AIT Instrument Technician

Orbex are currently seeking an experienced AIT Instrument Technician with experience constructing, installing, testing and maintaining electrical hardware, to work on the development, construction and support of test facilities for the Orbex Prime launch vehicle and its ground support systems (E-GSE). This requires experience working on electrical installations according to BS 7671:2018 standards and experience of installations for ATEX products (explosive atmospheres) would be beneficial. A significant part of this work is outdoors at our test site at the former RAF base at Kinloss supporting site maintenance, test, integration and trials. This role would suit an electrical technician, instrument technician, maintenance/service technician, or panel builder.

Important note: This role will require periods of working away at our home spaceport on the Shetland Isle.

Orbex
Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being prepared to launch from Scotland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €158m/£133m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.
We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime’s carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit. Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark. Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

The Position

Responsibilities

1. Design, install and maintain instrumentation circuits and associated hardware at the Kinloss test site, ensuring compliance with ATEX regulations where applicable.
2. Occasional electrical design, installation and initial inspection and testing of single-phase and three-phase low power circuits from a generator supply.
3. Perform cabling, glanding, and control box installation, with a focus on hazardous environments and ATEX compliance.
4. Site maintenance activities including carrying out periodic inspection and testing of electrical systems, PAT testing, and fault finding.
5. Support various test activities at the Kinloss test site.
6. Apply a combination of theoretical electrical/electronics knowledge and hands-on problem-solving, particularly in explosive atmosphere-rated systems.
7. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of work performed.
8. Create BoMs for projects, source parts, and place on the ERP system.
9. Maintaining register of equipment, both electrical and ATEX.

Qualifications & Experience

1. Electrical Apprenticeship (SVQ Level 3).
2. Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations BS 7671:2018 - 2382-22.
3. Level 3 Award in the Requirements for Electrical Installations - BS7671:2018 including Amendment 2 – 2391 (or equivalent).
4. PAT Testing qualification.
5. Hands-on experience with electrical and avionics systems, particularly in hazardous environments.
6. HND or Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering.
7. Experience with industrial electronics installation, including cabling, glanding, and control box assembly.
8. Proficiency in electrical design and wiring diagrams, using Visio and SolidWorks.
9. Understanding of electronic schematics and technical drawings.

Experience of the following would be advantageous but not essential:

1. Experience with Electrical-Avionic AIT/V (Assembly, Integration, and Testing/Verification) activities for ground segment of test sites involving testing of spacecraft, launch vehicles, satellites, or equivalent systems (e.g., missiles, submarines, or automotive).
2. Experience with ATEX-certified products and working in explosive atmospheres.
3. CompEx Ex01-Ex04 certification (essential for working in explosive atmospheres).
4. Experience in PLC building, programming, and implementation.
5. Experience working with generating sets including maintenance.
6. Lightning protection installation and testing.
7. Working at heights.
8. Working with forklifts & cherry pickers.

Personality

1. Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
2. It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members.
3. You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.

Location – Forres (Kinloss)
Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex’s headquarters but will spend significant time at our test site RAF Kinloss and will require working outdoors.

Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort. If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location. Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of the Highlands. If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.

Benefits – UK

1. Salary of 40-50K depending on experience.
2. 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays.
3. NEST workplace pension.
4. Cycle to Work scheme.
5. Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.
6. Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary.
7. Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps.
8. Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.