AIT & Mechanical Technician
Hybrid (Reading, UK)Full-timePosted 2mo ago
About the role
Hands-on technician responsible for precision mechanical assembly, integration, and test support of the AURA X satellite and thruster system, covering full hardware lifecycle from assembly to AIT campaigns, with goods-in duties and strict traceability.
Responsibilities
- Precision mechanical assembly of satellite structure, subsystems, and propulsion system components to engineering drawings and assembly procedures.
- Apply and record fastener torques using calibrated tooling in accordance with torque procedures and drawing callouts.
- Handle flight hardware in accordance with contamination control, ESD, and cleanliness procedures.
- Carry out and maintain cleanroom operations, including monitoring, gowning, and logging to ISO class requirements.
- Install thermal blankets (MLI) and other thermal control hardware to procedure.
- Build mechanical test fixtures, jigs, and GSE from drawings and instructions.
- Support vibration, shock, and structural test campaigns, including fixture build, accelerometer placement, and hardware removal and inspection post-test.
- Support integration of the propulsion system into the satellite structure.
- Maintain as-built records, travellers, torque records, and non-conformance reports to support full hardware traceability.
- Inspect and photograph hardware at defined assembly stages; flag non-conformances to the AIT Lead.
- Perform goods in inspection of incoming mechanical parts, structural components, and raw materials — checking against purchase orders, engineering drawings, and certificates of conformance.
- Log received items into programme inventory; quarantine and tag any non-conforming or suspect parts for disposition.
Qualifications
- Proven hands-on experience in precision mechanical assembly of flight, aerospace, defence, or other high-reliability hardware.
- Practical experience applying and recording fastener torques with calibrated tooling.
- Experience working in a cleanroom or ISO-classified environment.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, including GD&T callouts.
- Experience building and operating mechanical test fixtures and GSE.
- Strong attention to detail and discipline in documentation and traceability.
- ESD-aware working practices.
- Safety-first mindset, particularly around structural test, pressurised systems, and vacuum environments.
Skills
Required:Precision mechanical assemblyTorque safety and calibrationCleanroom/ISO-classified environment operationMechanical drawing literacy (GD&T)GSE and test fixture development
Benefits
- Equity and competitive salary
- 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
Last updated Oct 8, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
About NewOrbit Space
Unlocking the vast opportunities of Earth's lowest orbit
NewOrbit is opening Ultra-Low Earth Orbit to the world—unlocking unmatched resolution, real-time global connectivity, and a truly sustainable approach to space.
spacesatellitesEarth observationconnectivityweather forecasting
More open roles at NewOrbit Space
- Electric Propulsion Test Engineer2w agoHybrid (Reading, UK) · Propulsion
- Electric Propulsion Engineer3w agoHybrid (Reading, UK) · Propulsion
- Commercial Lead1mo agoHybrid (Reading, UK) · Business
- VP Sales1mo agoHybrid (Reading, UK) · Business
- Satellite Mechanical Design Engineer2mo agoHybrid (Reading, UK) · Satellite