Head of AIT Engineering Unit

Argotec; San Mauro Torinese; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Monthly Free-Day

Professional development

Flexible hours

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

Argotec seeks a Head of AIT Engineering to lead end‑to‑end Assembly, Integration and Testing across space projects. The role focuses on building scalable processes, managing a high performing team, and delivering flight hardware from components to satellites.

The ideal candidate has extensive spacecraft AIT leadership experience, strong knowledge of AIT procedures, GSE, and environmental testing, and fluency in English. Argotec offers hybrid work and strong career development.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of spacecraft and subsystem AIT experience, including 3–5 years in leadership.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians for AIT.
• Develop and improve AIT procedures based on specs and mission requirements.
• Define and maintain GSE and test setups; ensure traceability and quality.
• Oversee satellite and subsystem assembly in Clean Room and lab environments.
• Plan and execute environmental tests and validation reports for flight requirements.
• Collaborate with launch providers and ground teams for readiness for launch campaigns.
• Mentor Production Technicians to support development and series production.

Skills

Leadership

AIT

Spacecraft AIT

Team Management

Process Improvement

Education

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

GSE management

Clean Room protocols

ECSS standards

Job description

To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for a Head of AIT Engineering Unit who will lead the end-to-end planning and execution of all Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) activities across the company’s projects. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in the planning and execution of space projects and products, particularly in the space and defense sector.

DUTIES

As Head of AIT Engineering , you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that flight hardware — from components to fully integrated satellites — is built, tested, and delivered to the highest standards. You will be responsible for establishing robust, scalable processes that support both development and series production, while building and managing a high-performing technical team.
As the company ramps up toward parallel production and launch of multiple satellites, your leadership will be key to achieving operational excellence and mission success.

The activities will include (but are not limited to):

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, with expertise in assembly, integration and testing activities to ensure that design outputs meet production needs.
• Oversee the drafting, validation, and continuous improvement of detailed AIT procedures based on engineering specifications and mission requirements.
• Define, prepare, and maintain Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and test setups.
• Manage and coordinate all satellite and subsystem assembly operations in Clean Room and laboratory environments.
• Lead and execute integration and functional test campaigns, ensuring adherence to quality standards and full traceability.
• Oversee the planning and execution of environmental testing, validating the associated test reports to ensure compliance with flight requirements.
• Collaborate with launch providers and ground teams to ensure seamless integration and readiness for launch campaigns.
• Interface with the Quality Assurance function during AIT phases to ensure proper documentation, traceability, and non-conformance management.
• Deliver training and mentorship to Production Technicians to support both development and series production.
• Support the production team during in-line and end-of-line testing and resolution of anomalies for series production, ensuring operational continuity and robust processes across production batches.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or related technical fields.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in spacecraft and subsystem-level AIT, including 3 to 5 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Proven experience in the execution of complex engineering projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and at all levels of seniority.
• Hands‑on and proactive approach.
• Analytical mindset and continuous learning attitude.
• Fluency in English, both written and oral.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Proven track record of delivering hardware for orbital missions, including full AIT responsibility from integration to launch.
• Demonstrated ability to scale AIT operations for multiple spacecraft or constellation programs.
• In-depth knowledge of spacecraft systems, modular AIT strategies, Clean Room protocols and environmental test standards.
• Previous experience with BOM and GSE management, test procedure development and satellite production environments.
• Strong leadership skills, with focus on team development, training and cross‑functional collaboration.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Demonstrated experience in the space and defense sector.
• In-depth knowledge of space standards (CCSDS, ECSS, MIL).
• Ability to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong decision‑making skills and a result‑driven approach.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn.

WHY JOIN ARGOTEC?

• Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.
• Professional training and career development opportunities.
• Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.
• Monthly “Free‑Day” - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.
• A diversified community that organizes extra‑work and fun activities.

SALARY RANGE:

55.000 - 65.000 EUR

Argotec reserves the right to assess the appropriate job level and compensation package based on objective criteria emerging throughout the selection process. These evaluations will be carried out in alignment with the candidate’s seniority, skills, and experience, as well as with the scope and responsibilities of the role. Any compensation proposal will be defined in compliance with the principles of fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity, in accordance with applicable regulations.

Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99).

At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless, for instance, of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs.

This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.