Propulsion AIT Engineer

Job description

At NewOrbit Space, our mission is to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight. We are currently building satellites that can operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Your role You will be the technical process owner for the AURA X propulsion AIT programme, responsible for turning qualification requirements and engineering intent into a complete library of test procedures, test plans, and assembly instructions. You will work alongside the Propulsion Design and Test Engineers, report into the Lead AIT Engineer, and partner closely with the Technical Programme Manager to ensure delivery. You will own the procedural and logistical backbone of the propulsion qualification campaign - from first-article assembly through to system-level acceptance testing. This is a mid-level role for someone who can translate system knowledge into rigorous, operator-ready documentation, and then execute those procedures hands-on. Qualification strategy and test logic are defined by the Technical Programme Manager; your role is to take that framework and build the detailed technical processes that make it executable - and then run them. Key Responsibilities Own the writing, review, and maintenance of all assembly instructions, work instructions, and build procedures - from component level through to integrated module on the propulsion system. Write and own test plans and test procedures for propulsion campaigns, including pressure test, proof test, leak test, functional flow test, and performance characterisation. Maintain the AIT schedule for the propulsion system, interfacing with test facilities and ensuring all GSE is available for each test in the plan. Ensure that all equipment is kept calibrated. Develop and maintain hazardous operations procedures for all pressurised system activities, in line with safety requirements defined for the programme. Write propellant handling and loading procedures. Execute test and assembly procedures hands-on, operating test rigs and instrumentation and recording results to programme traceability standards. Maintain the propulsion procedure library - version control, review cycles, and configuration management of all procedural documents. Support integration of the propulsion system into the satellite structure, contributing assembly procedures…