AIT Systems Integration Engineer

Job description

COMPANY NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it. ROLE The AIT Systems Integration Engineer owns functional and system-level testing of our spacecraft and the verification tracking for each satellite campaign. Working within the Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) team, you will take the satellite from integrated subsystems to a flight-ready, fully verified vehicle. You will bridge systems engineering, subsystem teams and the AIT Engineering Functions. You will turn requirements into test procedures, run and lead test campaigns, and make sure every requirement is closed out with traceable evidence before launch. The role suits someone who knows SmallSat development approaches, is hands-on with Hardware and Ground Support Equipment (GSE), and understands how satellite subsystems behave together. RESPONSIBILITIES FUNCTIONAL AND SYSTEM TESTING - Own the functional and system test programme for the spacecraft, from unit-level acceptance, integration, thought to whole System End-to-End Testing. - Write, review and run test specifications and procedures, including basic functional testing, FDIR, end-to-end tests and mission/day-in-the-life simulations. - Lead test readiness reviews and test review boards, and sign off test reports. - Run tests before, during and after environmental campaigns (vibration, thermal vacuum, EMC) to confirm spacecraft health. - Diagnose anomalies, raise and track Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), and drive root-cause investigations with subsystem engineers. - Develop and maintain automated test scripts and telemetry/telecommand (TM/TC) databases used for testing. VERIFICATION TRACKING - Own the verification matrix (VCRM) for the satellite campaign, mapping each requirement to its method: test, analysis, inspection or review of design. - Plan the verification approach with Systems Engineering and keep it current through the campaign. - Collect and link verification evidence, and report close-out status against milestones. - Prepare verification data packages for key reviews (e.g. CDR, TRR, QR, PSR/FAR) and customer acceptance. GSE AND TEST INFRASTRUCTURE - Specify, integrate and validate Electrical GSE, including power supplies, battery simulators, RF test sets, umbilicals and break-out boxes. - Maintain the spacecraft checkout software and ground segment interfaces used on the AIT floor. - Make sure GSE is calibrated, configuration-controlled and safe for use with flight hardware. INTEGRATION AND CAMPAIGN SUPPORT - Support subsystem and payload integration, including electrical interface checks, harness verification and safe-to-mate procedures. - Plan and schedule system test activities within the wider AIT campaign. - Support launch campaign activities, including transport, launch site checkout and launch vehicle interface testing. - Work to cleanroom, ESD and flight hardware handling standards, and contribute to lessons learned for future missions. REQUIREMENTS - Degree in Aerospace, Electronic, Electrical or Systems Engineering, Physics, or equivalent experience. - Typically 3+ years in spacecraft AIT, systems integration or test engineering. - Hands-on experience with functional and system-level testing of satellites or space subsystems. - Familiarity with SmallSat development approaches: agile, rapid iteration, protoflight models, and pragmatic use of COTS components. - Working knowledge of satellite subsystems: EPS, OBC/C&DH, ADCS, communications (TT&C and payload RF), propulsion, thermal, structures and payloads. - Experience using and setting up GSE, including EGSE, checkout systems and RF test equipment. - Experience with requirements verification and maintaining a verification matrix through to close-out. - Comfortable with lab equipment: oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters, spectrum analysers, logic analysers. - Familiarity with common spacecraft interfaces and protocols (e.g. CAN, I2C, SPI, RS-422, SpaceWire, CCSDS). - Clear technical writing for procedures, test reports and NCRs. DESIRABLES - End-to-end involvement in at least one satellite mission that reached launch. - Test automation and scripting in Python or similar, and experience with spacecraft control or checkout software (e.g. OpenC3/COSMOS, Yamcs, SCOS-2000). - Experience planning or supporting environmental test campaigns (vibration, TVAC, EMC). - Knowledge of ECSS standards (e.g. ECSS-E-ST-10-02 Verification, ECSS-E-ST-10-03 Testing) or NASA equivalents. - Requirements management tools (e.g. DOORS, Jama, Polarion, Valispace). - Launch campaign experience at a launch site. - Cleanroom and ESD-certified flight hardware handling. - Eligibility for UK security clearance, or the ability to obtain it, if required by the programme. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES - Takes ownership: drives tests and verification to close-out without waiting to be asked. - Methodical and detail-focused, with a strong sense of safety and quality around flight hardware. - Calm, structured problem-solver when anomalies appear under schedule pressure. - Communicates clearly across disciplines, from subsystem engineers to programme managers and customers. - Comfortable in a fast-paced SmallSat environment, balancing rigour with pace. - Willing to work flexibly during test and launch campaigns, including occasional travel. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? - Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO. - Ownership and impact - You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. - Equity and competitive salary - Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success. - Comprehensive benefits - Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups. - Hybrid working - One dedicated remote day per week. - Visa sponsorship and relocation support - We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.