🚀 Systems Engineer (AIT) - Orbex Space

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Engineer (AIT)
Company: Orbex Space
Location: Forres, Scotland, United Kingdom
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-08-08
Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Act as the systems engineering representative for AIT, supporting ground support equipment development, subsystem and integrated system-level tests, and mechanical/electrical integration of rocket hardware.
Key Technologies: Systems engineering principles, test engineering environments, complex systems modeling, fluid systems, programming (Python/MATLAB).

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🔧 Systems Engineering Representative for AIT

Responsibility 1: Act as the interface between systems engineering, fluids, propulsion, and AIT teams to ensure all tools, rigs, and platforms support accurate, safe, and effective testing.
Responsibility 2: Support the definition and validation of test requirements alongside engineering teams.
Responsibility 3: Develop and maintain system-level test documentation, including procedures, V&V plans, and configuration control.
Responsibility 4: Participate in test campaigns for subsystem and full stage testing as a systems engineering representative, requiring some hands-on skills.
Responsibility 5: Plan, coordinate, and oversee the integration of flight hardware across vehicle stages, ensuring interfaces, installation procedures, and system readiness align with flight requirements.
Responsibility 6: Drive Test Readiness Reviews, issue identification, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation across multi-disciplinary teams.
Responsibility 7: Provide inputs to systems architecture, fluid schematics, FBDs, and operational flow.
Responsibility 8: Support the development of MBSE models and systems logic as needed.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Astrophysics, or a related technical field.

Experience: Experience integrating and testing large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or high-reliability industries.

Required Skills:

Strong cross-functional communication skills
Experience or strong understanding of systems engineering principles, including requirements definition, verification, and validation
Familiarity with test engineering environments and safe testing procedures
Excellent hands-on attitude with problem-solving drive
Ability to work under pressure during live test campaigns with multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of complex systems modeling or in-depth knowledge of related disciplines such as high-pressure fluid systems, pressure vessels, GSE rigging, AIT, etc.
Understanding of complex systems, particularly launch vehicle architecture and/or spacecraft
Programming experience in Python or MATLAB

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in integrating and testing large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies.
Showcase problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose issues and build practical solutions.
Highlight experience working with multidisciplinary teams and under pressure.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of system-level test documentation, including procedures, V&V plans, and configuration control.
Showcase experience with MBSE models and systems logic.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £32,000 - £49,000 per year, depending on experience.

Benefits:

34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
NEST workplace pension
Cycle to Work scheme
Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
Employee Assistance Programme, including mortgage advice, health, and wellbeing apps
Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary
Comprehensive relocation assistance, including 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance, and full support through the visa application process

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Orbex Space operates in the aerospace industry, focusing on small satellite launch services.

Company Size: Orbex Space is a growing startup with a team of around 100 employees.

Founded: Orbex Space was founded in 2015.

Team Structure:

The AIT team works closely with fluids, propulsion, and systems engineering teams.
The team is responsible for ground support equipment development, subsystem and integrated system-level tests, and mechanical/electrical integration of rocket hardware.

Development Methodology:

Orbex Space follows agile development methodologies, with a focus on collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer value.
The company uses MBSE models and systems logic to support its systems engineering processes.

Company Website: Orbex Space

📝 Enhancement Note: Orbex Space's culture is characterized by courage, teamwork, communication, and always doing the right thing. The company values diversity and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Mid-level Systems Engineer, responsible for managing system-level requirements, ensuring effective testing, and supporting the integration of rocket hardware.

Reporting Structure: The AIT Systems Engineer reports to the AIT Manager and works closely with fluids, propulsion, and systems engineering teams.

Technical Impact: The AIT Systems Engineer plays a crucial role in managing system-level requirements, ensuring effective testing, and supporting the integration of rocket hardware, which directly impacts the success of Orbex Space's launch services.

Growth Opportunities:

Growth Opportunity 1: With experience, the AIT Systems Engineer can progress to senior roles within the AIT team or move into other systems engineering roles within the company.
Growth Opportunity 2: As Orbex Space grows, there will be opportunities to work on larger projects and take on more responsibilities, potentially leading to management or technical leadership positions.
Growth Opportunity 3: The AIT Systems Engineer can gain experience in various aspects of the launch vehicle development process, providing a solid foundation for a long-term career in the aerospace industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Orbex Space's growth and success depend on the AIT team's ability to deliver reliable, safe, and effective testing. The AIT Systems Engineer plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Orbex Space's office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support agile development methodologies and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Forres, Scotland, United Kingdom

Workspace Context:

The AIT team works in a dedicated workspace, equipped with the necessary tools and resources to support ground support equipment development, testing, and integration activities.
The office is located near Orbex Space's launch site, enabling close collaboration with the operations team.
The workspace is designed to facilitate cross-functional collaboration between the AIT team and other departments, such as fluids, propulsion, and systems engineering.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with some flexibility for deployment windows, maintenance, and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Orbex Space's work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. The company offers a flexible work schedule to accommodate the needs of its employees while ensuring the successful delivery of its launch services.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Process Step 1: Technical preparation recommendations and coding/configuration assessment focus, such as problem-solving exercises, system design discussions, and live coding challenges.
Process Step 2: Web architecture expectations and system design discussion, focusing on the candidate's ability to manage system-level requirements and ensure effective testing.
Process Step 3: Web development team interaction and cultural fit assessment, evaluating the candidate's communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
Process Step 4: Final evaluation criteria and technical impact discussion, focusing on the candidate's problem-solving skills, hands-on attitude, and ability to work under pressure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Portfolio Tip 1: Highlight experience integrating and testing large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies, demonstrating problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose issues and build practical solutions.
Portfolio Tip 2: Showcase experience working with multidisciplinary teams and under pressure, emphasizing the candidate's ability to manage system-level requirements and ensure effective testing.
Portfolio Tip 3: Provide examples of system-level test documentation, including procedures, V&V plans, and configuration control, demonstrating the candidate's understanding of systems engineering principles and attention to detail.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Challenge Preparation 1: Familiarize yourself with Orbex Space's launch vehicle architecture and the specific requirements of the AIT Systems Engineer role.
Challenge Preparation 2: Brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss your approach to diagnosing issues and building practical solutions.
Challenge Preparation 3: Prepare for system design discussions and be ready to explain your approach to managing system-level requirements and ensuring effective testing.

