AIT & Mechanical Technician

COMPANY NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it. YOUR ROLE You will be a hands-on technician responsible for the precision mechanical assembly, integration, and test support of the AURA X satellite and thruster system. You will work across the full hardware lifecycle - from assembling and inspecting flight-quality structural assemblies and mechanisms, through building test fixtures and mechanical GSE, to supporting Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) campaigns on the satellite and propulsion system. As part of a lean AIT team, you will also support the Goods In function - receiving and inspecting incoming mechanical parts, structures, and materials against drawings and purchase orders, and logging them into the programme inventory. You will report into the AIT Lead and work alongside the mechanical design, propulsion, and satellite teams, taking direction from engineers while owning the quality, traceability, and cleanliness of the hardware you build and handle. KEY 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. FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS - 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. NICE-TO-HAVES - Space industry or satellite assembly experience. - Familiarity with ECSS workmanship standards, particularly ECSS-Q-ST-70. - Experience with MLI and thermal blanket installation. - Basic CAD literacy (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for interpreting models and marking up drawings. - Experience supporting structural test campaigns (vibration, shock, static load). - Experience with propulsion system assembly or pressure system hardware. PERSONALITY - Meticulous and process-disciplined — takes handling and cleanliness seriously as a matter of instinct, not instruction. - Safety-first mindset, particularly around structural test, pressurised systems, and vacuum environments. - Comfortable working in a fast-moving development environment where hardware and procedures evolve quickly. - Collaborative team player who can take direction from engineers while owning the quality of the hardware they build. WHY NEWORBIT SPACE? - Pioneering space technology - Your work on our RF gridded ion thrusters and VLEO satellite platform will redefine satellite operations and challenge traditional LEO. - Ownership and impact - You'll have a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry, and you'll take part in the full lifecycle of satellite technology. - Equity and competitive salary - Alongside a competitive salary you receive a company ownership stake, so you share in the technology you help build and in our collective success. - Comprehensive benefits - 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 - We sponsor visas and provide relocation support for candidates moving to join us.