NewSpace Systems is hiring for multiple positions. These positions include Product Support Engineer, Test Lead, Senior RF Design Engineer, Quality Controller, Production Assembler and Quality Assurance Engineer, Industrialisation Manager, Test Design Engineer, Industrial Engineer and Assembly/ Soldering Technician.
Product Support Engineer
The office in Somerset West has a permanent position for this vacancy. The successful candidate will be responsible for the customisation and improvement of standard products and processes as defined by the needs mandated through clients, projects, and stakeholders such that it achieves outputs that meet the specified requirement
Key Responsibilities
Provide engineering support to the Production team during the manufacturing and testing of products;
- Responsible for the development and manufacturing of aids, tools, and Jigs;
- Provide engineering support to the Supply Chain team in the logistics of components and products;
- Responsible for manufacturing documentation, including assembly instructions of products;
- Responsible for creating and updating the Bill of Material operational information in the ERP system;
- Responsible for updating technical documentation of products;
- Responsible for packaging design solutions to ensure effective transport of products;
- Responsible for investigation and resolution of product deviations during the production process and client feedback;
- Responsible for timeous and effective preparation of responses to client technical queries;
- Perform continuous improvement in terms of standardization, technologies, architecture, best practices etc. with input from the Engineering team;
- Identify and implement the necessary steps to address the obsolescence of components/parts to guarantee the manufacturability and repeatability of the products; and
- Support the Supply Chain team in the development of new suppliers.
Key Requirements
Qualifications
- BEng in Mechatronics, Electronic Mechanical Engineering from a recognised institution
Experience & Knowledge;
- 3-5 years of relevant work experience;
- Experience in mechanical and/or electronics hardware design (preferably in Solid Works and Altium Design);
- Design and industrialisation of high-reliability electronic products;
- Good knowledge of analogue and digital electronics; and
- Good knowledge and experience in technical support in a manufacturing environment.
Additional knowledge areas that would strengthen the application;
- Knowledge of satellite subsystems and the space environment;
- Experience with the ECSS product development and environmental testing standards;
- Cleanroom, ESD, and optical assembly environment experience; and
- Embedded software development, integration, and testing (C/C++).
Competencies and Skills
- Positive self-motivated, self-starter attitude;
- Responsible team player;
- Good written and oral communication skills;
- Customer-focused with the ability to persuade and influence others; and
- Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.
Test Lead
Permanent position for Test Lead who will be will be responsible for leading and supervising all activities related to the testing of standard products in an efficient, proactive, and synergistic manner. The Test Lead is also responsible for performing tests as defined by the needs mandated through clients, projects, and other stakeholders such that it achieves outputs that meet the requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Testing:
- Accountable for the testing of standard products to ensure compliance with the product specification before shipping to clients. This includes the following types of testing
- Electrical properties;
- Mechanical fit and compliance;
- Optical testing;
- Magnetic testing;
- Environmental testing;
- Accountable for organizing testing at offsite test facilities;
- Accountable for the testing of sub-assemblies to early identify faults;
- Logging, interpreting, and documenting all appropriate test data;
- Performing Test Readiness Reviews and Test Reviews timeously to ensure clients’ requirements are met;
- Planning test schedules and the execution thereof in line with the approved production plan by the Production Manager;
- Efficient utilization and balancing of test equipment to minimize conflicting requirements;
- Fault finding and isolating cause of failure on defective units;
- Automation of test processes;
- Training production staff on usage of test equipment and test set-ups;
- Monitoring and reporting to the Production Manager on plans, progress, and issues related to the testing of standard products;
- Providing reports on tests performed; and
- Design and implementation of test looms and test equipment.
Evolution and Customization of Standard Products and Incubation of New Products:
- Support the Product and Design Engineers in creating, maintaining, and updating test procedures and results sheets;
- Support the Design and Product Engineers in the design, implementation, and improvement of test equipment used for qualification and acceptance testing;
- Support the Design and Product Engineers in maintaining and updating test software to improve the ease of use;
- Support the Design and Product Engineers in creating new software to ease testing processes;
- Performing ad-hoc tests requested by design engineering or product support; and
- Monitoring and reporting to the Product Support Manager on plans, progress and issues related to testing activities during the evolution of standard products.