ATS Keywords: Systems engineering, AIT, integration, testing, mechanical, electromechanical, problem-solving, collaboration, agile, aerospace, launch vehicle, rocket hardware, ground support equipment, MBSE, systems logic, fluids, propulsion.

📝 Enhancement Note: To optimize your resume for the AIT Systems Engineer role at Orbex Space, focus on relevant systems engineering, testing, and problem-solving keywords. Highlight your experience with mechanical or electromechanical assemblies, and emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools:

MBSE models and systems logic
Test engineering environments and safe testing procedures
Programming experience in Python or MATLAB (bonus)

Ground Support Equipment & Testing Tools:

GSE development and integration tools
Test rigs and platforms
Mechanical and electrical integration tools

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

Agile development methodologies and tools
Project management software (e.g., JIRA, Asana)
Version control systems (e.g., Git, SVN)

📝 Enhancement Note: Orbex Space uses a combination of specialized systems engineering, GSE development, and testing tools, as well as collaboration and project management software to support its launch vehicle development and testing processes. Familiarity with these tools is essential for the AIT Systems Engineer role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Web Development Values:

Value 1: Courage - Orbex Space values team members who are not afraid to take on challenges and make tough decisions to drive the company forward.
Value 2: Teamwork - Orbex Space emphasizes collaboration and collective effort to achieve its goals.
Value 3: Communication - Clear, concise, and effective communication is crucial for Orbex Space's success.
Value 4: Doing the right thing - Orbex Space prioritizes ethical decision-making and responsible behavior.

Collaboration Style:

Collaboration Approach 1: Cross-functional integration between the AIT team and other departments, such as fluids, propulsion, and systems engineering.
Collaboration Approach 2: Code review culture and peer programming practices within the AIT team and across other departments.
Collaboration Approach 3: Knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning to support the professional development of Orbex Space's team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Orbex Space's culture is characterized by courage, teamwork, communication, and always doing the right thing. The company values diversity and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry. The AIT Systems Engineer plays a crucial role in driving Orbex Space's success by managing system-level requirements, ensuring effective testing, and supporting the integration of rocket hardware.

🌐 Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Challenge 1: Managing system-level requirements and ensuring effective testing for complex launch vehicle systems.
Challenge 2: Integrating and testing large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies, such as rocket stages and ground support equipment.
Challenge 3: Working with multidisciplinary teams and under pressure to deliver reliable, safe, and effective testing for Orbex Space's launch services.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Learning Opportunity 1: Gain experience in various aspects of launch vehicle development, testing, and integration.
Learning Opportunity 2: Develop expertise in complex systems modeling, fluid systems, and programming (Python/MATLAB).
Learning Opportunity 3: Enhance your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AIT Systems Engineer role at Orbex Space presents unique challenges and growth opportunities, enabling professionals to develop their skills and advance their careers in the aerospace industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Technical Question 1: Describe your experience integrating and testing large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies. How have you approached diagnosing issues and building practical solutions?
Technical Question 2: How do you manage system-level requirements and ensure effective testing for complex launch vehicle systems? Can you provide an example from your previous experience?
Technical Question 3: How do you approach working with multidisciplinary teams and under pressure? Can you share an example of a successful collaboration or project where you had to manage system-level requirements and ensure effective testing?

Company & Culture Questions:

Technical Question 4: How do you align with Orbex Space's values of courage, teamwork, communication, and doing the right thing? Can you provide an example of how you have demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
Technical Question 5: How do you approach continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the aerospace industry? Can you share an example of a skill or technology you have recently learned or improved?
Technical Question 6: How do you balance the need for innovation and pushing the boundaries of what's possible with the requirement for safe and reliable testing? Can you provide an example of a situation where you had to make a tough decision to ensure the safety and reliability of a test or launch?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Presentation Strategy 1: Highlight your experience integrating and testing large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to diagnose issues and build practical solutions.
Presentation Strategy 2: Showcase your understanding of system-level requirements and effective testing, using examples from your previous experience to illustrate your approach to managing complex launch vehicle systems.
Presentation Strategy 3: Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and under pressure, providing examples of successful collaborations and projects where you had to manage system-level requirements and ensure effective testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: To succeed in the AIT Systems Engineer interview at Orbex Space, focus on demonstrating your problem-solving skills, experience with complex launch vehicle systems, and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your alignment with Orbex Space's values and commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the AIT Systems Engineer position at Orbex Space:

Submit your application through the Orbex Space careers page.
Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience integrating and testing large mechanical or electromechanical assemblies, problem-solving skills, and ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your systems engineering, testing, and problem-solving skills, and familiarizing yourself with Orbex Space's launch vehicle architecture and AIT processes.
Research Orbex Space's company culture, values, and mission to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's goals and commitment to driving its success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and Orbex Space-specific context. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Systems engineer (AIT)