AIT Engineer - Mechanical Verified today

Why this role matters

The Mechanical AIT Engineer transforms satellite designs into reliable, flight-ready hardware. You are the technical authority for mechanical and composite hardware in Athens: how satellites are assembled and aligned, what proves they will survive launch, and what evidence exists that every build was done correctly.

You define the AIT processes, tooling and ground support equipment the facilities need as they grow from subassembly production towards full satellite integration. You make sure the design, the processes and the tooling can carry production to high throughput, and you feed what you learn on the floor back into design, so that each build is more manufacturable, more testable and more reliable than the last.

Your responsibilities

• Define MAITE processes for building sub-assemblies and satellites: integration flows, standard sequences, work packages and test strategy.
• Qualify critical assembly, integration and test processes using PFMEA and control plans; define acceptance criteria and standardised procedures.
• Specify tooling, equipment and workstations each process needs, and lead transfer from prototype to series production for high throughput.
• Work with Engineering from concept phase applying design for manufacturing, assembly and testability (DFM, DFA, DFT); bring buildability, tolerance stack-up, tool access and test provisions into design iterations before freeze.
• Support internal and supplier design and readiness reviews (PDR, CDR, PRR, IRR, TRR); ensure designs are mature and ready for production; identify industrial risks early with action plans.
• Lead and execute structural, mechanical and thermal assembly and integration of satellites and sub-assemblies.
• Own the mechanical build standard: torque and preload, locking methods, bonding, composite handling, cleanliness and ESD discipline.
• Verify components before integration, perform precision alignment and dimensional verification of critical interfaces, and support assembly, harness routing and test setup on the floor.
• Plan, prepare and lead environmental test campaigns including vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, acoustic and EMC; guide system-level functional verification.
• Design or evaluate test fixtures, derive test levels, and act as technical point of contact towards internal and external test facilities.
• Own mass properties: mass budget, centre of gravity, moment of inertia and launch vehicle interface data.
• Specify, design, procure and validate Mechanical Ground Support Equipment for handling, transport, integration and test from concept through fabrication oversight.
• Verify structural margins, define proof load testing and recertification intervals, and certify equipment before use on flight hardware.
• Act as technical authority for mechanical and composite parts from suppliers, covering capability assessment, special process review and First Article Inspection.
• Act as technical reference for composite hardware (CFRP panels, honeycomb assemblies, bonded joints, potted inserts); define handling, machining, acceptance and inspection criteria including non-destructive inspection.
• Maintain as-built configuration and traceability; apply engineering changes consistently to hardware and documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve integration issues; support root cause analysis and corrective actions; coordinate with Engineering, production and other teams to ensure schedule and quality adherence.
• Define AIT process requirements for facilities and work with Global Manufacturing Infrastructure team on layout.
• Define contamination control, ESD and handling requirements; propose improvements where process or environment falls short.
• Capture lessons learned from the floor to improve procedures, tooling, test efficiency and build reliability; align with Global AIT and Engineering teams on product standards and process updates.
• Mentor and support local engineers and technicians; share AIT best practices and foster a culture of quality and accountability.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in development, integration, testing or production of complex hardware systems (aerospace, defense, automotive, semiconductors, satellites), including work on flight or equivalently critical hardware.
• Demonstrated experience defining and qualifying assembly, integration and test processes, turning them into standardised work packages, and taking a product from first units towards series production.
• Deep technical knowledge in mechanical engineering, with system-level understanding across full product architectures and ability to spot issues across interfaces between design, production and operations.
• Demonstrated ownership of environmental test campaigns from specification through execution to reporting.
• Practical mastery of precision mechanical assembly (torque and preload, locking methods, bonded and inserted joints, alignment and dimensional verification) and of composite hardware including its handling and inspection constraints.
• Experience specifying, designing or validating MGSE or comparable handling and test tooling.
• Ability to read mechanical drawings, CAD models, GD&T and interface control documents, and translate them into procedures others can execute.
• Strong track record of enabling design for manufacturing, assembly and testability (DFM, DFA, DFT), working alongside design teams rather than after them.
• Familiarity with verification and configuration management in complex hardware industries, including root cause analysis and non-conformance ownership through to closure.
• Working knowledge of cleanroom and ESD discipline. Integration in Athens is typically ISO 8, with ISO 7 and ISO 5 environments also possible.
• Experience in multidisciplinary engineering environments, mentoring engineers or technicians, and communicating clearly with designers, production leads and executive stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills in English (written and spoken).

Nice to have

• Industrialisation and methods toolkit: Lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, standard work, line balancing, capacity planning, APQP or PPAP.
• Familiarity with EN 9100 and ECSS standards as applied to space hardware.
• Experience defining AIT process or facility layout requirements alongside a facilities or infrastructure team.
• CAD and structural analysis proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA or equivalent) for tooling and fixtures, and metrology with laser trackers, theodolites or CMM.
• Non-destructive inspection interpretation on bonded or composite structures.
• Hands-on operation of environmental test equipment, or involvement in its acceptance and commissioning.
• Automated test scripting (Python or equivalent), and familiarity with PLM, ERP, Manufacturo (MES) or Jira for build records and configuration control.
• Launch campaign or launcher interface experience.

Role details

Department: Global Manufacturing Organisation

Reporting to: AIT Engineering Team Leader

Contract: Permanent

Location: Athens, Greece

Working model: On-site (occasional travel for environmental test and suppliers facility)

Employment is subject to applicable security screening (including SUPO, where required).