Production:
- Monitoring and reporting to the CSO on plans, progress, and issues related to the testing of new products during incubation; and
- Other ad-hoc duties as required by the company.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications:
- B-TECH or Degree in Electronic Engineering from a recognised institution;
Experience (ideally within the aerospace or defence industry):
- 5 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment;
- Testing and preferable design of high-reliability electronic products;
- Design and implementation of test equipment;
- Ability to interpret mechanical and electronic drawings;
- Ability to effectively use off-the-shelf test equipment;
- Appreciation and experience of ISO9001 requirements; and
- Python programming.
Additional knowledge areas
- Knowledge of satellite subsystems and the space environment;
- Experience with the ECSS product development and environmental testing standards; and
- Cleanroom, ESD, and optical assembly environment.
Competencies and Skills
- Be self-motivated and have the willingness to learn;
- Willing to go the extra mile to complete projects;
- Good attention to detail;
- Punctual and responsible;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment;
- Resourcefulness in setting priorities; and
- The post holder will be required to interact frequently and effectively with peers and other team members towards achieving positive outcomes.
Senior RF Design Engineer
Permanent position for a design engineer to take responsibility for RF design, development and verification on various projects working within a multidisciplinary team.
Key Responsibilities
Design and develop RF solutions used in spacecraft-related systems and their associated design documentation, test procedures and calibration systems:
- Attending requirement and proposal discussions with clients when required;
- Derive technical specifications for sub-system requirements based on market and/or Customer needs;
- Research, develop and test theoretical and conceptual designs;
- Derive component requirements for the electronic design using traceable and qualified components;
- Simulate/test the design at various levels, ensuring that a product will work with adequate design margins and will perform reliably and consistently in specified operation environments;
- Document and review all sub-system/product aspects during design phases;
- Test the developed hardware; implement corrections as necessary;
- Interacting with sub-contractors and resolving manufacturing issues; and
- Development of production documentation.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications:
- B.Sc/B.Eng degree in Electronic/Mechatronics Engineering from a recognized institution.
Experience (ideally within the aerospace or defence industry)
- High-reliability RF design and realisation (>5 years)
- RF circuit design (>5 years);
- RF simulation using packages like FEKO & AWR Microwave Office (>5 years);and
- Practical experience testing and debugging RF circuits (>5 years).
Additional knowledge areas
- Master’s Degree;
- Schematic creation and PCB layout (preferably in Altium Designer);
- Familiarity with CAD software and design principles;
- Project Management (MS Project or other);
- Experience with programming languages such as Python, C and C#;
- Familiarity/experience designing, developing, and supporting satellite actuator and/or sensor subsystems (reaction wheel, sun sensor, magnetometer, etc; and
- Experience working with Optical/Optomechanical systems and/or Electromagnetic design and analysis.
Competencies and Skills
- Positive self-motivated, self-starter attitude;
- Innovative – thinking ‘outside the box;
- Responsible team player;
- Good written and oral communication skills;
- Customer focused;
- Able to persuade and influence others;
- Ability to bounce back;
- Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment; and
- Resourceful with the ability to self-manage and set priorities.
Quality Controller
Ensure all processes are carried out to the required quality to ensure delivered items are fit for purpose and meet the technical and client requirements and expectations.The quality controller will maintain, review, and improve product and quality assurance for Space related activities within the facility. In addition, they will be responsible for maintaining quality and operational procedures established as part of the formal qualification and acceptance processes;
Key tasks
Quality Control:
Quality Control – Manual Assembly line:
- Responsible for inspection of incoming components, parts, and assemblies by conducting visual and measurement tests, and rejecting and returning unacceptable deliveries;
- Responsible for in-process and final inspection of sub-assemblies and integrated assemblies including all related build documentation; and
- Responsible for inspection of outgoing deliveries (to sub-contractors and clients), ensuring that the product is in line with technical and client requirements;
Quality Control – SMT Assembly line:
- Responsible for verification of machine set-ups on the SMT assembly line prior to the start of a run;
- Responsible for inspection and analysis of first article inspections and first products from a run on the SMT assembly line;
- Responsible for in-process and final inspection of sub-assemblies and integrated assemblies on the SMT assembly line including all related build documentation; and
- Responsible for the programming of the Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) machine.
