Lead AIT Engineer

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.

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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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