AIT Spacecraft Manager

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ALTEN is looking for an experienced AIT Manager in London to lead Assembly, Integration and Test activities for a spacecraft mission, overseeing the full lifecycle from assembly to final acceptance testing. You will define the AIT strategy, schedules and resources, manage a team of technicians and engineers, and ensure compliance with high reliability space standards and cleanroom protocols. The role demands hands on experience with functional and environmental testing, subsystem validation, and NCR/document control, plus the ability to coordinate across systems engineering, avionics and project management. Essential: mandatory space industry experience and a clearable status; on site 1 to 2 times per month. Apply by showcasing leadership of space hardware integration, test campaigns, cleanroom handling, risk management and readiness for clearance.

Company Description

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

Job Description

Seeking an experienced AIT Manager to join our team in London to lead Assembly, Integration & Test activities for a major spacecraft mission within the space sector. You will oversee the full AIT lifecycle, ensuring that all flight hardware is integrated, tested, and validated to the highest reliability standards required for orbital operations.

• Location: London
• On Site: 1-2x a month
• Clearance: Clearable 
• Experience Level: Mid - Senior 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate all AIT activities across spacecraft subsystems, from initial assembly through final acceptance testing.
• Define and maintain the AIT strategy, workflows, schedules, and resource planning for the mission.
• Manage a team of AIT Technicians and Engineers, providing daily direction, task allocation, and technical oversight.
• Ensure all integration and test activities follow high‑reliability space standards, cleanroom protocols, and mission‑specific requirements.
• Oversee functional testing, electrical verification, mechanical integration, and subsystem‑level validation.
• Drive test campaign planning, including vibration, thermal‑vacuum, EMC, and environmental qualification activities.
• Review and approve test procedures, integration plans, NCRs, and technical documentation.
• Act as the primary interface between AIT, systems engineering, avionics, mechanical engineering, and project management teams.
• Ensure smooth hardware flow, from incoming inspection through integration, testing, and final delivery.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• Mandatory Space industry experience — direct involvement in spacecraft AIT, satellite assembly, or high‑reliability space hardware integration.
• Proven experience leading AIT teams or supervising integration activities.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft electrical, mechanical, and harness interfaces.
• Hands‑on experience with functional testing, environmental testing, and subsystem validation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, ICDs, wiring diagrams, and test procedures.
• Experience managing NCRs, test reports, and integration documentation.
• Excellent coordination skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong awareness of cleanroom practices, contamination control, and flight hardware handling.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience planning and executing full spacecraft‑level test campaigns.
• Exposure to spacecraft AIT scheduling, risk management, and configuration control.
• Understanding of system‑level verification, acceptance criteria, and mission readiness processes.
• Experience supporting launch‑site AIT or final spacecraft checkout activities.

Additional Information

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.