Quality Assurance;
- Assist the Engineering and Production teams with investigations of failures, where required; and
- Assist with the calibration and maintenance of equipment (internal and sub-contracted) in a timely manner in adherence to the schedule;
Administration:
- Responsible for keeping accurate documentation (inspection checklists, build histories, batch control, photos, etc.);
- Responsible for compiling of DSR (defectives supply reports); and
- Logging of PORs on Syspro.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualification
- Grade 12 certificate or equivalent;
- Valid IPC-A-610 or ECSS certificate (Preference will be given to aerospace and defence electronics experience);
Experience & Knowledge:
- >5 years of working experience in an electronic manufacturing industry
- Knowledge of workmanship standards;
- Experience with soldering and conformal coating;
- 3-4 years of quality control/inspection in the electronic manufacturing industry (Preference will be given to aerospace and defence electronics experience); and
- Proficient with MS Office.
Competencies and Skills
- Positive self-motivated, self-starter attitude;
- Responsible team player;
- Good written and oral communication skills;
- Customer focused;
- Able to persuade and influence others;
- Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within a fast-moving environment; and
- Resourceful in setting priorities.
Production Assembler
A permanent position for a Production Assembler who will be responsible for producing components by assembling parts and subassemblies.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsibility for the day-to-day cleanroom operations;
- Assembly of harnesses;
- Assembly of boards and other components into classes;
- Application of glues, thermal compounds, and conformal coatings;
- Operation of related assembly aids, such as curing oven, vacuum tank, compressor, solder pots, crimping tools, etc;
- Ensuring traceability of all parts during the assembly process;
- Logging and controlling the storage of electronic and other components as well as work in progress and completed products;
- Capturing of tasks and job status in line with build operations;
- Secure packing of completed products suitable for international shipments;
- Reporting production progress and issues to the line manager;
- Review assembly documentation/build instructions and understand what needs to be done and how it is to be done;
- Ensure correct procedures, and processes are followed during manufacturing; and
- Ensure all documentation is signed off for traceability.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary training in electronic engineering technology.
Experience:
- >3 years assembling complex and high-reliability electro-mechanical equipment
Prerequisites:
- Appreciation of ISO9001 requirements;
- Familiarity with working in a highly controlled assembly environment such as military or medical equipment;
- Ability to work to tight schedules while maintaining high-quality manufacture;
- Good written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to work with small components and assemblies;
- Ability to interpret mechanical and electronic drawings;
- Be self-motivated and have the willingness to learn;
- Good attention to detail;and
- Ability to manage time and work to deadlines.
Quality Assurance Engineer
Permanent position available for quality assurance engineer who will be working towards quality improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Test reports review;
- Engineering drawings review (new or updated);
- Responsible for the technical review of changes to products;
- Review measuring equipment suitability;
- Review and approval of calibration and verification results;
- Responsible for supplier and internal audits;
- Responsible for physical configuration audits;
- Audit product datapacks;
- Identify root cause and implement corrective actions;
- Responsible for supplier development;
- Assist the Engineering and Production teams with investigations of failures (e.g. process/product);
- Investigate and research alternative manufacturing methods; and
- Assist with product qualification.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualification:
- Btech/Advanced Diploma Electrical or Electronic qualification;
- Btech/Advanced Diploma in Quality; and
- ISO 9001/AS 9100 Quality Management.
Experience & Knowledge:
- >5 years of QA Engineering working experience (preferably aerospace or defence);
- MS Office experience; and
- QMS maintenance.
Additional knowledge areas
- Knowledge of PDM (Solidworks);
- Knowledge of Syspro or ERP system; and
- Six Sigma -6S.
Competencies and Skills
- Positive self-motivated, self-starter attitude;
- Responsible team player;
- Good written and oral communication skills;
- Customer focused;
- Able to persuade and influence others;
- Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment;
- Resourcefulness in setting priorities;
- Logical thinker;
- Analytical ability; and
- Attention to detail and accuracy of work.
Industrialization Manager
As part of a major growth strategy, NewSpace Systems is seeking an Industrialization Manager. The successful candidates will be responsible for managing the industrialization department during the development phase as well as ensuring the process is designed and implemented in line with the industrial requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Industrialization
- Responsible for the management of the design and implementation of the manufacturing processes in line with the industrial requirements and the objectives of the project and/or client;
- Accountable for the development and implementation of industrialization plans;
- Accountable for industrial risk identification and implementation of relevant associated improvement actions;
- Accountable for the layout and set up of the production line with input from the Production team;
- Responsible for the planning and implementation of Lean manufacturing processes across all departments;
- Accountable for the capacity planning and detailed line balancing to enable the successful completion of the production task sequencing;
- Ensure that industrial documentation;
- Ensure timeous and effective set-up and maintenance of process information in the ERP system;
- Build the plan and implement tooling and other specific manufacturing equipment;
- Manage industrial risk through product/process FMEA and associated improvement action plans when relevant; and
- Ensure industrial sustainability of product life cycle: guarantee the manufacturability and repeatability (incl. Test bench and parts obsolescence management / re-design proposal).
