AIT Electrical Test Operations Engineer

Location: Oxford

Contract: 6 Months Rate: £37/hr Umbrella Inside IR35 (£27.66 PAYE)

Shift Uplift: Up to 20% depending on pattern

Clearance: UK National Eyes Only

Work Pattern: On-site, shift work including weekends

Parking: Free parking available (15-minute walk from site)

Role Summary

The AIT Electrical Test Operations Engineer plays a central role in the electrical testing and validation of spacecraft. This position supports the full test lifecycle, from engineering bench testing through to flight spacecraft verification, ensuring mission-critical systems perform flawlessly before launch.

The engineer operates within a high-tech cleanroom environment, executing complex test procedures, supporting integration activities, and contributing to the success of major space programmes.

Key Responsibilities

• Executes electrical and functional test procedures on engineering test benches and flight spacecraft
• Operates Central Checkout Systems (CCS), EGSE, and SCOE to run automated and manual test sequences
• Prepares electrical test setups, performs measurements, and validates test aids and breakout boxes
• Updates test procedures, raises work orders, and produces detailed test reports
• Supports development and debugging of Automated Test Procedures (ATP) using bespoke high-level scripting
• Conducts electrical integration and testing at unit, subsystem, and system level
• Provides electrical support during environmental and launch test campaigns
• Contributes to the design and manufacture of electrical test aids, including drawings and manufacturing packs
• Assists with departmental operations such as calibration recall, logistics, and export rating tasks

Knowledge & Technical Expertise

• Proficient with electrical and RF test equipment: DMMs, oscilloscopes, signal generators, power meters, network analysers, data bus monitors, etc.
• Understanding of spacecraft electrical systems and harnessing
• Awareness of spacecraft subsystems such as Data Handling, 1553, SpaceWire, AOCS, Power Systems, Thermal Control, and more
• Experience updating CCS test sequences/scripts
• Familiarity with Windows and Linux environments
• Knowledge of cleanroom disciplines
• Ability to support 24/7 shift patterns and UK travel for test campaigns

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum HNC or NVQ Level 4 in Electrical Engineering, or 5+ years relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Electrical integration on spacecraft or complex test benches
  • Executing and updating CCS-based test sequences
  • Electrical fault investigation and debugging
  • Supporting environmental and launch test campaigns
  • Producing test documentation, work orders, and reports

Ideal Backgrounds

Candidates from the following sectors typically bring strong transferable skills:

• Space
• Aerospace
• Communications
• High-Tech Manufacturing

Interview Process

• One virtual interview
• Followed by an on-site face-to-face interview

Why This Role Matters

This position places the engineer at the forefront of spacecraft development, contributing directly to missions that will operate in orbit. It offers exposure to advanced test systems, high-precision engineering, and the rare opportunity to support environmental and launch campaigns.

This vacancy is being advertised by Belcan