5S policy, tool control and end of shift cleanup.
• Team performance management - Manage team performance activities including; leading SQCDP meetings (maintain KPIs and actions) and process confirmation activities. Including ensuring that all tasks are carried out to the correct level of quality and production WOs traceability is maintained.
• Continuous improvement - Contribute to process improvement idea generation within the operations team and partake in MFTs as required.
• Leader and Role model – Looks after the team’s wellbeing and morale. Coaches new starters and is willing to help. Responsible for the team’s disciple and enforcing cleanroom rules and standards. Monitors team’s arrival and break times to ensure they follow company policy. Any issues with team member performance is raised up to the production manager. Providing the team with constructive feedback to help with their development

• Experience in a production environment related to mechanical assembly or electrical/RF test
• HNC or HND in engineering/maintenance OR Apprenticeship in Aerospace/Space or other high quality production field with experience in mechanical engineering field.

• Appreciation of satellite integration processes and project phases
• Satellite Appendage installation process (Solar Array, reflectors, antennas, deployable systems)
• Good understanding and detailed experience of complex mechanical systems
• Lean manufacturing techniques including 5S, root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• Knowledge and experience in the production of high quality documentation (test specs, test plans, test procedures, AIT Plans, DDV plans)
• High mechanical skills and relevant experience
• Writing Procedures and process control
• High self-motivation and ability to deal with changing priorities on a multi project basis.
• Good problem-solving skills (technical, logistics and organisational).
• Good planning skills and process competence, (MRP system experience an advantage).
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a team

• Experience working in a high quality production environment relating to mechanical assembly
• Experience working in a clean-room environment including FOD/ESD practices
• Prior AIT experience
• Previous experience of payload builds is a distinct advantage

• The role will be based at our customer’s facility in Stevenage and will require successful candidates to work from our customers site 5 days per week.

• 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