Head of AIT Engineering Unit

Argotec S.r.l.; San Mauro Torinese; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work policy

Free-day Fridays (monthly)

Career development and training

Job summary

Argotec is seeking a Head of AIT Engineering Unit in Italy to lead end-to-end AIT activities for space projects. You will plan and execute assemblies, integration, and environmental tests, ensuring flight hardware meets top standards.

You will build a high-performing team, establish scalable AIT processes, and work with launch providers to ensure mission success across multiple satellites.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of spacecraft/ subsystem AIT experience.
• 3–5 years in a leadership role with teams.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across departments.
• Fluent in English, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians to meet production needs.
• Oversee drafting, validation, and improvement of AIT procedures and test setups.
• Define and maintain Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and test rigs.
• Manage satellite and subsystem assembly in Clean Room and labs.
• Lead integration and functional test campaigns with quality traceability.
• Coordinate environmental tests and validate reports for flight requirements.
• Collaborate with launch providers and ground teams for readiness.
• Interface with QA for documentation and non-conformance handling.
• Mentor production technicians for development and series production.
• Support inline and end-of-line testing and issue resolution.

Skills

AIT Leadership

Space Systems

GSE Management

Clean Room

Test Procedures

Team Mentorship

Project Planning

Education

Master's Degree in Engineering

Tools

BOM Management

GSE Management

Test Procedures

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.

• 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. Argotec is an Italian aerospace company specializing in the production of small satellite platforms (from 6U Cubesats up to +250kg-platforms) and innovative products to improve the comfort of space explorers. Thanks to its facilities and know-how, the company's activities follow the "all in-house" concept, which includes design, development, integration, qualification, and operational services. At Argotec, we’re not just building satellites; we’re shaping the future of space innovation. Our selection process is tailored to each role and includes at least a call with our Talent Acquisition Team, a technical evaluation and a final in-person meeting.