Lead AIT Manager

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

As we scale our vehicle portfolio, we are growing the team responsible for bringing these vehicles to life.

Role Overview

As Lead AIT, you will own end-to-end vehicle manufacturing at TEC — from the first component arriving on the floor to the final acceptance hand-over. You will ensure that all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, and Satellites) are delivered On Time, On Quality, On Cost (OTOQOC). Leading a multidisciplinary AIT organization, you will set the technical and operational standards that define how TEC builds spacecraft.

Direct Reports Include

• GSE (Ground Support Equipment)
• Mechanical / Propulsion / Thermal
• Operations
• Electrical Functional Test
  
  

Key Responsibilities

In your capacity as Lead AIT, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include:

Vehicle Realisation & OTOQOC

• Ensure all TEC vehicles (Capsule, Lunar Lander, Satellites) are assembled, integrated, and tested On Time, On Quality, and On Cost.
• Define, implement, and enforce AIT plans, procedures, and schedules across all programmes.
• Drive non-conformance resolution and lessons-learned processes to continuously raise the quality bar.
• Ensure full traceability and compliance of AIT activities with applicable quality, safety, and reliability standards (ESA, NASA, or equivalent).
  
  

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Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop the AIT team across GSE, Mechanical/Propulsion/Thermal, Operations, and Electrical Functional Test functions.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for direct reports and the broader AIT organisation.
• Foster a culture of extreme ownership, rigour, and continuous improvement on the shop floor and respect of rules for Flight hardware building (double check, cleanliness etc…).
  
  

Budget & Resource Management

• Own and manage the AIT budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently across programmes.
• Build and maintain multi-year budget forecasts aligned with the vehicle development roadmap.
• Identify cost optimisation opportunities without compromising schedule or quality.
  
  

Operational Planning & Infrastructure

• Anticipate and plan operational needs including cleanroom and integration hall floor space (SQM), infrastructure upgrades, and tooling procurement.
• Manage the procurement and qualification of all AIT tooling, GSE, and test equipment.
• Ensure facilities and infrastructure scale in line with the vehicle production ramp-up.
  
  

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Programme Management to ensure seamless transition from design to hardware.
• Represent AIT in programme reviews, customer audits, and milestone gates.
• Interface with external partners, test facilities, and launch service providers as required.
  
  

What We Would Love To See From You

In the role of Lead AIT, ideally, you will have the following:

• 10 to 15 years of experience as an AIT Manager on equivalent space vehicles (spacecraft, launchers, satellites, or planetary landers), with a demonstrable track record of delivering OTOQOC.
• Proven ability to lead large, multidisciplinary AIT teams covering mechanical, electrical, propulsion, thermal, and GSE functions.
• Deep technical expertise in spacecraft AIT processes, including MAIT planning, work instruction authoring, hazardous operations, and acceptance test campaigns.
• Strong budget management skills, with experience owning multi-million-euro AIT budgets and reporting to senior leadership.
• Demonstrated experience anticipating and planning for operational infrastructure needs: cleanroom SQM, cranes, vacuum chambers, vibration rigs, tooling.
• Solid knowledge of space industry standards (ECSS, ESA, NASA) and their practical application in an AIT context.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills: you communicate clearly, make decisions under pressure, and bring your team with you.
• Hands-on mindset — you are equally comfortable in a management review and on the shop floor.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up environment where priorities evolve and resourcefulness is valued.
• Fluent in English; French or German is a plus.
  
  

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BONUS POINTS

• Experience with multiple vehicle types (e.g., satellite + crewed vehicle + lander) across different mission profiles.
• Exposure to serial production ramp-up in a space context.
• Familiarity with New Space operating models and the associated pace and culture.
• Experience interfacing with launch campaign teams and range safety.
  
  

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

• We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?
  
  

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.