Satellite AIT Engineer

NewOrbit Space

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. YOUR ROLE You will be the technical process owner for the AURA X propulsion AIT programme, responsible for turning qualification requirements and engineering intent into a complete library of test procedures, test plans, and assembly instructions. You will work alongside the Propulsion Design and Test Engineers, report into the Lead AIT Engineer, and partner closely with the Technical Programme Manager to ensure delivery. You will own the procedural and logistical backbone of the propulsion qualification campaign - from first-article assembly through to system-level acceptance testing. This is a mid-level role for someone who can translate system knowledge into rigorous, operator-ready documentation, and then execute those procedures hands-on. Qualification strategy and test logic are defined by the Technical Programme Manager; your role is to take that framework and build the detailed technical processes that make it executable - and then run them. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Own the writing, review, and maintenance of all assembly instructions, work instructions, and build procedures - from component level through to integrated module on the propulsion system. * Write and own test plans and test procedures for propulsion campaigns, including pressure test, proof test, leak test, functional flow test, and performance characterisation. * Maintain the AIT schedule for the propulsion system, interfacing with test facilities and ensuring all GSE is available for each test in the plan. * Ensure that all equipment is kept calibrated. * Develop and maintain hazardous operations procedures for all pressurised system activities, in line with safety requirements defined for the programme. * Write propellant handling and loading procedures. * Execute test and assembly procedures hands-on, operating test rigs and instrumentation and recording results to programme traceability standards. * Maintain the propulsion procedure library - version control, review cycles, and configuration management of all procedural documents. * Support integration of the propulsion system into the satellite structure, contributing assembly procedures for the integration sequence. * Manage non-conformances on propulsion hardware - raising NCRs, supporting dispositions with the propulsion design team, and updating procedures where needed. * Perform goods in inspection of incoming components, against purchase orders, drawings, and certificates of conformance. * Coordinate with technicians ensuring tasks are understood and completed in line with the schedule. * Support environmental test campaigns involving the propulsion system, contributing test procedures and witnessing campaigns. * Support satellite AIT activities. FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS * 3+ years' experience writing test procedures, assembly instructions, or work instructions for mechanical, fluidic, or propulsion hardware in a flight or high-reliability environment. * Practical hands-on experience executing the procedures you write - comfortable on the bench as well as at the desk. * Experience with pressurised systems - sufficient to write safe, compliant procedures and execute them competently. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and system documentation to produce accurate procedural content. * Good documentation discipline - understands version control, review processes, and what traceability means in a flight programme context. * ESD-aware working practices and understanding of contamination control requirements. * Strong safety mindset around pressurised and hazardous operations. NICE-TO-HAVES * Experience in a space, aerospace, defence, or other high-reliability industry environment. * Familiarity with pressure testing methods (proof, leak, burst, flow) and the standards that govern them. * Experience with vacuum chamber operation and maintenance. * Experience with electric propulsion systems or vacuum test environments. * Familiarity with ECSS standards or equivalent quality and workmanship frameworks. * Experience handling xenon or other inert propellants, including loading and facility operations. * Background in mechanical AIT as well as propulsion - comfortable contributing to wider satellite integration activities. PERSONALITY * Writes procedures the way a good operator would want to receive them - clear, unambiguous, and complete. * Equally at home writing documentation and getting hands-on with hardware. * Safety-conscious around pressurised and hazardous systems without needing to be prompted. * Collaborative - works closely with design engineers to extract the technical content needed for good procedures, and communicates problems early. * Comfortable in a fast-moving programme where procedures are living documents that evolve with the hardware. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? * Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations. * Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. * Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success. * Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc. * Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. * Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.

