AIT) Electrical Test Operations Engineer

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