Head of Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Testing (MAITE)

Kats Recruitment; Valencia; Presencial; EUR 110.000 - 160.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Relocation package

On-site with partial remote work

Advanced healthcare

Flexible allowances

Devices provided

Professional development

Descripción de la vacante

Kats Recruitment is seeking a Head of MAITE to lead manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing for next-generation satellites. You will own the industrialization, scale-up, and ramp-up of production, transforming complex aerospace designs into flight-ready hardware.

You will oversee an experienced, multidisciplinary team and drive Design for Manufacturing and Design for Testability while partnering with design and systems engineering to ensure on-time, within-budget delivery of

Formación

• Space industry heritage with direct, deep experience in satellite manufacturing.
• 15+ years of space-related engineering or manufacturing experience.
• Proven leadership in executive-level roles directing complex space hardware projects.
• Hands-on hardware integration and system-level validation experience.
• EU citizenship preferred for security clearance logistics.
• Professional level English fluency.

Responsabilidades

• End-to-End Operational Oversight for MAITE lifecycle including manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of satellites.
• Industrialization and scaling: define the manufacturing roadmap and cleanroom layouts with repeatable processes.
• Executive team leadership: mentor and scale multidisciplinary teams of senior engineers, facility managers, technicians, and stock managers.
• Cross-functional synergy: liaison between production floor and design/systems engineering to champion DfM and DfT.
• Execution and scheduling: oversee production schedules, supply chain planning, and inventory management to meet strict mission specs.

Conocimientos

Space industry

Executive leadership

Satellite manufacturing

Hardware integration

English proficiency

Descripción del empleo

About the job: Head of Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Testing (MAITE)

Head of Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, and Testing (MAITE) | Satellite Operations

Role Overview

An exceptional executive leadership opportunity has opened for a visionary Head of MAITE to drive the industrialization, scale‑up, and production ramp‑up of next‑generation satellite manufacturing operations. In this high‑impact role, you will be the ultimate authority on the satellite's physical journey—transforming complex aerospace designs into flight‑ready hardware capable of withstanding the harshest space environments.

Key Responsibilities

• End‑to‑End Operational Oversight: Lead the overarching strategy for the complete Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, Testing, and Engineering (MAITE) lifecycle of advanced satellite systems and constellations.
• Industrialization & Scaling: Define and execute the manufacturing roadmap to scale up production capacity, streamline workflows, plan state‑of‑the‑art cleanroom layouts, and establish highly repeatable manufacturing processes.
• Executive Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and scale a high‑performing, multidisciplinary team of senior AIT engineers, facility managers, production technicians, and stock managers, fostering a culture of rigorous precision.
• Cross‑Functional Synergy: Act as the primary liaison between the production floor and the design/systems engineering teams to champion Design for Manufacturing (DfM) and Design for Testability (DfT) best practices.
• Execution & Scheduling: Oversee complex production schedules, supply chain resource planning, and facility inventory management to ensure satellites progress through testing phases on time, within budget, and to strict mission specifications.

Candidate Profile

• Space Industry Heritage: A comprehensive and robust background in the Space sector, with direct, deep experience in satellite manufacturing.
• Extensive Senior Experience: A minimum of 15+ years of professional experience in space‑related engineering, advanced space manufacturing, or AIT.
• Proven Leadership Prowess: A demonstrated track record of success in executive‑level or lead roles directing complex space hardware projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Technical Mastery: Career‑long hands‑on roots in hardware integration, system‑level validation, or advanced production. Prior knowledge of Radio Frequency (RF) or Signal Intelligence (SIGINT) systems is highly advantageous.
• Clearance & Eligibility: Ability to successfully undergo rigorous security screening. An EU citizenship is preferred to facilitate necessary security clearance protocols.
• Language: Professional level fluency in English.

The Offer

• Contract: Permanent, full‑time executive contract.
• Compensation: Executive salary package ranging from €110,000 to €160,000 (commensurate with seniority and experience).
• Work Model: Highly collaborative on‑site position (5 days a week) with flexible options for 1‑day remote work.
• Relocation Package: Full, comprehensive relocation support provided for the successful candidate and their family.
• Benefits & Well‑being: Advanced occupational healthcare, flexible allowances (wellness, lifestyle, mobility), company‑provided devices, and continuous professional development paths.

Are you ready to turn cutting‑edge aerospace engineering into an orbital reality? If you have spent your career preparing to lead a world‑class satellite production operation, this is your opportunity to define the future of space infrastructure. Apply today to spearhead this mission to the stars!