Production Support of Standard Products:
- Ensure engineering support to the Production team during the manufacturing and testing of products;
- Ensure the timeous and effective development and manufacturing of aids, tools, and jig;
- Accountable for supporting industrialisation with manufacturing documentation, including assembly instructions of products;
- Ensure timeous and effective design of packaging solutions of products;
- Accountable for investigation and resolution of product deviations during the production process and client feedback;
- Ensure continuous improvement in terms of standardization, technologies, architecture, best practices etc. with input from the Engineering team;
- Responsible for the management of the obsolescence of components/parts to guarantee the manufacturability and repeatability of the products; and
- Support the Supply Chain team in the development of new suppliers.
Testing:
- Responsible for the review and approval of test results;
- Organizing and executing testing at offsite test facilities;
- Responsible for the creation of test software for new products and root cause analysis of test-related failures; and
- Ensure that Test Readiness Reviews and Test Reviews are performed timeously to ensure the client’s requirements are met;
Project Management:
- Responsible for project deliverables in line with time, cost, and quality targets as well as identification and resolution of issues, management, and mitigation of risks;
Configuration:
- Accountable for the configuration control of relevant technical documentation and software programs on standard products; and
- Ensure the implementation of and compliance with engineering technical standards, policies, and procedures.
HR
- Monitor and trend staffing against planned work; career development;
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant Engineering field;
- >5 (five) years of experience in a manufacturing environment or similar, of which more than three years have been in a senior management role;
- Demonstratable experience in high-tech and high-value (multimillion rand) project implementation & management;
- Experience in electronic manufacturing methods and practices; and
- Experience in the manufacturing ERP systems.
Experience & Knowledge:
- Preference will be given to candidates with experience in an electronics manufacturing environment;
- Knowledge of environmental test methods and practices (e.g. Dynamic, Vibration, EMC, Thermal); and
- Knowledge of industrialisation, plant layout, and lean manufacturing principle.
Competencies and Skills
- Proven ability to articulate a vision and strategy in a way that inspires and motivates a team to focus their energy on achieving business goals;
- Strong leadership skills with a track record for investing in the team and driving results through collaboration;
- Ability to create partnerships across the entire organisation and collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders from technicians to executives;
- Ability to communicate clearly (in both visual and dialogue environments) to both technical and non-technical audiences;
- Adaptable and comfortable in an exciting, dynamic, and evolving environment; and
- Hands-on with a passion for continuous improvement and building the best hardware.
Test Design Engineer
Permanent position for a Test Design Engineer responsible for all activities related to the testing of standard products in an efficient, proactive, and synergistic manner.
Key Responsibilities
Testing of Standard Products
- Improving and redesigning test equipment;
- Support the Testing department in fault finding and isolating the cause of failure on defective units;
- Responsible for automation of test set-ups to enable: Log creators, Data interpreting and manipulation, Lowering human error;
- Training production staff on the usage of test equipment and test set-ups;
- Responsible for investigation and resolution of product deviations during the testing process;
- Responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating test procedures and results in sheets;
- Responsible for the design, implementation, and improvement of test equipment used for acceptance testing; and
- Responsible for the design, update, and improvement of test software to improve the ease of use.
Evolution and Customization of Standard Products and Incubation of New Products;
- Responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating test procedures and results sheets;
- Responsible for the design, implementation, and improvement of test equipment used for acceptance testing;
- Responsible for the design, update, and improvement of test software to improve the ease of use; and
- Other ad-hoc duties as required by the company.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications:
- B Eng/NDIP/B-TECH in Electronic Engineering from a recognised institution
Experience (ideally within the aerospace or defence industry);
- 3-5 years of relevant work experience;
- Testing and preferable design of high-reliability electronic products;
- Design and implementation of test equipment;
- Ability to interpret mechanical and electronic drawings;
- Ability to effectively use off-the-shelf test equipment
- Appreciation and experience of ISO9001 requirements; and
- Python programming.
Additional knowledge areas
- Knowledge of satellite subsystems and the space environment;
- Experience with the ECSS product development and environmental testing standards; and
- Cleanroom, ESD, and optical assembly environment.
