Spacecraft AIT Mechanical Engineer

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 salary/rate is negotiable based on experience, seniority, etc. 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 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.

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 filled IAW customer requirements.
• Author reports, in cases of an anomaly or a deviation.
• Ensure all work completed complies with relevant Quality Standards, ensuring Quality inspection passed.
• Support in the creation of documentation required for work instructions, and procedures.
• Support the definition of MGSE for use on the Satellite and support procurement activities.
• Support The Mechanical Process Owner team in all aspects of their role.
• Support to Assembly Integration & Test (AIT) Lead Engineering team in periods of high workload.
• Handling and installation of thermal hardware (heaters, thermistors)
• Mechanical integration of electronic units, subsystems and instruments, mechanisms, antennas, solar arrays, mechanical sub-systems, instruments, payloads and spacecraft and control the documentation / process associated with performing these.
• 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 to standardisation activities ensuring that our working modes and processes are standardised, optimised, and current.
• Support the production of new processes, undertake process improvement and maintenance and monitor process implementation.
• Processing assembly, integration and testing (AIT) tasks as part of Space projects (satellites, payloads, subsystems);
• Coordination of the mechanical AIT work on the satellite in consultation with the AIT manager and other disciplines involved;
• Preparation and implementation of mechanical integrations of flight hardware on the satellite, documenting the work results;
• Preparation of concepts for mechanical AIT and MGSE (Mechanical Ground Support equipment) and creation of corresponding planning documents;
• Creation of the necessary specifications, support of the Tender process (tender evaluation)
• Coordination and participation in the internal development of MGSE.
• Participation in NRBs (Non-Conformance Review Boards) to find the causes of error and finding solutions.

Qualifications

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

Essential Skills

• 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.
• 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 communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work in a team.

Experience

• 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.
• 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.
• Good planning skills and process competence, (MRP system experience an advantage)
• Previous experience of payload builds is a distinct advantage.

Benefits

• Collaborative working environment – we stand shoulder to shoulder with our clients and ourpeers 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
• ExpleoAcademy - 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

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