NewOrbit Space

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. YOUR ROLE We are seeking a Structural Engineer to support the design, analysis, testing, and qualification of structures for our VLEO satellite missions. You will work across the full development lifecycle of flight hardware, from early structural modelling and design reviews through environmental testing and validation, helping ensure the reliability and survivability of spacecraft operating in one of the harshest orbital environments. You will work closely with mechanical, thermal, propulsion, systems, and AIT teams to develop structurally robust hardware capable of surviving launch and sustained operations in Ultra-Low Earth Orbit. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Perform structural analysis of flight hardware including spacecraft structures, propulsion subsystems, and mechanical assemblies. This includes static, modal, random vibration, sine, shock, and quasi-static load cases. * Develop and validate finite element models (FEM) for spacecraft and high-performance aerospace structures. * Perform hand calculations for preliminary analysis in support of FEA. * Support structural sizing, stiffness optimisation, and load path analysis for launch and in-orbit environments. * Plan and execute vibration, shock, and structural qualification testing test campaigns end-to-end: write the test plan, instrument the hardware, interpret the data, correlate the model, and close out the qualification report. * Instrument hardware using accelerometers and strain gauges, and correlate test results back to analytical models. * Review engineering drawings and collaborate directly with designers to drive structural design decisions. * Support qualification activities against relevant aerospace and space standards including GEVS, ECSS, and NASA requirements. * Contribute to structural verification activities across development, integration, and test phases. FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS * Education: B.S. or M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field. * 3+ years of structural analysis experience on flight hardware, including spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, or high-performance structures. * Experience with structural analysis of spacecraft structures and subsystems, including electronic boxes, propulsion systems, hydraulics, or solar panels. * Experience with design for manufacturing (DFM). * Hands-on experience with FEM and ability to justify modelling assumptions and approaches. * Experience with Altair OptiStruct is a strong plus; proficiency with industry-standard solvers such as NASTRAN, ANSYS, or Abaqus is required. * Familiarity with launch environments including random vibration PSDs, SRS shock spectra, and quasi-static load factors. * Practical experience supporting environmental testing, including instrumentation with accelerometers and strain gauges and model correlation activities. * Confidence reading and reviewing engineering drawings and working directly with design engineers on structural decisions. NICE-TO-HAVES * Experience with analysis of composite materials. * Experience with material testing, metallic and composites WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? * Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations. * Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. * Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success. * Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc. * Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. * Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.

NewOrbit Space

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Your Role This role involves designing and optimising the architecture, algorithms, and integration of sensors and actuators to maintain precise satellite orientation. Key tasks include developing advanced control algorithms, modelling system performance, integrating ADCS hardware, and validating functionality through simulations and testing. Post-launch, the role supports on-orbit operations, including calibration, manoeuvre planning, and troubleshooting to ensure mission success. Responsibilities * System Architecture and Design: Lead the development and evolution of the spacecraft ADCS architecture, including the design and integration of sensors, actuators, reaction wheels, magnetoquers and control algorithms to achieve mission requirements. * Algorithm Development: Design and implement advanced ADCS algorithms to support various pointing modes and attitude control scenarios, ensuring precise control over satellite orientation and stability. * Simulation and Modeling: Perform detailed sensor and actuator characterisation, modelling, and simulation to predict system performance and optimise the design. Develop and utilise satellite simulators for system validation. * Hardware Integration: Specify, evaluate, and select ADCS components, including reaction wheels, magnetorquers, star trackers, IMUs, and sun sensors. Integrate these components into the spacecraft, ensuring seamless interaction with other subsystems. * Testing and Validation: Develop and execute hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) tests, ground-based simulations, and in-orbit commissioning to validate ADCS performance. Troubleshoot and resolve issues during the integration and testing phases. * On-Orbit Operations: Support on-orbit guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system calibration, commissioning, and operations, including maneuver planning and fault management. Fundamental Requirements * Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred. * Industry Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in spacecraft attitude determination and control, with hands-on experience in the development, testing, and operation of ADCS systems. * Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of ADCS components and systems, including sensors (IMUs, magnetometers, star trackers) and actuators (reaction wheels, magnetorquers). Experience with GNC systems is a significant plus. * Programming Skills: Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems development, with experience in Python and MATLAB for simulation and data processing. Familiarity with version control systems such as Git. * System-Level Understanding: Solid understanding of closed-loop control systems, orbital mechanics, and spacecraft dynamics. Ability to conduct detailed trade-off analyses to optimise ADCS design. * Simulation and Testing: Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, satellite simulation, and ADCS algorithm validation. Ability to design and execute comprehensive test plans. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? * Pioneering Space Technology – You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary ion propulsion system and ULEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and disrupt traditional LEO operations. * Unmatched Ownership and Impact – You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. * Equity and Competitive Salary – You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success. * Comprehensive Benefits Package – Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc. * Hybrid Work - A hybrid setup with one dedicated remote day per week. * Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support - We provide a relocation package and sponsor your visa if you’re joining us from abroad.