Electronic Technician

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture materials that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to revolutionise the semiconductor market and to make space work for humanity. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar®.

The Electronics team at Space Forge is a small and focused unit responsible for the design, test and integration of all things electronic on our platforms, from harnessing through to flight computers and power systems.  

What will you do?

• Support the Electronics Team with day-to-day running of the lab
• Assemble Printed Circuit Boards (PCB), from prototypes through to flight
• Support with setting up and running of tests, including monitoring  equipment and taking accurate notes
• Help with the manufacture of harnessing
• Help maintain and track stock levels of components and consumables
• Maintain the eCAD symbol and footprint libraries, with a focus on accuracy

A Typical Day

• Assembling PCBs from a prepared Bill of Materials (BoM) 
• Assisting with the manufacture of harnesses for test and flight
• Ensuring component stock levels are up to date 
• Ensuring calibration of test and measurement equipment is carried out in a timely manner
• Creating, editing and updating schematic symbols and PCB footprints for the engineering team
• Running tests designed by the engineering and test teams, and recording accurate data for reports
• Attending technical meetings and workshops

Requirements

Technical skills:

Essential 

• Ability to hand solder Through-hole & Surface Mount components, to IPC Class-2 level
• Experience of running and maintaining test and measurement equipment such as eLoads, Oscilloscopes, Logic Analysers ,and power supplies
• Familiarity with reading electronic component datasheets 

Desirable 

• Ability to hand solder Through-hole & Surface Mount components, to IPC Class-3 level
• Familiarity with Altium Suite of eCAD tools
• Reflow solder experience
• Transferable CAD experience
• Knowledge of space industry and space electronics
• Familiar with Google Suite of office tools (Docs, Gmail, Sheets etc.)
• Knowledge of C++ and Python 

Soft skills:

• Able to communicate with teams working both in and out of the office;
• Able to communicate professionally with customers and external stakeholders;
• Keen eye for detail;
• Resilient and adaptable to technical and non-technical roadblocks, as many are expected

Benefits

Why Space Forge?

Salary range: £26,000 - £38,000 depending on knowledge, experience and skills

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are moved off planet, built for sustainability, and returned back to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs. 

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us. 

• Flexitime hours - 40 to be worked across Monday-Sunday as fits both your needs and the needs of the role
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool office and factory - the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day - okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• We’re changing the way humanity builds, we think that’s exciting, and we want you to be excited about it too. That’s why we have an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) so you can own part of our journey
• You’re the master of your own destiny. We offer every person at Space Forge a £1500 annual learning budget  so you can choose the training or experiences to help you grow
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill - an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team

• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.