Lead AIT Engineer – Space & Satellite | Reading | £65,000–£80,000 + Benefits

Are you an experienced Lead AIT Engineer looking to play a key role in the future of space technology?

We’re partnering with an innovative space and satellite company in Reading to recruit a permanent Lead AIT Engineer. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) programme for cutting-edge gridded-ion propulsion systems and satellite platforms, taking projects from engineering model through to flight acceptance.

The Role

As Lead AIT Engineer, you’ll take ownership of the complete AIT lifecycle, including:

• Defining and implementing the AIT strategy
• Leading spacecraft and thruster assembly, integration and test activities
• Managing environmental qualification campaigns, including TVac, vibration and EMC testing
• Driving hardware integration through to flight acceptance
• Ensuring quality and compliance through ECSS-compliant procedures, NCR management, hardware traceability, calibration and QMS activities

What We’re Looking For

We’re keen to speak with engineers who have:

• Proven experience in satellite, spacecraft or other high-reliability AIT environments
• A strong understanding of ECSS standards and environmental qualification testing
• Experience delivering flight hardware
• Previous leadership or programme-level AIT experience

Experience with small satellites, electric propulsion, or advanced spacecraft programmes would be highly advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £65,000–£80,000
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Relocation support available
• Visa sponsorship for eligible candidates
• The opportunity to work on next-generation space technology with a highly innovative organisation

If you’re ready to take the lead on exciting space missions and make a real impact within a growing aerospace business, we’d love to hear from you.