AIT Manager

Job Description
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 leading the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) of advanced satellite systems and subsystems. As AIT Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all AIT activities from design maturity to delivery readiness including the launchpad Working across engineering, operations, procurement, and quality, you will ensure seamless integration, test readiness, and hardware flow throughout the AIT lifecycle. You will lead the execution of structured AIT plans, align multidisciplinary teams, resolve technical and logistical challenges, and ensure delivery milestones are met. Your leadership ensures the operational success and continuous improvement of integration processes, test strategy, and stakeholder coordination.

Job Requirements

• Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, or Telecommunications Engineering.
• 7+ years of experience in spacecraft integration and test, ideally across multiple programs.
• Excellent knowledge of AIT environments, cleanroom protocols, and qualification/acceptance standards (ECSS/MIL).
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft subsystems and their integration workflows.
• Clear communicator with high discipline, ownership, and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, handle ambiguity, resolve complex technical challenges.
• Fluent in English; French proficiency is a strong plus.
• Operationally structured and proactive leader, capable of driving results and motivating teams.
• Strong integrator, comfortable navigating technical, logistical, and organizational challenges.
• Agile mindset with the ability to anticipate and respond quickly to integration and test challenges.
• Committed to continuous improvement, procedural quality, and delivery focus.
• Be comfortable working with tight timelines, across multiple time zones and with frequent travels.

Job Responsibilities

AIT Planning & Coordination

• Lead AIT planning and execution across one or more spacecraft or subsystem products.
• Translate system requirements and architecture into detailed AIT flows, logic, and phase planning.
• Develop AIT plans and sequences in coordination with AIT Engineers, Quality, and Operators.
• Coordinate with the GSE Managers to ensure equipment and tools readiness (EGSE, MGSE).

Execution Oversight

• Oversee integration and test execution from build-up through final validation.
• Ensure readiness of all materials, documentation, and resources ahead of task execution.
• Maintain daily visibility on progress, deviations, and non-conformances, escalating where needed.
• Support risk mitigation, task reprioritization, and fast resolution of issues in real time.

Cross-functional Interfaces

• Act as the key interface between AIT, Procurement, Engineering, QA, and Mission Operations.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and external partners during integration and verification phases.
• Ensure test sequences and data are aligned with systems engineering and QA requirements.
• Support logistics related to environmental facilities and launch site preparation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Ensure traceability and quality through validated procedures and integration records.
• Lead or support the organization of AIT-related reviews (e.g. IRR, TRR, QR) and contribute to major project reviews (PDR, CDR, FRR).
• Ensure compliance with ECSS/MIL standards and internal quality assurance requirements.
• Support non-conformance management and lesson learned documentation.

Team Leadership & Coordination

• Work closely with AIT Engineers, GSE Managers, Operators, and QA to form a cohesive execution team.
• Communicate priorities clearly and ensure the team is aligned on short-term objectives and long-term delivery goals.
• Support mentoring and coordination of newer team members in the integration environment.

Job Benefits

Further details to be shared by our recruitment team.

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-subsidiariesy in Foster City California. The company is well funded for its near and mid-term developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream.