Job Description:

The goal of the project will be to support the test and development team in integrating the electronics needed to control and monitor future flight payloads. This includes both test bed set-ups and running tests while also contributing to the flight design and build of the electronics and robotic systems.

Within the context of both testing and designing the electronics of OFL’s active refuelling interface the applicant will undertake:

• Integration of motor controllers and sensing instrumentation mechanisms and fluidic monitoring devices

• Troubleshooting BLDC control schemes

• Contribution to harness design and build for prototypes

• Writing on board firmware/software for motor controllers and instrumentation boards

• Carrying out mechanism performance tests and checkouts of electronic boards and drivers

• Writing code in Python and C++ for developing test hardware and automating tests

• Working with ROS2 projects for assessing GRASP performance

• Stretch goal: Contribution to the avionics design and test campaign design of a servicing vehicle

The successful applicant should have the following qualities and abilities:

• 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.

Process details:

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

• 5 days holiday to be taken during the placement

Working at Orbit Fab:

Founded in 2018, Orbit Fab is an in-space refuelling company that is rapidly developing the technology and infrastructure for a propellant and materials supply chain in space, having already conducted two missions. Orbit Fab is building a bustling in-space economy, beginning with a propellant supply chain. The company’s refuelling services bridge Earth and space, providing satellite owners with the necessary propellant to increase operational flexibility, extend mission time, travel across orbits, and even return to Earth. World-firsts include the first commercially available satellite refuelling port RAFTI™ (Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface), the first in-orbit fuel depot, and the first resupply of water to the International Space Station by a private company. Orbit Fab Limited (OFL), based in Harwell campus is the UK subsidiary of Orbit Fab Inc, headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado. OFL is seeking to invest in and grow UK in-space refuelling and related technologies to support a growing in-space economy. Since 2022 Orbit Fab has been building the UK team, and is rapidly ramping up to deliver on UK national missions and serve the global (ex-US) commercial market with locally developed technologies. A full mission leading capability is being established locally, with the support of the UK and European space ecosystem.