Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) Manager

Location: Colorado (Onsite)
Industry: Space | Satellite Systems
Security: U.S. Citizenship required. Ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Overview

We're supporting an innovative space company developing next-generation satellite systems that combine advanced spacecraft, payload and mission technologies. They're looking for an experienced Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) Manager to become the technical authority for spacecraft integration and verification across multiple programmes.

This is a highly influential position where you'll oversee the complete integration and test strategy from early programme planning through launch readiness, working closely with engineering teams and external manufacturing partners to ensure mission success.

Rather than leading day-to-day clean room activities, you'll provide technical oversight, review supplier test strategies, challenge assumptions, and guide key programme decisions throughout the spacecraft lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical oversight of spacecraft Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) activities across multiple programmes.
• Review supplier integration and environmental test plans to ensure they meet programme objectives and mission requirements.
• Provide technical guidance on verification and validation (V&V) strategies throughout the development lifecycle.
• Assess programme risk and make informed recommendations around test scope, schedule and mission assurance.
• Support integration planning from requirements definition through launch campaign activities.
• Review Ground Support Equipment (GSE), test procedures and verification documentation.
• Work cross-functionally with systems engineering, manufacturing and programme leadership.
• Lead technical discussions with external suppliers and hold partners accountable to programme requirements.
• Support launch readiness activities and final spacecraft integration.

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics or a related technical discipline.
• 6–7+ years of direct spacecraft Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) experience.
• Strong background in spacecraft or space payload integration.
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), vibration, acoustic and EMI/EMC testing.
• Experience developing or executing Verification & Validation (V&V) activities.
• Strong understanding of requirements verification and test planning.
• Experience working with Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
• Ability to review and challenge technical documentation and supplier test plans.
• Comfortable working across the full spacecraft lifecycle through launch.

Preferred Experience

• Spacecraft-level AI&T experience.
• Optical payload integration.
• Laser communications or advanced sensor systems.
• Previous experience supporting launch campaigns.
• Experience working alongside large aerospace primes or major government programmes.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have built their career in hands-on spacecraft integration and test before progressing into a more programme-focused technical leadership role.

You'll be someone who can confidently challenge suppliers, identify gaps in verification strategies and make pragmatic engineering decisions when programmes face technical or schedule pressures.

This role suits someone who enjoys influencing complex programmes rather than spending every day in the clean room, while still having the technical depth to dive into the detail when required.