Lead AIT Engineer – Contract AIT · Guildford

Company: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL)
Apply for the Lead AIT Engineer – Contract AIT · Guildford
Location: Guildford
Job Description:

Overview

Lead AIT Engineer – Contract – Guildford

Responsibilities

  • All phases of planning, control and execution of Payload or Spacecraft level AIT & EVT activities during the mission ground test phase.
  • 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 core AIT support equipment: 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; and 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 training programmes for both internal & customer engineers.

Qualifications

  • 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.

Location & Contract

  • Location: Guildford
  • Contract type: Contract
  • Please note that this contract will need to be processed through one of our sub-contracting partners, and we will be happy to put you in contact with them.
  • Contract duration: Initially 6 months

Additional

  • Department: AIT
  • Role: AIT Lead Engineer
  • Locations: Guildford
  • Job Reference: 363

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Posted: April 11th, 2026