AIT Lead Engineer

All phases of planning, control and execution of Payload or Spacecraft level AIT & EVT activities during the mission ground test phase.

Key Purpose of Job

• Working as part of the spacecraft mission team to progress the Spacecraft or Payload through the in house Assembly, Integration & Test process and external Environmental Test Phase.

Key Tasks

• 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 engineers 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 SSTL engineering policies and practices are implemented on the project.
• Oversee and maintain tidiness and safe working practices in the AIT clean room
• Liase with mission team and external customers
• Support ground segment commissioning and LEOP activities
• Support of training programmes for both internal & customer engineers

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline

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

Knowledge & 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.
• Overseas travel is required in this role to support testing in customer premises & test facilities in locations worldwide