AIT Spacecraft Manager

Introduction

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 and 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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.

• 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,…