Propulsion AIT Engineer

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.
• 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.

• 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.