Operations Engineer

About Aliena

Aliena is a Singapore-based space technology company developing and producing advanced electric propulsion systems for the next generation of small satellites. Our Hall-effect thrusters enable satellites to operate more efficiently opening new possibilities for an array of emerging missions and the rapidly growing space economy.

Our propulsion systems have flown in space and are being developed for a growing portfolio of commercial and government missions internationally. We work closely with leading aerospace, research, and technology organizations across Singapore, Europe, and the United States to push the boundaries of electric propulsion, spacecraft operations, and advanced manufacturing.

At the heart of our operations is our Advanced Jet Propulsion Test & Production Facility (AJPTPF) a highly specialised facility supporting the development, qualification, testing, and production of our propulsion systems. The facility brings together advanced vacuum systems, cleanroom environments, thermal and environmental control systems, high-pressure utilities, precision instrumentation, and specialised test equipment.

As Aliena continues to scale its production and international operations, we are looking for talented and hands-on engineers who want to work at the intersection of space technology, advanced engineering, and high-reliability operations. Joining Aliena means becoming part of a small, ambitious team where your work will have a direct impact on the reliability and readiness of hardware that is destined for space.

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Equipment Maintenance & Calibration Engineer to oversee the reliability, functionality, and compliance of our critical facility infrastructure and specialized operational equipment.

In this role, you will plan, execute, and document preventative and corrective maintenance, as well as precise calibration programs for existing assets and newly integrated machinery-ranging from but not limited to facility HVAC and cleanrooms to specialized vacuum chambers and compressed air systems.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Maintenance &Planning

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine Preventive Maintenance schedules for both facility utilities and operations related equipment.
• Perform hands-on troubleshooting, repairs, and corrective maintenance on critical assets to minimize operational downtime.
• Lead the installation, commissioning, site acceptance testing (SAT), and operational handoff of new facility and operations equipment.
• Maintain detailed maintenance logs, root-cause failure analysis (RCFA) reports, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Calibration & Compliance

• Design, manage, and execute the internal equipment calibration schedule in compliance with ISO/industry standards.
• Perform physical calibration on pressure gauges, temperature sensors, vacuum indicators, flow meters, and environmental monitoring devices.
• Coordinate with qualified external calibration vendors and third-party auditors for specialized equipment certifications.
• Maintain calibration records, certificates, and traceability, ensuring audit-readiness (internal and external) at all times.

Facilities & Utility Operations

• Oversee the performance, air quality, humidity control, and differential pressures of cleanroom environments.
• Maintain facility HVAC and air conditioning systems to ensure tight climate control across operational spaces.
• Oversee high-pressure air compressors, filtration, and pneumatic distribution networks.
• Maintain specialized equipment including vacuum chambers, pumps, leak detectors, and associated instrumentation.

Safety, Inventory & Continuous Improvement

• Manage spare parts inventory for high-wear components, critical utility spares, and calibration standards.
• Enforce strict compliance with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), cleanroom protocol protocols, and local safety regulatory guidelines (OSHA/EHS).
• Evaluate system performance data to identify trends, optimize energy/utility efficiency, and extend equipment lifecycle.
• Maintain operational conditions of laboratory and equipment.

Qualifications &Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent hands-on trade experience).
• Experience: 3-5+ years of hands-on experience in equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting within an industrial, high-tech, semiconductor, or cleanroom environment.
• Technical Proficiency:

• Demonstrated experience working with vacuum systems (cryogenic pumps, turbomolecular pumps, rotary pumps, vacuum gauges, leak testing, etc.).

  Direct experience with cleanroom operational controls (HEPA/ULPA filtration, pressure cascades, particle counting).

  Strong working knowledge of facility utilities (HVAC, refrigeration units, industrial air compressors, pneumatics).

• Practical understanding of calibration methodologies (NIST traceability, precision measurement tools, signal loop testing).
• Certifications (Good to have): Any certification or training with regards to calibrations, maintenance and safety.

Preferred Qualifications(Bonus)

• IT & Networking: Familiarity with setting up, configuring, and maintaining basic IT and networking infrastructure (e.g., Ethernet switches, industrial networks, IP addressing, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, PLCs, or equipment data collection systems).

Key Competencies

• Highly driven problem solver.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills (ability to read schematics, P&IDs, and wiring diagrams).
• High attention to detail and rigor in regulatory documentation and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills to interface across various departments.