Power Systems Engineer

POWER SYSTEMS ENGINEER, Job Ref: 2132

An exciting opportunity to make a difference within the industry delivering highly innovative power solutions for spacecraft missions. This role involves responsibility for undertaking the design, analysis, development, verification and delivery of power system and energy conversion solutions into different missions, including power subsystem lead responsibility for those missions.

Engineers at SSTL have involvement on missions right from concept through to launch, commissioning and operational life; a true cradle to grave experience giving you the chance to see your work in Space in a rapid timescale.

Key Tasks

Primary role will be the Power System Engineer in Space Projects, working in a team supporting Senior Power System Engineers to deliver flight modules to spacecraft and support their integration and testing at spacecraft level. Typical duties include:

· Managing and updating module documentation including procedures, reports, interface documents and drawings

· Ensuring that module test equipment is operating normally

· Fault-finding on flight modules as necessary

· Overseeing of the testing of flight modules

· Preparing reviews of all test documentation

· Reviewing module build documentation

· Configuration and updating of ATE to suit the requirements of current modules

· Delivery of tested flight modules to the spacecraft Assembly, Integration and Test team on time

· In conjunction with Senior Engineers carrying out qualification testing on new and revised module designs

· Support to product development and new designs for future missions.

· Providing support for spacecraft-level Thermal-Vacuum testing

Previous Experience

· At least 1 year proven Power System Engineering experience in a systems / power electronics role, ideally in the Space or Aerospace Industries though equivalent experience with complex electronic systems will be considered

· In-depth understanding of analogue and power electronics testing and fault-finding

· Familiarity with typical Power System Equipment in a spacecraft including:

Battery Charge/Discharge Regulators, Power Distribution Modules, Relay/Activation Modules, Drive Electronics for motors/mechanism, DC-DC converters (range from 5W-3kW), Heater Control Boards, Batteries and Solar Panels

· Hands-on experience in fault-finding during development of power electronics/analogue products

· Good presentation and discussion skills of technical material to/with a technical audience

· Recent experience with schematic capture and simulation software (e.g. MentorGraphics, OrCAD PSPICE, etc.)

· Recent experience with scripting languages such as Python, ideally in a hardware/ATE control environment.

· Recent experience with the use of standard test equipment including oscilloscopes, power supplies, load units and meters.

Qualifications Knowledge & Skills

· BTEC / Degree in Electronics or equivalent

· Very good understanding of analogue and power electronics

· Familiarity with microprocessor and FPGA interfacing

· Good knowledge of electronic components

· Familiarity with the use of test equipment in power environments and to be able to use it to produce accurate measurements in electrically noisy environments

· Familiarity of the use of scripting languages to control test sequencing

· Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities

· Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of projects

· Results orientated, can-do approach

· Pro-active and able to take initiative

· Good decision making and creative problem-solving skills – being able to ‘think out of the box’

· Highly organised with clear communication skills

· Proven ability to deliver solutions under pressure and to tight timescales

· Excellent inter-personal skills - both written and oral communications; ability to interface with customers and technical representatives

· Good knowledge of MS Office Excel, Word and PowerPoint

· Able to demonstrate company mindsets and behaviours; Be accountable, Drive & delivery, Communicate effectively, Self-manage effectively, Work as one team

Location

SSTL prides itself on being a super flexible company. The role is based in our Head Office in Guildford but we fully support hybrid working and a range of flexible working options.

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits package includes 32 days Holiday plus Bank Holidays, Pension Scheme with Life Assurance, Private Medical & International Travel Insurance, Annual Bonus Scheme, Share Incentive Plan, Enhanced Maternity, Paternity & Shared Parental Pay for new parents, High Street Discount Scheme and many more!

Visa Support

SSTL supports applications requiring a UK Skilled Worker Visa and sponsorship is available for this role. Relocation assistance also available.