Project Assembly, Integration and Test Operations Manager

Thales Alenia Space; Roma; On-site; EUR 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales Alenia Space in Rome, Italy, seeks an experienced Project AIT Operations Manager to oversee assembly, integration and testing activities for space hardware. You will manage day-to-day operations, lead teams of 4–5 up to 20+ people, coordinate with engineering, design authority and quality, and ensure milestones are met within budget.

The ideal candidate holds an engineering degree with 6–11 years in flight hardware testing, fluent Italian and English (French helpful), and is willing to

Qualifications

• Engineering degree or equivalent work experience.
• 3–5 years hands-on exposure to Flight Hardware Testing, including environmental tests and integrated system/subsystem tests.
• Solid understanding of problem-solving techniques and system engineering principles.
• Proven experience in using project management techniques effectively.
• Fluent in Italian and English; French a plus.
• Excellent soft skills: communication, leadership, accountability, ownership, people-oriented.
• Willingness to travel abroad within Europe and to launch sites (French Guiana or USA) for periods up to 2–3 months.

Responsibilities

• Primary link between the AIT Department and the Program Management Office.
• Manage day-to-day program activities in AIT to ensure milestones are met on time and within budget.
• Lead teams from 4–5 up to 20+ people depending on program scale.
• Coordinate with engineering, design authority and quality departments on shop-floor activities.
• Ensure staffing and resource coordination across all operational activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Project management

System engineering

Travel availability

Education

Engineering degree

Equivalent work experience

Job description

A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

We are looking for a Project Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) Operations Manager

CANDIDATES THAT WOULD IMPRESS US

You have graduated with a degree in Engineering or hold equivalent work experience.
You have at least three to five years of hands‑on exposure to Flight Hardware Testing, including environmental tests and integrated system/subsystem tests.
You possess a solid understanding of problem‑solving techniques and system engineering principles.
You have proven experience in using project management techniques effectively.
You are fluent in both Italian and English, with fluency in French considered as an asset.
You demonstrate excellent soft skills, including strong communication, leadership, accountability, ownership, and a people-oriented approach.
You are available to travel abroad within Europe and to launch sites such as French Guyana or the USA for periods up to 2 to 3 continuous months when required.

COMPETENCIES:

You can manage scheduling, cost planning, and reporting to Program Management and departmental hierarchy.
You can coordinate Launch Campaign satellite activities as Satellite Preparation Manager (SPM).
You are able to prepare bids for AIT activities, including drafting Work Package Documents and budgets for hours and non-labor.
You can coordinate feasibility exercises with respect to proposed architecture and commit to execution phase budgets.
You know how to liaise effectively with internal company entities on technical and operational aspects.
You are capable of interfacing with final customers during planned major reviews, Non-Conformance Review Boards, and exceptional meetings.

LIFE AS A PROJECT ASSEMBLY, INTEGRATION AND TEST (AIT) OPERATIONS MANAGER ROLE
You will serve as the primary link between the AIT Department and the Program Management Office.
You will manage and monitor day‑to‑day program activities in AIT to ensure program milestones are achieved on time and within budget.
You will lead and coordinate teams ranging from 4 to 5 people up to larger teams exceeding 20 people based on program scale and maturity.
You will lead team efforts on the shop floor while constantly managing interfaces with engineering, design authority, and quality departments.
You will ensure adequate staffing and resource coordination across all assigned operational activities.

YOUR CAREER AT THALES
Future opportunities will allow you to discover other domains or sites. You will be able to evolve and grow your Competencies in different areas:
Room for and attention to personal development
Build your talents in another domain of Thales Group, discovering new products, new customers, new country or move to a more complex Solution
Choose between a technical expert or a leadership path
Build an international career within a leading Engineering Group

Type of contract: Permanent
Experience: 6 – 11 Years
CCNL Met/Ind – B3 Category
€ 41.424,25 - € 51.823,67
VC Target Rate up to 8%
CIPI up to 1.822€
Performance Bonus (PDR): up to 4.550€

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here,