Apprenticeship training course

Space systems engineer (level 6)

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Information about Space systems engineer (level 6)

To take a leading role in the design, manufacturing and testing of complex, high value space hardware and ground support equipment.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • Spacecraft dynamics and control techniques: two-body orbital motion and perturbations, sources of disturbance, spacecraft attitude control, manoeuvres, station keeping and rendezvous operations.
  • Architecture of ground and space-based communications subsystems.
  • Mission concept of operations: mission phasing, operational scenarios and modes, timelines, ground and space segments, communications and data handling architecture.
  • The role of the ground station in mission operations.
  • Principles of electric or chemical propulsion systems.
  • Structural analysis for static and dynamic loads.
  • Design, analysis and operation of thermal control systems.
  • Application of finite element analysis and system modelling software for mechanical, electrical and electromechanical sub-systems.
  • Automation of engineering processes.
  • Practical and theoretical requirements of electrical, electronic, electromechanical and mechanical equipment and systems in the space context.
  • Design of mechanisms and deployable structures in a space context.
  • The space environment: vacuum, thermal, radiation, particulate, atmospheres, vibration and thermal environment during launch.
  • Purpose of approved processes, components, parts and materials lists.
  • Properties, handling and application of space qualified materials.
  • Principles of quality assurance and quality standards in space projects.
  • Test standards in the space context.
  • Principles, processes and techniques for thermal-vacuum, electromagnetic compatibility, shock, vibration and acoustic testing, reporting and post-test procedures and actions.
  • Configuration and document management control processes: issue control, incorporation of change and end item data pack.
  • Principles of project management in space projects.
  • Principles of systems engineering.
  • Life cycles of space instrumentation for near earth and deep space missions.
  • Techniques and strategies used for the manufacture and fabrication of space hardware, and impact of manufacturing processes on material properties.
  • The upstream space sector, its applications, and the typical characteristics of spacecraft used in different mission types.
  • The role of software in the function and control of spacecraft and ground facilities.
  • Legal requirements: Health and Safety at Work, Environmental Protection and Sustainability, General Data Protection Regulation, Space Industry Act (Background, Range control, Licences, Safety, Security, Liabilities, Indemnities and Insurance).
  • Application of Factory 4.0: Digital devices, digital technologies and information systems (Automation, Additive Layer Manufacturing, Connected Technologies, Cyber, Industrial Internet of Things, Cyber Security Resilience, Industry and Autonomous Robotics – Cobotics, Virtual Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications).
  • Teamwork and leadership: negotiation techniques, conflict management, mentoring and development techniques, diversity, equality and inclusivity considerations.
  • Communication and presentation techniques: verbal and written.
  • Engineering drawing principles: development drawings, qualification drawings and production drawings using computer aided design (CAD) software for creating 3D models and 2D drawings including schematics and circuit diagrams.
  • Events and activities in the launch and commissioning phases of a mission, for example monitoring diagnostic information from the spacecraft before launch, or interpreting performance data during commissioning phase of the mission.

  Skills

  • Identify and implement technical engineering solutions. For example, by using trade studies.
  • Communicate with colleagues and stakeholders: verbal and written.
  • Present information. For example, presenting project progress and key performance information (KPI's) such as cost, quality, time, risk and opportunities, contributing to technical publications, conveying information to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Review and interpret customer requirements for the function and performance of their spacecraft or subsystem.
  • Produce space engineering designs, specifications and drawings. For example, for tender and manufacturing stages.
  • Contribute to the preparation of technical proposals. For example, by providing the lead engineer with technical input.
  • Contribute to technical reviews with stakeholders. For example, explaining proposed solutions to the customer.
  • Perform design and mechanical-structural, thermal and dynamic-vibration analysis, for deployable structures.
  • Calculate and model the performance of electronic, mechanical and thermal subsystems using approved industry techniques. For example, communications, power, data handling and thermal control.
  • Use scientific and engineering data. For example, to support decision making during design, build and operations phases of a mission or project.
  • Identify and apply test standards and procedures. For example, identify and apply test standards for a specific project or mission.
  • Prepare and apply technical documentation. For example, schedules, test plans, test reports, quality reports, and the digital tools used for their preparation.
  • Research technical solutions to problems. For example, use peer-reviewed literature and technical publications to research technical solutions with awareness of patent rules.
  • Use information technology including digital tools for presentation of data, digital communication, collaboration, design and analysis.
  • Identify and comply with legal and statutory requirements. For example, health and safety, Environmental protection, sustainability, space certification requirements and data protection.
  • Work with and lead others including, negotiation, conflict management, mentoring and developing others; taking account of diversity, equality and inclusivity.
  • Mission Analysis techniques using numerical analysis and simulation tools such as AGI-Systems Toolkit or NASA-GMAT.

  Behaviours

  • Act as a role model and advocate for the environment, and sustainability.
  • Collaborate and promote teamwork across disciplines.
  • Apply a professional approach.
  • Adapt to, and resilient in challenging or changing situation.
  • Commits to their own and supports others' professional development.
  • Act as an advocate for accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Act as a role model and advocate for health and safety.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Engineering and manufacturing
• Qualification level: 6; Equal to degree
• Course duration: 48 months
• Maximum funding: £27,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Advanced manufacturing engineer
  • Assembly integration and test manager
  • Attitude and orbit control system (aocs) engineer
  • Control and instrumentation engineer
  • Electrical and electronic engineer
  • Materials engineer
  • Payload systems engineer
  • Product and quality assurance engineer
  • Satellite manufacturing assembly integration and test (ait) engineer
  • Spacecraft mechanical engineer
  • Spacecraft power systems engineer
  • Spacecraft propulsion engineer
  • Spacecraft systems engineer
  • Thermal design engineer

View more information about Space systems engineer (level 6) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.