Head of Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Testing

About the role

The company is an innovative European space technology firm expanding its satellite constellation. It seeks a senior leader to head Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration and Testing (MAITE) operations, building a high‑performance production organisation for small Earth‑observation satellites.

Key responsibilities

• Build, manage and lead the MAITE teams responsible for spacecraft production.
• Oversee mechanical, electrical and system‑level assembly to meet quality and safety standards.
• Plan and optimise facility layouts, supporting expansion to increase capacity.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams including AIT engineers, technicians, facility and stock managers.
• Ensure training, onboarding and continuous development of new team members.
• Control satellite production schedules and coordinate with engineering, configuration management and supply‑chain teams.
• Collaborate with quality assurance and integration to meet program timelines.
• Support inventory management for equipment, tools and consumables.
• Drive continuous improvement of processes, tools and work environment.
• Plan and execute AIT testing campaigns, managing resources, priorities and documentation.
• Troubleshoot technical issues with engineering and improve throughput.

Required profile

• Minimum 8 years of experience in manufacturing, assembly, integration or testing within the space industry.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary engineering and technician teams in a production or AIT environment.
• Strong understanding of the end‑to‑end satellite production lifecycle.
• Solid knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and practical application.

Required skills

• Lean manufacturing
• Satellite assembly and integration
• Integration and testing (AIT) processes
• Quality assurance procedures
• Inventory management for manufacturing equipment