Project Description:

Orbit Fab is developing a UK-native technology called GRASP or ‘Grasping and Resupply Active Solution for Propellants’. GRASP development would enable UK built (and potentially UK launched) fuel shuttle vehicles to complement Orbit Fab’s fleet and ensure technology risk reduction on this critical piece of space infrastructure technology. At the time of the project, the GRASP mechanism will be in the middle of a major prototyping campaign supported by the UKSA, where functions in docking and refuelling will be demonstrated. The project to be undertaken will involve supporting GRASP and other refuelling equipment development campaigns ongoing in the UK on a combination of the following and/or other relevant activities:

• ●           Research on sensing and instrumentation solutions for spacecraft docking and refuelling, and selecting COTS test hardware to represent similar functions.

  ●            Creation of test plans and associated test hardware specifications and risk assessments, as well as executing tests.

  ●            Supporting the creation of a mini-docking lab and refuelling, complete with instrumentation and breadboard sensors to enable end to end testing (with a stretch goal of automating physical tests)

  ●      Setting up data aquisition and electrical setups to control and monitor breadboard test operations and create systems to smoothly manage test data

  ●            Engineering support activities associated with refuelling technology and system architecture development as required.

  By the end of the project, the applicant will have supported Orbit Fab activities in the breadboard demonstrations of GRASP, by establishing test setups to validate and characterise the mechanism primary functions.

Applicant Specification:

●            You share our appreciation for a diversity of thoughts, backgrounds and experiences, helping us all learn from each other and make smarter decisions.

●            You are a UK citizen or have the right to work in the UK.

●            You should have built something. We'd love it if that something has flown in space or been used by a customer!

●            You are currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. in a technical discipline especially in the skillsets listed below.

●            You have a demonstrated passion and capacity for hardware development, working in fast-paced environments and hands-on design and development from any maturity.

Minimum requirements:

●            Available to be in person at Harwell, Oxfordshire, for a minimum of 3 days a week.

●            Ability to work well in an integrated collaborative team environment, including frequent interactions with external suppliers, other engineers, other interns, and managers.

●            Ability to work effectively in a dynamic professional setting with changing needs and requirements.

●            Experience in electrical, optical, mechanical or fluidic testing

●            Experience of any full design, build and test cycle.

Process details:

• 8 weeks minimum fixed term contract to be agreed with successful candidate

• In-person Induction Event to be held on [date], and an in-person/hybrid Showcase Event to be held at the [place/date]

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement