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ICEYE, a leader in satellite-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) intelligence, is seeking an AIT Engineering Team Lead to lead the assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) function for satellite systems and optical payloads. This is a technical leadership and people management role in a dynamic, early-stage production environment where products and processes are continuously evolving.
You will lead and develop the AIT Engineering team while serving as the technical focal point for all AIT activities during spacecraft builds and integration campaigns. The role sits at the critical interface between Engineering and Production, requiring you to translate design intent into robust, manufacturable, integrable, and testable processes. You will work closely with optical, mechanical, electrical, systems, quality, and production teams to ensure successful integration and validation of both internally developed and externally supplied optical payloads.
Key responsibilities include: leading and mentoring the AIT Engineering team; directing spacecraft assembly, integration, and testing activities; supporting integration and validation of external optical payloads; combining technical leadership with hands-on involvement in troubleshooting and verification; ensuring AIT readiness before builds (tools, GSE, procedures, documentation); driving structured problem-solving and root cause analysis; acting as the bridge between Production and Engineering; defining and continuously improving AIT processes, procedures, and technical documentation; supporting production ramp-up through improved efficiency and scalability; and building strong technical capabilities within the organization.
Required qualifications: 5+ years of hands-on experience in spacecraft AIT, system integration, testing, or complex hardware production; strong experience with spacecraft integration and system-level testing across multiple engineering disciplines; experience with optical systems, optomechanics, optical payloads, or Earth Observation systems; experience with complex precision hardware in cleanroom or controlled environments; strong system-level understanding across mechanical, electrical, optical, and systems engineering; experience with DFM/DFT principles; proficiency with AIT processes, test procedures, verification, and technical documentation; experience with GSE, tooling, fixtures, and test setups; strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills; experience with MES, ERP, or test data management systems; familiarity with Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies; understanding of configuration-controlled production and engineering environments; strong communication and stakeholder management skills; and fluent English (written and spoken).
Nice-to-have skills include optical alignment and metrology experience, environmental testing support (thermal vacuum, vibration, EMC), external supplier/partner management, product development from prototype through production ramp-up, and experience with design/production readiness reviews (PDR, CDR, PRR).
