Orbex seeking interns to work in space industry
Space aviation firm Orbex has revealed details of its 2022 internship programme as it prepares to begin commercial launch services.
The company, which is expected to be the principal user of the Sutherland spaceport, says interns with the right skills will have an opportunity to work across a range of disciplines.
Successful applicants will join Orbex at its headquarters in Forres.
The internships will also be promoted by the Space Placements in Industry (SPIN) scheme managed by the UK Space Agency and supported by Satellite Applications Catapult.
The SPIN programme is designed to help students studying STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – gain experience that will help them develop long-term careers in the space industry.
Applications are being sought from eligible candidates currently studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, with specific experience in mathematics, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, physics or aerospace.
They must demonstrate interest and enthusiasm for working in the space sector. The paid placements are expected to last 10 months, with the potential chance to join Orbex in a permanent role in the future.
Elliott Doyle, the firm's head of talent acquisition, said: “This will be the fourth year in a row Orbex has offered an internship programme.
"It provides an unrivalled opportunity for those interested in working within the UK’s fast-growing space industry to gain relevant experience across multiple projects and disciplines – working in a highly experienced team with professional backgrounds in NASA, ESA [European Space Agency], Ariane and other commercial spaceflight organisations. Previous interns have been able to transition to full-time roles at Orbex and we are hoping this will continue to be the case with our 2022 cohort.”
Orbex is testing its Prime rocket at a test site in Kinloss, where full dress rehearsals of launch procedures are taking place. It will launch from its "home" spaceport at Sutherland.
Prime is a micro-launcher designed to transport small satellites weighing around 150kg to low Earth orbit. Is it set to become the world’s most environmentally friendly space rocket with a carbon footprint up to 96 per cent lower than comparable space launch programmes.
Information about the Orbex internship programme can be found on its website.
Orbex says projects may include:
- Design of composite components
- Composite production
- Ground segment component design
- Satellite interface design
- Avionics testing and production
- Sensor testing and integration
- GNC (guidance, navigation and control) hardware and software calibration
- Assembly, integration, and testing
- Business/financial reporting
- Enterprise resource planning system management
- Marketing and outreach