Principal Test Engineer

About Us
The UK has invested £99m in the National Satellite Test Facility, in construction at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell. It is set to strengthen the UK's position as a world-leading satellite manufacturer by providing the UK's first comprehensive set of large-scale space test facilities at a single location.

Through the NSTF, RAL Space will help get spacecraft ready for launch and enable businesses to build bigger, more technologically advanced satellites. Offering state-of-the-art test technologies under one roof, the NSTF will help space companies raise confidence in spacecraft performance.
A vital part of the growing UK space ecosystem, the NSTF provides the right facilities, run by the experts, giving all space organisations help to get their ideas into orbit.
www.ralspace.stfc.ac.uk/Pages/National-Satellite-Test-Facility.aspx

About the role
The role of principle test engineer will be to operate testing in the Thermal Vacuum Testing Group. There will be a range of test activities conducted in our existing and future facilities. As we develop the team to operate the new facilities, principle test engineers will be asked to take specific responsibilities. Two currently identified areas of responsibility are to:
* Take technical responsibility for the 5-meter chambers (i.e. Space Test Chamber (STC) - 2 and Space Test Chamber (STC) -3) in R100 building. In this responsibility the post holder will look after the creation and maintain the technical performance envelope of the equipment.
* Take responsibility for coordinating training, maintenance and calibration activities in the Thermal Vacuum Testing Group.
We are expecting to operate the majority of the facilities to ECSS-Q-ST-20-07C. The principle test engineer will need to ensure that the test facilities are operated and maintained within the overall quality requirements of the Environmental Test Facilities, working closely with the RAL Space Quality function to ensure compliance and maintain this compliance through the lifetime of the facilities.
For a more detailed description of the role and its responsibilities click here.
About you
You will be able to demonstrate technical competence in a related field and your experience of managing small sized technical teams. You will have experience of operating test facilities and have a broad technical understanding of test techniques, including the typical technologies used in operation. Experience working with a quality management system e.g. ISO 9001 or EN9100 is also essential.

What we offer
STFC offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days' annual leave, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional average salary pension scheme, social and sporting activities and societies, a subsidised restaurant and good public transport links.

How to Apply
Applications are handled by UK Shared Business Services, to apply please visit our job board.The closing date for applications is 1st July 2021.