Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.
AIT Lead Engineer

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AIT Lead Engineer
Responsible For
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 equipment's:
- 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.
- Liaise with mission team and external customers.
- Support ground segment commissioning and LEOP activities.
- Support of training programmes for both internal & customer engineers.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
- Degree or HND/HNC in engineering or science discipline.
- Requirements of this post are to hold, or have held in the last 5 years, an EU based personal Security clearance and to be a citizen of one of the member states of the European Union or the Schengen association countries.
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


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- 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.
- Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales.
- 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.
- Proven technical writing and presentation skills.
- Excellent inter-personal skills - both written and oral communications; ability to interface with customers and technical representatives.
- A flexible, pragmatic attitude to work, planning and interactions with others is required.
- Must be prepared to work irregular hours, weekends and shifts.
- Familiar with Microsoft Office products, particularly Outlook, Word and Excel along with proficiency in use of Microsoft Project.
- Overseas travel is required in this role to support testing in customer premises & test facilities in locations worldwide.
- Full, clean driving licence preferred.
- Able to demonstrate company mindsets; accountability, one team, customers and projects rule and audacity.
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