Production AIT Planner

Harwell | 4 days on-site / 1 day WFH

A leading organisation within the space sector is seeking a Production AIT Planner to support the manufacturing and delivery of advanced satellite-electronics programmes.

Working as part of an active engineering and operations function, you will play a key role in orchestrating production schedules, AIT workflows, and shop-floor execution throughout the manufacturing lifecycle. You will work closely with Design, Procurement, Quality, Test, and Logistics teams to drive operational efficiency, resolve production bottlenecks, and ensure complex space hardware progresses smoothly from initial routing through to final delivery.

• Plan and manage the production schedule and AIT workflows, including developing routings and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for satellite-electronics programmes
• Drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) across the production floor and AIT labs to increase throughput, reduce rework, and improve first-time-right rates
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Design, Procurement, Quality, Test, Logistics) to resolve bottlenecks, technical issues, and configuration changes
• Maintain accurate production data, risk registers, and status reporting using MES/ERP and AIT-specific tools
• Ensure compliance with space industry standards (ECSS, ISO 9001) and programme-specific configuration-control processes
• Work alongside Quality Assurance to embed in-process inspections, non-conformance (NC) tracking, and swift closure while ensuring activities meet required certification test sequences
• Present technical status data clearly to senior leadership and external customers/agencies (e.g. ESA, UK Space Agency), while training junior planners and technicians on production procedures

• 4+ years of experience in production planning, manufacturing operations, or AIT within the space, satellite-electronics, or high-tech defence sectors
• Proven track record planning and controlling complex, multi-discipline hardware programmes
• Hands-on experience with MES/ERP tools and AIT production workflows
• Strong process-improvement background with a Lean / Six Sigma qualification (Green Belt minimum)
• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority
• Experience across space flight hardware, phased array antennas, or on-board processing technologies
• Familiarity with spacecraft-level or unit-level AIT campaigns
• Exposure to ESA / UK Space Agency frameworks and ECSS standards

Compliance:
Please note successful candidates will be required to undergo BPSS (Baseline Personnel Security Standard) screening, including right-to-work, identity, criminal record, and a minimum of 3 years of employment history checks, as part of the onboarding process.