Mission of the Head of MAITE
Build and scale a high-performance satellite manufacturing operation in Southern Europe, transforming advanced engineering designs into flight-ready spacecraft. Lead teams, facilities, and industrial processes so that every subsystem and satellite is assembled safely, tested rigorously, and delivered on schedule. Make repeatable, high-quality satellite production a strategic advantage supporting global space missions.
About the Organization
The hiring organization is a leading provider of space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities for governmental and institutional customers. Its solutions combine proprietary radar satellite technology with a large operational constellation, enabling persistent Earth observation with high revisit rates, day-and-night operation, and all-weather performance.
The platform supports mission-critical applications across defense, security, maritime monitoring, and intelligence, while also serving civil and commercial use cases such as disaster response, environmental monitoring, insurance, and infrastructure protection. Operating internationally, the organization brings together a large, highly skilled workforce united by the ambition to deliver actionable insight from space at global scale.
Expected Outcomes
The company is recruiting a Head of Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Testing (MAITE) based in Athens (Greece) to ensure efficient, scalable, and high-quality production of satellite subsystems and complete spacecraft.
This role owns local manufacturing operations, including facilities, materials readiness, manufacturing engineering, and all assembly, integration, and test activities. You will track key production metrics, drive continuous improvement initiatives, manage schedules, identify and mitigate risks, and communicate effectively with internal stakeholders.
As Head of MAITE, you will lead multidisciplinary production teams, address daily engineering and industrial challenges, ensure on-time delivery, and coordinate closely with engineering and support functions to resolve complex technical issues.
Role Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Operations Leadership
- Build, manage, and lead Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Test teams responsible for satellite production activities
- Oversee mechanical, electrical, and system-level assembly in compliance with internal quality and production standards
- Plan and optimize facility layouts; lead expansions or modifications to support growth and new satellite configurations
- Manage production schedules and ensure smooth progression of subsystems and systems through all manufacturing phases
Team & Capability Development
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams including facility management, inventory, AIT engineers, production technicians, and manufacturing specialists
- Ensure effective onboarding and training of new personnel
- Foster a strong culture of ownership, accountability, and collaboration
Cross-Functional Coordination
- Work closely with engineering, configuration management, supply chain, and quality teams to plan and execute manufacturing activities
- Coordinate with integration and quality teams across multiple programs to meet delivery milestones
- Support inventory management for equipment, tools, and consumables
Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement
- Ensure compliance with all internal procedures, quality standards, and safety policies
- Promote a strong safety culture and achieve excellent safety performance
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, tooling, equipment, and work environment
- Plan and execute local testing campaigns meeting performance, reliability, and safety requirements
- Maintain technical documentation including assembly procedures, test plans, results, and non-conformance reports
- Drive continuous improvement of local AIT processes to increase efficiency, quality, and throughput
Key Competencies
Candidates will be assessed throughout the process on the following qualities:
- Analytical Strength – Ability to quickly understand complex systems, structure information, and communicate clearly
- Drive & Resilience – High motivation, strong work ethic, and persistence in demanding environments
- Ownership Mindset – Full accountability for outcomes and decisive execution
- Collaboration – Strong team orientation with the ability to work across functions
- Integrity & Growth – Transparent, humble, and continuously seeking improvement
Hiring Process (Indicative)
- Initial Talent Acquisition interview
- Hiring Manager interview
- Technical interview (virtual or onsite), including a practical or analytical exercise
- Team interview
- Final decision and offer
What Is Offered
You will join a fast-growing space and defense technology organization where individual contribution has visible impact. The environment combines scale-up energy with industrial rigor, offering real ownership from day one.
The company supports continuous learning, professional development, and long-term career growth within an international setting.
Benefits Include
- A meaningful role in the space and defense technology sector
- High level of autonomy within a supportive and diverse team
- Time allocated for self-development, training, and professional learning
- Health insurance
- Modern, collaborative, and inspiring work environment
