Senior AIT Engineer (Spacecraft)

Location: Reading (London), United Kingdom; hybrid with one dedicated remote day per week

Company

hirify.global Space develops ultra-low Earth orbit satellites and ion propulsion technology to advance global connectivity and insight.

What you will do

• Own the AURA X programme Assembly, Integration and Test flow, master schedule, and test philosophy from engineering model through flight model acceptance.
• Write, review, and approve assembly procedures, test procedures, integration sequences, and associated cleanroom, contamination-control, ESD, and handling standards.
• Plan and lead electrical, mechanical, functional, thermal-vacuum, vibration, and EMC test campaigns for engineering and flight hardware.
• Define and procure ground support equipment, test fixtures, and specialist tooling while managing external test facilities, readiness reviews, test witnessing, and data acceptance.
• Manage satellite-level integration requirements and ICD activities with the satellite bus integrator.
• Own the programme Quality Management System, goods-in inspection, non-conformance dispositions, calibration records, parts inventory, as-built records, travellers, test logs, and acceptance data packs.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of AIT experience on spacecraft, satellite, or other high-reliability programmes.
• Demonstrated delivery of flight hardware through full environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum, vibration, and EMC.
• Thorough working knowledge of ECSS AIT and quality standards, particularly ECSS-E-ST-10-03 and ECSS-Q-ST-70.
• Experience authoring and approving flight-standard test and assembly procedures, managing non-conformances, engineering dispositions, and supplier quality issues.
• Experience with satellite-level electrical and mechanical integration, contamination control, cleanroom operations, and GSE definition.
• Effective communication across design, test, management, technician, and engineering teams.

Nice to have

• Experience with small satellite programmes or commercial space startups.
• Familiarity with electric propulsion system integration.
• Principal or chief AIT engineer experience with full programme ownership.
• Experience interfacing with launch authority and range safety.
• ISO 9001 or AS9100 internal auditor qualification.

Culture & Benefits

• Work in a fast-moving development environment with a pragmatic, process-disciplined approach to standards.
• Contribute to pioneering ion propulsion and ultra-low Earth orbit satellite technology across the full satellite lifecycle.
• Receive equity and a competitive salary.
• Access private health insurance with dental and optical coverage and annual healthcare check-ups.
• Visa sponsorship and relocation support are available for candidates joining from abroad.