Payload AIT Manager

Payload AIT Manager | Space Systems & Satellite Programmes

📍 Tres Cantos, Madrid 

At Morgan Philips, we are partnering with our client Thales Alenia Space, a global leader in the space industry, to recruit a Payload AIT Manager who will lead the Assembly, Integration and Test activities of advanced payloads for cutting-edge satellite programmes.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced space professional with a strong background in AIT/AIV, project management and systems integration who is ready to take ownership of complex work packages and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in an international environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that payload AIT activities are delivered in line with demanding technical, quality, cost and schedule objectives, acting as the focal point for all AIT-related matters throughout the programme lifecycle.

The Opportunity

As Payload AIT Manager, you will define and manage the complete AIT strategy for the assigned payload programme, from initial planning and test preparation through integration, verification, contractual reviews and final delivery.

You will coordinate the teams, resources, facilities and technical inputs required to execute complex integration and test campaigns, ensuring the availability of documentation, hardware, software, test benches and Ground Support Equipment.

Working closely with Systems Engineering, Programme Management, Engineering, Quality, Product Assurance, Operations, suppliers and customers, you will provide the technical and programmatic leadership required to achieve major programme milestones.

The position offers significant visibility across the organisation and direct exposure to international customers, prime contractors and senior programme stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

AIT Planning and Strategy

• Define the payload AIT plan in accordance with the overall programme and system test strategy.
• Establish the integration and test sequence, key milestones, dependencies and resource requirements.
• Contribute to the definition of test bench specifications and Ground Support Equipment requirements.
• Ensure the availability and maturity of all required inputs, including documentation, hardware, software, facilities and test resources.
• Align AIT activities with the wider programme schedule and contractual commitments.
• Anticipate critical constraints and define mitigation or recovery plans when required.

AIT Execution and Test Campaigns

• Manage the execution of the payload AIT plan and coordinate activities across all involved departments.
• Oversee payload assembly, integration, functional verification and associated test activities.
• Ensure operational readiness before the start of each integration or test phase.
• Organise and lead risk analyses related to AIT activities and test campaigns.
• Monitor AIT performance, identify deviations and implement corrective actions.
• Ensure rigorous execution of testing methodologies, procedures and technical standards.
• Support the investigation and resolution of test anomalies, defects and non-conformances.

Programme and Customer Interface

• Act as the programme focal point for all AIT-related technical and programmatic matters.
• Support major programme reviews and contractual milestones, including PDR, CDR and FMCR.
• Organise and lead AIT contractual milestones, including Test Readiness Reviews and Non-Conformance Review Boards.
• Provide clear visibility of AIT progress, risks, resources and performance to programme management.
• Support technical discussions and decision-making with customers, prime contractors and industrial partners.
• Coordinate payload delivery and transfer activities, ensuring the readiness of teams, resources and equipment.
• Contribute to final acceptance and delivery reviews.

Team and Stakeholder Coordination

• Functionally lead the multidisciplinary AIT team assigned to the programme.
• Establish clear responsibilities, priorities and deliverables across all contributors.
• Coordinate Systems Engineering, Engineering, Quality, Product Assurance and Operations stakeholders.
• Facilitate timely decisions and the resolution of complex technical or organisational issues.
• Promote effective collaboration across different disciplines, locations and organisations.
• Build strong relationships with international customers, suppliers and programme partners.

Work Package Management

• Manage the complete AIT Work Package, taking responsibility for its cost, schedule, quality and technical performance.
• Monitor budgets, workload, resources and programme milestones.
• Identify and manage AIT risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality standards, technical procedures and programme requirements.
• Maintain configuration control, traceability and accurate reporting across all AIT activities.
• Implement corrective and recovery actions when performance deviates from agreed objectives.

Continuous Improvement

• Capture lessons learned from integration activities and test campaigns.
• Contribute to the improvement of AIT methodologies, tools and management practices.
• Identify opportunities to optimise test sequences, resource utilisation and operational efficiency.
• Support the standardisation of AIT processes across different payload and satellite programmes.
• Promote a culture of technical excellence, accountability and continuous learning.

Your Background

We are looking for an experienced professional who combines solid technical knowledge of space AIT activities with strong project and stakeholder management capabilities.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Electronics, Industrial Engineering or another relevant technical discipline.
• Several years of experience in project or work package management within a complex engineering environment.
• Proven experience in space AIT or AIV activities, ideally at payload, subsystem or satellite level rather than exclusively at equipment level.
• Experience in one or more space domains, such as telecommunications, Earth observation or navigation systems.
• Strong understanding of Systems Engineering processes and the space programme lifecycle.
• Knowledge of integration and testing methodologies, anomaly resolution and defect management.
• Familiarity with test benches and Ground Support Equipment solutions.
• Demonstrated experience managing cost, schedule, resources and technical risks.
• Experience coordinating and functionally leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Previous involvement in satellite or payload integration programmes will be highly valued.
• Experience working with international customers, prime contractors or industrial partners is a strong advantage.
• Professional proficiency in English is essential. Spanish & French would be an asset.

What Will Make You Successful

• Strong ownership and accountability for programme results.
• Ability to combine technical depth with project management discipline.
• Sound judgement when managing technical, schedule and operational risks.
• Confidence leading multidisciplinary teams without necessarily having direct hierarchical authority.
• Excellent planning, organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Structured and pragmatic problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to remain effective during critical programme milestones and demanding test campaigns.
• Rigour, attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Agility and adaptability within international and multicultural environments.
• A proactive, collaborative and solution-oriented mindset.

Why Join Thales Alenia Space?

Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer with more than 40 years of experience delivering advanced solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructure.

Joining the company means contributing directly to technologically advanced satellite programmes that combine highly specialised engineering, international collaboration and demanding mission requirements.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• A key role in the delivery of advanced payload and satellite programmes.
• Direct responsibility for a complete AIT Work Package.
• Exposure to international customers, prime contractors and industrial partners.
• Opportunities to work with cutting-edge space technologies.
• A flexible and smart working model, including hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Free meals at the office.
• 28 business days of annual leave.
• Company pension plan.
• Individual learning and development programmes.
• A collaborative, innovative and multicultural working environment.
• Long-term career development opportunities within the global space industry. 

At Thales Alenia Space, space is more than a destination. It is an opportunity to connect, protect, explore and help build a more sustainable future on Earth.

If you are ready to lead the integration and testing of advanced space payloads and take ownership of critical programme milestones, we would like to hear from you.

Great journeys start here. Apply now.

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