Overview
Our client is an innovative European space technology company developing and operating advanced Earth observation satellite systems. The organization designs, manufactures, and deploys a new generation of small satellites and is currently scaling its industrial capabilities to support the rapid expansion of its satellite constellation.
To support this growth, the company is looking for a Head of Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Testing (MAITE) to lead satellite production operations and oversee the development of a high-performance manufacturing organization.
This leadership role will be responsible for building and scaling satellite production capabilities, ensuring spacecraft are assembled, integrated, and tested safely, efficiently, and according to strict quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Build, manage, and lead the Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Testing teams responsible for spacecraft production
- Oversee mechanical, electrical, and system-level assembly activities to ensure compliance with production and quality standards
- Plan and optimize manufacturing facility layouts and support facility expansion to increase production capacity
- Manage and develop multidisciplinary teams including AIT engineers, production technicians, facility managers, stock managers, and manufacturing specialists
- Ensure new team members receive appropriate training and onboarding to support production operations
- Manage satellite production schedules and ensure subsystems and spacecraft progress through manufacturing and testing phases on time
- Collaborate closely with engineering, configuration management, and supply chain teams to plan and execute spacecraft manufacturing activities
- Coordinate with quality assurance and integration teams to ensure hardware is delivered according to program timelines
- Support inventory management for manufacturing equipment, tools, and consumables
- Ensure adherence to all production procedures, quality processes, and safety standards
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve production processes, tools, and work environment
- Promote a culture of ownership, safety, and operational excellence
- Plan and execute AIT testing campaigns, ensuring performance, reliability, and safety requirements are met
- Manage AIT resources, priorities, and schedules to meet production targets
- Maintain and review technical documentation including assembly procedures, test plans, and non-conformity reports
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in collaboration with engineering teams
- Drive continuous improvement of AIT processes to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput
Requirements
- Minimum 8 years of experience in manufacturing, assembly, integration, or testing within the space industry
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams of engineers and technicians in a production or AIT environment
- Strong understanding of the end-to-end satellite production lifecycle
- Solid knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and their practical application in high-tech production environments
- Experience across multiple phases of manufacturing development, from early industrialization to large-scale production optimization
- Extensive experience in quality management across the full manufacturing process, including supplier quality and final product validation
- Demonstrated ability to drive significant operational or technical improvements within manufacturing environments
- Strong leadership and influence skills with the ability to drive organizational change and continuous improvement
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with both technical teams and senior leadership
- Fluency in English and ability to work in a fast-paced international environment
What the Company Offers
- The opportunity to contribute to advanced satellite and Earth observation technologies
- A leadership role within a fast-growing European space technology organization
- A dynamic and collaborative international environment
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and conferences
- Competitive benefits including health coverage and professional development support
- A modern and collaborative work environment focused on innovation and mission impact
