Head of AIT Engineering Unit

Head of AIT Engineering Unit

Argotec

San Mauro Torinese, Italy

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 EXPERIENCES & 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.