Mechanical Engineers / Technicians - AIT

Overview

As part of our continued support to our customer in the space sector we are looking for a number of Mechanical AIT Engineers to join us on a permanent or contract basis. 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. We are now looking for Mechanical Engineers/Technicians to grow and develop their careers within AIT as part of an international company expanding its internal space capability. This vacancy presents an exciting opportunity for 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, is highly sought after. This role supports Expleo's growth in space and offers potential for future team leadership.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical Engineering:
  • Utilise Work orders on Apriso or EWIS or paper as an input into the mechanical assembly process
  • Work with and be responsible for the successful installation and integration of Kits of parts
  • Read and understand 3D Drawings and technical notes using Dragonfly or 3DXML
  • Utilise procedures and documents containing engineering data (e.g., torque values) as part of the mechanical installation process
  • Be aware of COSHH and Risk Assessment Documents that support Integration and Assembly activities

• Using customer procedures, the supplier performs the following:
  • Complete receipt, inspection and handling of equipment to the relevant standard
  • Complete component/equipment installation and grounding
  • Complete bonding of parts
  • Conduct waveguide installation
  • Carry out coaxial cable installation and routing
  • Carry out thermal hardware installation and routing
  • Carry out DC harness routing and connection
  • Assemble mechanical parts as directed by the customer
  • Ensure procedures completed and filed IAW customer requirements
  • Author reports in cases of an anomaly or a deviation
  • Ensure all work complies with relevant quality standards and passes quality inspections
  • Support in the creation of documentation required for work instructions and procedures
  • Support MGSE definition for use on the satellite and assist procurement activities
  • Support the Mechanical Process Owner team in all aspects of their role
  • Support the Assembly Integration & Test (AIT) Lead Engineering team during periods of high workload
  • Handle and install thermal hardware (heaters, thermistors)
  • Mechanically integrate electronic units, subsystems and instruments, mechanisms, antennas, solar arrays, payloads and spacecraft and manage the associated documentation/processes
  • Prepare and carry out environmental tests (Vibration, Acoustic, Mass properties, Thermal) at unit, subsystem, instrument and spacecraft level
  • Support process owners with observation resolution and operational activities
  • Oversee unit installation activities on the satellite
  • Support quality reviews, conduct PFMEA and Root Cause Analysis
  • Support in the creation of re-work instructions based on project requirements and identify parts and tooling required
  • Support standardisation activities to ensure processes are standardised, optimised, and current
  • Support the production of new processes, undertake process improvement and monitor implementation
  • Process and perform AIT tasks for space projects (satellites, payloads, subsystems)
  • Coordinate mechanical AIT work on the satellite in consultation with the AIT manager and other disciplines
  • Prepare and implement mechanical integrations of flight hardware on the satellite, documenting the results
  • Prepare concepts for mechanical AIT and MGSE (Mechanical Ground Support Equipment) and create planning documents
  • Create specifications, support Tender processes (tender evaluation)
  • Coordinate and participate in internal MGSE development
  • Participate in NRBs (Non-Conformance Review Boards) to identify causes of errors and implement solutions

Qualifications

• Degree Qualified Engineer in Mechanical Engineering
• HNC or HND in engineering/maintenance OR Apprenticeship in Aerospace/Space or other high-quality production field with experience in mechanical engineering

Essential skills

• Prior AIT experience
• Understanding of satellite integration processes and project phases
• Satellite appendage installation (solar array, reflectors, antennas, deployable systems)
• Strong understanding of complex mechanical systems
• Lean manufacturing techniques including 5S, root cause analysis and continuous improvement
• Experience producing high-quality documentation (test specs, test plans, test procedures, AIT plans, DDV plans)
• High mechanical skills and relevant experience
• Ability to write procedures and manage process control
• High self-motivation and ability to adapt to changing priorities across multiple projects
• Strong problem-solving skills (technical, logistics and organisational)
• Good planning skills and process competence; MRPs experience is advantageous
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with payload builds is a plus
• Ability to work effectively in a team

Experience

• Experience in a high-quality production environment related to mechanical assembly
• Experience working in a clean-room environment with FOD/ESD practices

Benefits

• Collaborative working environment - we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and peers
• Opportunities to expand skills by working on inspiring projects
• ExpleoAcademy for accredited training
• Competitive benefits
• Team-oriented culture that values big thinking and challenging 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

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of 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