Space Instrument Engineer

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 30 June 2027Welsh Language: Not ApplicableChange your career, change livesThe 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 (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).About the RoleWe 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 be 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.The main purposes of this role are:Design and execute comprehensive test programmes for Development models of the EMS LUPEX instrument, documenting results and validating scientific and technical performanceCalibrate the Development Models against existing instrumentation such as FINESSE, TGA, and other relevant heritage instruments, ensuring consistency and performance benchmarks. To calibrate the Development Models against existing instrumentation such as FINESSE, TGA, etc.Perform final calibration of the Flight Model against existing reference instruments to validate performance prior to delivery.Develop DH measurement procedures and protocolsKey ResponsibilitiesDesign, perform and document a comprehensive test programme for the EMS-LUPEX Development models to demonstrate and verify instrument performanceDesign 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 YouFirst degree in natural sciences, engineering or a closely related disciplineProven ability to design, perform and document test programmes, including demonstration and verification of instrument performanceDemonstrated experience in developing vacuum-based control systems and instrumentationEvidence of successful calibration of scientific instrumentationWorking knowledge of ESA development and project processesStrong organisational skills, with a commitment to planning, prioritising and delivering work to deadlinesProficiency in Python programming, particularly for instrument control data analysisPhD in a field related to Space flight instrumentationMSc or PhD with a focus on instrument developmentExperience in the design and development of spaceflight instrumentsExperience in operating laboratory mass spectrometer instrumentsExperience working in cleanroom environments and following relevant protocolsSupport with your applicationIf 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 (clicking this link will open a new window).We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.Working locationThis role is based at our campus in Milton Keynes and the successful individual will work from Milton Keynes 5 days per week.Next steps in the Recruitment processIf shortlisted, you will hear from us early January with interviews taking place in Milton Keynes on 15th and/or 16th January 2026.Early closing date notificationWe 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 applyTo apply for this role please submit the following document(s):CVSupporting statement (Your Supporting Statement should outline how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above).You can view your progress and application communication when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process or regarding your application, please contact: Careers@open.ac.uk.Looking for Associate Lecturer (AL) roles?Please use our AL home page to find AL vacancies.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. #J-18808-Ljbffr