Argotec is an Italian aerospace company specializing in the production of small satellite platforms (from 6U Cubesats up to 250kg-platforms) and innovative products to improve the comfort of space explorers. Thanks to its facilities and know-how, the company's activities follow the "all in-house" concept, which includes design, development, integration, qualification and operational services. At Argotec, we’re not just building satellites; we’re shaping the future of space innovation.

To support our Company’s growth, we are looking for a Head of AIT Engineering Unit who will lead the end-to-end planning and execution of all Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) activities across the company’s projects. The ideal candidate should have a strong background in the planning and execution of space projects and products, particularly in the space and defense sector.

We foster a collaborative environment where every Argonaut can contribute with their ideas and expertise, create meaningful value together and transform feedback and mistakes into opportunities for learning and innovation — growing both professionally and personally, as individuals and as a team.

DUTIES
 

As Head of AIT Engineering, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring that flight hardware — from components to fully integrated satellites — is built, tested, and delivered to the highest standards. You will be responsible for establishing robust, scalable processes that support both development and series production, while building and managing a high-performing technical team. 
As the company ramps up toward parallel production and launch of multiple satellites, your leadership will be key to achieving operational excellence and mission success.

The activities will include (but are not limited to):

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians, with expertise in assembly, integration and testing activities to ensure that design outputs meet production needs. 
• Oversee the drafting, validation, and continuous improvement of detailed AIT procedures based on engineering specifications and mission requirements.
• Define, prepare, and maintain Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and test setups.
• Manage and coordinate all satellite and subsystem assembly operations in Clean Room and laboratory environments.
• Lead and execute integration and functional test campaigns, ensuring adherence to quality standards and full traceability.
• Oversee the planning and execution of environmental testing, validating the associated test reports to ensure compliance with flight requirements.
• Collaborate with launch providers and ground teams to ensure seamless integration and readiness for launch campaigns.
• Interface with the Quality Assurance function during AIT phases to ensure proper documentation, traceability, and non-conformance management.
• Deliver training and mentorship to Production Technicians to support both development and series production.
• Support the production team during in-line and end-of-line testing and resolution of anomalies for series production, ensuring operational continuity and robust processes across production batches.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
 

• Master’s Degree in Engineering or related technical fields.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in spacecraft and subsystem-level AIT, including 3 to 5 years in a leadership or team management role.
• Proven experience in the execution of complex engineering projects.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and at all levels of seniority.
• Hands-on and proactive approach.
• Analytical mindset and continuous learning attitude.
• Fluency in English, both written and oral.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCES & SKILLS

• Proven track record of delivering hardware for orbital missions, including full AIT responsibility from integration to launch.
• Demonstrated ability to scale AIT operations for multiple spacecraft or constellation programs.
• In-depth knowledge of spacecraft systems, modular AIT strategies, Clean Room protocols and environmental test standards.
• Previous experience with BOM and GSE management, test procedure development and satellite production environments.
• Strong leadership skills, with focus on team development, training and cross-functional collaboration.

ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Demonstrated experience in the space and defense sector.
• In-depth knowledge of space standards (CCSDS, ECSS, MIL).
• Ability to work well under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong decision-making skills and a result-driven approach.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn.

WHY JOIN ARGOTEC?
 

• Opportunity to work with highly motivated colleagues in a very innovative environment.
• Professional training and career development opportunities.
• Flexible working time schedule and a hybrid work policy.
• Monthly "Free-Day" - every second Friday: time off to dedicate to your family and/or hobbies.
• A diversified community that organizes extra-work and fun activities.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.

Our selection process is tailored to each role and includes at least a call with our Talent Acquisition Team, a technical evaluation, and a final in-person meeting. Your recruiter will share more insights during your first meeting with us!

At Argotec, we thrive on diverse perspectives and unique strengths. Your individuality could be the missing piece to our puzzle! Even if you don't meet every skill listed above, we encourage you to apply if you're passionate about the role and believe you can contribute to our team's success.

Our selection process is built on impartiality, transparency, and equal opportunity, ensuring that every candidate is evaluated based on skills, experience, and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, we actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to protected categories (Law 68/99). In the event of equal qualifications, priority may be given to candidates who meet these criteria.

At Argotec, we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusion, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. This opportunity is open to everyone, regardless – for instance – of ethnic or cultural background, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Join us in a workplace where everyone belongs.

This announcement is aimed at both sexes, under laws 903/77 and 125/91, and to people of all ages and all nationalities, under legislative decrees 215/03 and 216/03.