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. The UK team is also working on the next generation versions of the RAFTI interface and it’s ground support equipment, to enable a wider range of orbital refuelling services. At the time of the project, GRASP, RAFTI and refuelling fluid system technologies will all have development campaigns in the march towards flight readiness. The project to be undertaken will involve supporting the development campaigns ongoing in the UK on a combination of the following and/or other relevant activities:

●            Research on propulsion and fluid test methods and equipment

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

●            Supporting the creation of various fluidic test setups complete with instrumentation and breadboard sensors to enable end to end testing (with a stretch goal of automating physical tests)

●      Supporting the definition and execution (with external partners) for testing with the development hardware as appropriate

●            Set up data acquisition and storage chains for meeting test requirements

●            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, RAFTI, and a representative fluid systems of flight refuelling systems.

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 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