Space Instrument Engineer

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 30 June 2027 Change your career, change lives The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video. About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Spaceflight Instrument Engineer to support the design, construction, and testing of laboratory support equipment and flight instrument models for the EMS-LUPEX and MAGPIE ITMS instruments. These instruments are key contributions to the upcoming ESA/JAXA LUPEX and MAGPIE lunar mission. This role will be central to developing a series of engineering models of increasing complexity and fidelity that will ultimately culminate in the Flight Model (FM) instruments that will launched to the Moon in 2028 and 2029. The work includes building and validating Development Models (DMs), performing instrument calibration, and supporting scientific performance evaluations in collaboration with international partners. Main purposes of this role Design and execute comprehensive test programmes for Development models of the EMS LUPEX instrument, documenting results and validating scientific and technical performance Calibrate the Development Models against existing instrumentation such as FINESSE, TGA, and other relevant heritage instruments, ensuring consistency and performance benchmarks Perform final calibration of the Flight Model against existing reference instruments to validate performance prior to delivery. Develop DH measurement procedures and protocols Key Responsibilities Design, perform and document a comprehensive test programme the EMS-LUPEX Development models to demonstrate and verify instrument performance Design and build laboratory support equipment to enable development, testing, and calibration of instrument models. Calibrate the Development Models using existing reference instrumentation (e.g., FINESSE, TGA) and document performance against established benchmarks. Assemble, calibrate, and characterize the EMS-LUPEX flight instrument, ensuring its performance is validated against the Development Models. Ensure that existing OU experience in sample analysis, and new knowledge gained through the EMS-LUPEX Development Model test programme, are translated into the design of the EMS-LUPEX flight model so as to maximize its performance, relevance and impact. About You First degree in natural sciences, engineering or a closely related discipline Proven ability to design, perform and document test programmes, including demonstration and verification of instrument performance Demonstrated experience in developing vacuum-based control systems and instrumentation Evidence of successful calibration of scientific instrumentation Working knowledge of ESA development and project processes Strong organisational skills, with a commitment to planning, prioritising, and delivering work to deadlines Proficiency in Python programming, particularly for instrument control data analysis PhD in a field related to Space flight instrumentation MSc or PhD with a focus on instrument development Experience in the design and development of spaceflight instruments Experience operating laboratory mass spectrometer instruments Experience working in cleanroom environments and following relevant protocols Support with your application If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number. What's in it for you? At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page. Working location This role is based at our campus in Milton Keynes and expect the successful individual to work from Milton Keynes 5 days per week. Next steps in the Recruitment process If shortlisted, you will hear from us in early January with interviews taking place in Milton Keynes on 15th and/or 16th January 2026. Early closing date notification We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications. How to apply To apply for this role please submit the following document(s): CV Supporting statement (Your Supporting Statement should outline how your skills and experience meets the essential and desirable criteria listed above). You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates. Equality, diversity and inclusion The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks. Job attributes Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level. Employment type: Contract. Job function: Engineering and Science. Industries: Higher Education. #J-18808-Ljbffr