AIT Engineer

We are a startup developing missions for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and are looking for a mid-level AIT Engineer with a strong hands-on mindset and a willingness to get into the details of hardware. This role is execution-heavy, with end-to-end responsibility spanning assembly, integration, testing, and launch preparation.

You will play a key role in bringing the spacecraft design to life — working directly in the clean room, bringing up hardware, chasing down electrical and thermal issues, and making sure that integration and test on schedule under LEO mission constraints.

Key Responsibilities

· Own Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities end-to-end for CubeSat subsystems, including avionics, power systems, radios, payload electronics, and sensors.

· Perform hands-on hardware bring-up, integration, debugging, rework, and re-test in the clean room and lab environment.

· Define and build harnesses (RF, power, signal) and maintain electrical interconnect documentation.

· Develop, calibrate, and maintain Ground Support Equipment (GSE), test setups, and required instrumentation.

· Integrate software components (firmware, configuration files) with flight hardware.

· Write test procedures and test scripts, execute test campaigns, and produce test reports.

· Plan, support, and analyze environmental test campaigns appropriate for LEO missions, including TVAC, vibration, shock, and TID.

· Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, thermal, and mechanical anomalies using schematics, lab equipment (oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer), and engineering judgment.

· Apply EMI/EMC principles during integration and test; investigate and mitigate interference issues as they arise.

· Work directly with onboard interfaces and protocols such as RS-422/232, UART, I2C, CSP, SPI, and CAN.

· Maintain traceable AIT documentation, including ICDs, test plans, verification matrices, and anomaly/corrective action reports.

· Support launch campaign integration and early mission operations as a technical contributor, including on-site participation when required.

Minimum Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Aerospace, Systems, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

· 2–5 years of relevant experience in satellite, aerospace, or high-reliability embedded hardware systems.

· Solid understanding of CubeSat system hierarchy and subsystem interactions.

· Practical experience with embedded and spacecraft interfaces (RS-422/232, UART, I2C, CSP, SPI, CAN, etc.).

· Working knowledge of environmental testing for space hardware.

· Strong understanding of EMI/EMC fundamentals and grounding.

· Comfortable working in a clean room environment under proper handling and discipline.

· Ability to troubleshoot issues using schematics, lab equipment, logs, and engineering judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

· Prior experience in an aerospace company.

· Direct involvement in at least one LEO mission through integration, environmental testing, and launch preparation.

· Experience defining acceptance vs. qualification test strategies for COTS-based spacecraft.

· Working proficiency with mechanical and electrical CAD tools.

· Familiarity with deployers, launch integrators, and rideshare integration processes.

· Familiarity with IPC standards and PCB workmanship/acceptance criteria for high-reliability hardware.

· Comfortable operating with incomplete information and making pragmatic engineering decisions under startup constraints.

Benefits:

· Competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and fuel support.

· Continued support for candidates currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in a related field.

· Real end-to-end mission exposure — from hardware bring-up to launch.

· Opportunities for continuous professional growth and skill development.

· A collaborative, fast-paced, and hands-on work environment.