AIT Electrical Operator Leader

SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest‑growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high‑performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space.

HummingSat is the world’s first commercial telecom GEO SmallSat developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its uniquely compact size combined with highly capable telecom payloads allows telecommunications operators to deploy a cost‑efficient, compact, and agile asset without sacrificing performance or security. HummingSat has been selected by Intelsat to build the I‑45 satellite, by Inmarsat to build three I‑8 satellites, and recently by Astrum Mobile to build the NEASTAR‑1 satellite.

SWISSto12 is also a leading provider of Radio‑Frequency (RF) products and sub‑systems for satellite communication and remote sensing applications. The company’s patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF products.

This position is a unique opportunity to play a key role in shaping the Electrical integration capabilities of the AIT team during the early phases of satellite development up to delivery. As a senior Electrical operator, you will not only execute critical spacecraft assembly tasks, but also mentor, train, and support the development of a growing team of AIT Electrical operators. You will drive quality, safety, and execution rigor across electrical operations, working closely with engineers, quality, AIT managers, and logistics. Your feedback and hands‑on knowledge will contribute directly to improving procedures, reducing errors, and supporting agile resolution of integration challenges.

Job Requirements

• Vocational training or equivalent experience in electrical integration, electronics, or space systems assembly.
• 5+ years of experience with spacecraft or high‑reliability electrical integration.
• Familiar with electrical testing, connector mating, pin inspections, and satellite electrical configurations.
• Good understanding of ESD, FOD, and safety practices in aerospace environments.
• Able to read wiring schematics, cable routing drawings, and electrical procedures.
• Proven ability to train and support junior operators.
• Experience with space‑grade connectors (D‑Sub, SMA, Nano‑D, etc.).
• Familiarity with EGSE usage and functional test environments.
• Comfortable working in cleanroom and test bay conditions.
• Fluency in English mandatory, fluency in French is preferred.
• Excellent manual skills and precision in electrical operations.
• Team spirit and willingness to help others develop their capabilities.
• Focused, calm, and safety‑conscious under pressure.
• Clear communicator with strong observational skills.
• Ownership of quality, cleanliness, and correct integration practices.

Job Responsibilities

Electrical Integration Execution

• Perform tasks such as harness routing, connector mating/demating, electrical part installation, and grounding implementation.
• Support power‑on operations and electrical checkouts in collaboration with AIT Electrical Engineers.
• Ensure cleanliness, torque control, and ESD safety procedures are rigorously followed.
• Handle high‑reliability connectors, coaxial cables, and satellite electrical interfaces safely and accurately.
• Train and support junior electrical operators on safe and correct execution of electrical integration steps.
• Lead by example, promote disciplined handling of connectors, harnesses, and electrical GSE.
• Support onboarding and practical training of new recruits using mockups, hands‑on demos, and procedural walkthroughs.

Troubleshooting & Agile Response

• Assist engineers and QA during fault isolation, power checks, and connectivity testing.
• Contribute to the resolution of anomalies, including support for visual inspection, rework, and re‑validation.
• Be flexible and responsive in dynamic integration sequences requiring changes or rework.
• Complete logs, checklists, and cable/connector traceability sheets accurately.
• Report unexpected observations during mating/demating or inspections.
• Provide feedback to engineers and AIT managers to improve electrical procedures.

Interfaces

• Work closely with AIT Electrical Engineers, AIT Managers, and QA during test and integration campaigns.
• Coordinate with logistics and inventory to ensure part availability and tool readiness.
• Communicate integration issues and improvement opportunities clearly and constructively.

Further details will be shared by our recruitment team.

Working conditions and contract: SWISSto12 offers a full‑time contract. This is an onsite position, based in Lausanne (Renens), Switzerland, and will require frequent travel to visit external partners and stakeholders as well as between our various office locations in Switzerland and Europe.

More about SWISSto12: SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with Intelsat, Inmarsat, Astrum Mobile and ESA for HummingSat as well as contracts for their RF product line in Europe, and the US with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SES and the ESA. SWISSto12 is a spin‑off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European investors. SWISSto12 is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and operates a US and European subsidiaries in Foster City, California.