iO Associates
ESA/IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector
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ESA/IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector
Location: Guildford | On-site | Cleanroom / Controlled Production Environment
Sector: Space
We are seeking an experienced ESA / IPC Harness and Spacecraft Inspector to support the build and integration of high-reliability spacecraft hardware.
This is a hands-on inspection role focused on ensuring spacecraft electrical harnesses, wiring, interconnections and mechanical assemblies meet the stringent quality and reliability standards required for spaceflight. You will work closely with manufacturing, engineering and quality teams throughout spacecraft build and integration activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out detailed visual inspections of spacecraft electrical harnesses in accordance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space Addendum, ECSS standards and programme-specific requirements.
- Inspect wiring, connectors, terminations, soldering, crimping, shielding, braiding, lacing, strain relief, tie locations and cable bend radii.
- Verify mechanical integrity and correct installation of spacecraft hardware against engineering drawings and specifications.
- Perform or support electrical testing, including continuity, insulation resistance and Hi-Pot testing, where required.
- Conduct Key Inspection Points (KIPs) during spacecraft build, assembly and integration activities.
- Identify, document and report non-conformances, supporting root-cause investigation and corrective action activities.
- Complete inspection documentation, including traveller sheets, NCRs, inspection reports and configuration records.
- Ensure all inspection activities are carried out in accordance with cleanroom, ESD and FOD requirements.
- Work closely with production and engineering teams to resolve quality issues while maintaining programme schedules.
- Ensure spacecraft hardware is built and inspected to the required level of quality, traceability and configuration control.
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Key Requirements
- Current or previous qualification/certification and practical experience relating to ESA/ECSS-Q-ST-70-26 or ECSS-Q-ST-70-28.
- Experience with IPC/WHMA-A-620 Space Addendum requirements.
- Demonstrable experience inspecting or manufacturing high-reliability harnesses within the space, aerospace or defence sectors.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft or high-reliability electrical harness construction and inspection.
- Practical knowledge of soldering, crimping and electrical termination techniques to aerospace/ESA standards.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, wiring diagrams and manufacturing documentation.
- Experience with electrical inspection and testing, including continuity and insulation resistance testing.
- Experience working within cleanroom and controlled production environments.
- Strong understanding of ESD, FOD and contamination-control procedures.
- Experience raising and managing non-conformances (NCRs) and maintaining accurate quality documentation.
- Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to inspection and quality assurance.
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Desirable Experience
- Previous experience with spacecraft AIT / Assembly, Integration and Test activities.
- Experience carrying out mechanical inspections on spacecraft hardware.
- Experience conducting formal Key Inspection Points (KIPs).
- Experience with spacecraft configuration control and traceability.
- Background in satellite, launch vehicle or other high-reliability space hardware programmes.
- Knowledge of AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality systems.
Working Environment
This is an on-site role within a cleanroom / controlled production environment, supporting high-value spacecraft build and integration activities. The successful candidate will be comfortable working to demanding production schedules while maintaining rigorous quality, documentation and configuration-control standards.
If you have hands-on experience inspecting high-reliability aerospace or spacecraft harnesses and a strong understanding of ESA/ECSS and IPC requirements, we would be keen to hear from you.
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