About NordSpace
NordSpace (https://nordspace.com) is a Canadian startup with the mission to advance life on Earth, from space. NordSpace is committed to extremely rapid innovation and development of the most ambitious aerospace projects with the most ambitious team. With divisions spanning everything from space robotics to satellites to rockets, NordSpace is driven to bring space closer to Earth and inspire generations of space explorers.
About the Role
We are growing our Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) team. AIT sits at the point where mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and software subsystems built by our teams come together as a single vehicle, and where that vehicle is proven, through hands-on assembly and a rigorous test campaign. Wherever you are on your career trajectory, we want to hear from you. Apply once and we will match you to the level that best fits your experience.
As an Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) Technician or Engineer, you will play a central role in transforming our launch vehicles from design to flight hardware. This position combines detailed mechanical engineering, manufacturing process development, and hands-on integration work at the intersection of structures, propulsion, and avionics. You’ll be responsible for ensuring every subsystem, structural, fluid, and electrical, is seamlessly integrated and verified through rigorous test and checkout procedures. From designing flight interfaces and developing build processes to executing stage mates and supporting propulsion test campaigns, you will drive the technical execution that brings the launch vehicle to life. Your work will ensure mechanical precision, system compatibility, and flight readiness across every phase of assembly, integration, and test.
Core Responsibilities
- Lead vehicle- and subsystem-level assembly, integration, and testing activities, from component receipt through launch pad integration.
- Generate requirements and develop designs for the physical interfaces of major vehicle components and elements, interstage, engine bays, and fairings, including the integration of propulsion systems.
- Build, test, and qualify electrical harnessing and high-pressure fluid lines (cryogenic, pneumatic, and hydraulic) across the launch vehicle.
- Design and specify assembly tooling, lift fixtures, and alignment jigs to support repeatable, high-precision integration operations.
- Develop and maintain detailed Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Work Instructions for complex assembly tasks, ensuring safety, repeatability, and quality traceability.
- Manage the physical configuration of the vehicle and provide final QA control inspection.
- Plan and execute functional physical checkouts of subsystems, verifying mechanical, electrical, and fluidic interfaces before system-level testing.
- Interface with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance to ensure that production non-conformances are dispositioned correctly and reflected in the design database.
- Author detailed post-test and post-assembly reports documenting test configurations, results, deviations, and corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Development Engineers to improve manufacturability, streamline assembly flow, and implement lessons learned from integration and testing into revisions.
- Drive continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, updating documentation, and developing in-house best practices for AIT.
Qualifications
- AIT Engineer:
- • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Master’s preferred (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related field) from an accredited institution.
- 0-3 years (Junior), 4-6 years (intermediate), 7-10 (Senior) years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience, from preferred industries: commercial space launch, aerospace & defence, oil & gas, chemical manufacturing, automotive, or shipbuilding.
- Strong grasp of systems engineering lifecycle processes, including requirements derivation, architecture definition, interface management, integration, verification & validation, and configuration control, applied to complex hardware/software systems.
- Proven experience managing system requirements, interfaces, and technical baselines across complex, multi‑disciplinary programs. Structured, analytical problem solving approach, using data and traceable rationale to resolve technical and programmatic issues under pressure.
- AIT Technician:
- • Diploma or certificate in Aerospace Manufacturing, Aircraft Maintenance, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, or a related skilled trades program from a recognized institution. Equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.
- 0-3 years (Junior), 4-6 years (intermediate), 7-10 (Senior) years of hands-on assembly, integration, or test experience on complex mechanical or aerospace systems, from preferred industries: commercial space launch, aerospace & defence, aviation MRO, oil & gas, automotive, or advanced manufacturing.
- Demonstrated proficiency in mechanical assembly of precision hardware, including torque-critical fastening, precision alignment, and large structural assembly operations.
- Practical experience with electrical harnessing—routing, termination, soldering, crimping, and testing—to aerospace or military workmanship standards.
- Working knowledge of high-pressure fluid systems, including tube bending, fitting installation, leak testing, and pressure qualification of cryogenic, pneumatic, or hydraulic lines.
- Ability to read and work from engineering drawings, assembly procedures, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and GD&T-toleranced detail drawings.
- Familiarity with quality systems and documentation practices in a controlled manufacturing or aerospace environment (AS9100, ISO 9001, or equivalent).
- Strong attention to detail, disciplined approach to procedural compliance, and a commitment to build quality and flight safety.
- Results-oriented, brings initiative, and comfortable managing ambiguity and change in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining discipline in requirements, configuration, and risk management.
This posting is for an existing vacancy. Thank you to all who apply. Candidates who are successfully selected for an interview will be notified by email.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada and able to obtain and maintain a security assessment under the Controlled Goods Program (Defence Production Act) as a condition of their employment.
Compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion, based on job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, and education and/or training. NordSpace encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations.
NordSpace is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates; all hiring decisions are based on merit and job-related qualifications, without discrimination on any ground protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code. Accommodations are available on request at any stage of the selection process — please contact
[email protected] (mailto:
[email protected]).
