Optical AIV Engineer

Job Description:

How to apply

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is a subsidiary of Airbus. SSTL has a heritage that spans over 40 years, and prides itself in continual innovation and improvement of space technologies, products and services, as well as in delivering space missions for a broad array of applications. From the earliest study activities to the subsystem manufacturing, to the assembly and test, to in-orbit operations, the whole spacecraft lifecycle is managed from SSTL’s Guildford, Surrey headquarters.

For SSTL roles please apply directly on A unique career - Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (sstl.co.uk)

Key Purpose

of Job

The Optical Payload Team seeks a dynamic, organised and proactive engineer with high standards and technical capabilities to support the delivery of the next generation of SSTL’s spacecraft Optical Payloads with Assembly, Integration and Verification inside a cleanroom environment.

Key Tasks

• Operation of complicated GSE (Ground Support Equipment) setups to achieve the required optical alignment tolerances and to perform optical performance testing (MTF & Radiometry) to verify the finished payload.
• Design & setup of smaller GSE to aid in the build of smaller sub-assemblies.
• Performing critical bonding operations of optical components through use of adhesives.
• Early-stage fit checks and alignment of mechanical parts through use of CMM, DTI clocking, or similar processes to minimise machining tolerance stack-ups.
• Investigate and problem solve issues which occur during build; recording both the issue and the outcome in Discrepancy Reports.
• Handling and transporting of flight items (or entire completed payloads) within, and between working areas.
• Inspection of incoming optical components.
• Cleaning of mechanical parts manually and through use of Ultrasonic bath.
• Co-operating with the Opto-mechanical workshop for various stages of payload assembly, and for part modification.
• Maintaining a detailed record of all build activities, including photos, measured values achieved, and test reports.
• Co-operate with the Optical Cleanroom Manager to ensure cleanliness of the working areas is maintained, and all relevant health & safety is adhered to.
• Supporting the Work Package Manager through regular updates on progress and estimates of work to be completed, as well as potential scope to be allocated the role of Work Package Manager, taking responsibility of the budget and schedule for a given optical payload build.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Previous Experience

Required:

• Worked within a cleanroom environment, laboratory, or low-volume high-value production environment.
• Worked with sensitive hardware; ideally optics or spaceflight hardware.   
• Proven hands-on experience assembling or building a product.

Ideal:

• Has used precision equipment commonly used in optical alignment, e.g. Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), Hexapods, Theodolites, Autocollimators, Interferometers, Motorised Stages.
• Has used setups to verify optical systems (i.e. use of test setups which measure Modulation Transfer Function or Integrating Spheres).
• Has aligned components to tight tolerances (whether optical or mechanical).

Experience gained through relevant hobbies or home projects will be considered.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

Required:

• A degree in Engineering or Science discipline.
• Practical and hands-on abilities, including use of hand tools and measuring devices.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical parts and adhesives; specifically in the context of assembly (i.e. should understand concepts such as torquing and cure times).
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, & PowerPoint.
• Good planning & organisation skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills; both written and verbal.
• Able to work under pressure in a calm and responsive manner.
• Works well within both a functional and project team.
• Demonstrates decision making and creative problem-solving skills.
• Pro-active with can-do approach; able to take initiative.
• Must hold, or be willing to undergo, BPSS Clearance.

Ideal:

• Familiarity with optics, including basic understanding of the subject and common alignment and testing methods.
• Understands the impacts of lack of cleanliness and ESD safety to an optical payload.
• Ability to write and understand simple python scripts.
• Ability to use Computer Aided Design (CAD).
• Proficient in MS Project.
• Knowledge of Quality Management systems.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Able to demonstrate company mindsets; accountability, one team, drive & delivery, self-manage effectively, and communicate effectively.

Location

Guildford, Surrey

This job requires an awareness of any potential compliance risks and a commitment to act with integrity, as the foundation for the Company’s success, reputation and sustainable growth.

Company:

SURREY SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

Employment Type:

Permanent

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Experience Level:

Professional

Job Family:

Elec.Electron.&Electromag,Optics&Optron.

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