Competencies and Skills
- Be self-motivated and have the willingness to learn;
- Willing to go the extra mile to complete projects;
- Good attention to detail;
- Punctual and responsible;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment;
- Resourcefulness in setting priorities; and
- The post holder will be required to interact frequently and effectively with peers and other team members towards achieving positive outcomes.
Industrial Engineer
The Industrial Engineer will lead and supervise all activities related to the industrialisation and optimization of products in an efficient, proactive, and synergistic manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in industrialisation effort during bids and mobilization phase of the project;
- Support the Engineering department in all stages of the evolution and customization of products;
- Responsible for the development and implementation of an industrialisation plan for new products;
- Accountable for the industrialisation project deliverables in line with time, cost, and quality targets;
- Support/facilitate problem-solving during prototype build;
- Support with development /update of manufacturing/product data pack (i.e. assembly instructions and build history checklists);
- Responsible for the layout and setup of production lines;
- Perform detailed line balancing and ensure the successful completion of the task sequencings;
- Responsible for the introduction of new manufacturing technologies, infrastructure, and equipment;
- Responsible for engineering support to the Production team (including logistics and testing);
- Help with the investigation and resolution of product deviations during the production process and client feedback;
- Responsible for new and updated process information on the ERP system;
- Support with the development and manufacturing of aids, tools, and Jigs;
- Establish operational methods and work standards and confirm task duration with the aid of time and motion studies;
- Optimize productivity (man, machine, and material) by analysing current processes and methods and identification of improvement projects in the cleanroom;
- Implement Lean Manufacturing principles to continuously improve methods, processes, and production KPIs;
- Perform continuous improvement in terms of standardisation, technologies, architecture, best practices etc. under the guidance of the Engineering Department; and
- Other ad-hoc duties as required by the company.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualification:
- BEng Industrial Engineering Degree
Experience & Knowledge:
- 3-5 years of relevant work experience;
- Experience in electronics hardware manufacturing environment;
- Good knowledge and experience in technical support in a manufacturing environment; and
- Lean manufacturing experience.
Additional knowledge
- Knowledge of satellite subsystems and the space environment;
- Cleanroom, ESD, and optical assembly environment experience; and
- Lean six sigma Black Belt certified.
Competencies and Skills
- Positive self-motivated, self-starter attitude;
- Responsible team player;
- Good written and oral communication skills;
- Customer focused;
- Able to persuade and influence others;
- Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment; and
- Resourcefulness in setting priorities.
Assembly/ Soldering Technician
Permanent position for a Soldering Technician to support the manufacture of electronic equipment for use in satellite-based systems.
- You will be trained in the demanding soldering and assembly requirements of building equipment for space products; and
- You will be expected to undertake extensive training in soldering of through-hole and surface mount components, assembly, and wiring and crimping techniques to international standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Liaising with senior management and project engineers;
- Planning and sequencing of workflow through the different manufacturing processes;
- Hand soldering of through hole and surface mount components;
- Assembly of complex harnessing; and
- Assisting in any aspect of the build and test of space equipment;
Beneficial experiences:
- Familiarity with assembly for space environment;
- Familiarity with clean room procedures;
- Assembly of optical systems;
- Familiarity with electronic testing of boards, sub-assemblies, and completed units;
- Familiarity with traceability requirements and store procedures; and
- Sound knowledge of MS Office (Word and Excel)
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications:
- Post-secondary training in electronic engineering technology.
Experience:
- At least five years of soldering and assembling complex and high-reliability electro-mechanical equipment;
- IPC 3 certified;
Prerequisites:
- Good soldering experience;
- Appreciation of ISO9001 requirements;
- Familiarity with working in a highly controlled assembly environment such as military or medical equipment;
- Ability to work to tight schedules while maintaining high-quality manufacture;
- Good written and oral communication skills;
- Ability to work with small components and assemblies extensively using a microscope daily;
- Ability to interpret mechanical and electronic drawings;
- Be self-motivated and have the willingness to learn;
- Good attention to detail; and
- Ability to manage time and work to deadlines.
The post holder will be required to interact frequently and effectively with other Company team members.
Additional Information
Fluent knowledge of English is a prerequisite.
How to apply
If you meet the requirements of any of the vacancies listed above please send your cv to:Lm@newspacesystems.com OR contact NewsSpace Systems on +27 (0) 21 300 0160
NewSpace Systems is committed to Employment Equity therefore preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups. Additional Information on the vacancies may be found on the NewSpace Systems website here.
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