Title : AIT Lead Engineer – SmallSats
Working Model : Hybrid – Onsite presence required during spacecraft integration and testing campaigns, with flexibility for remote working during planning, documentation and strategy activities.
Employment Type : Full-Time
About the Company Xperior General is partnering with an established European space engineering company specialising in the design, development, integration and testing of advanced satellite systems.
The company is expanding its SmallSat capabilities and supporting the development of new satellite missions, including a multi-satellite constellation programme.
As part of this expansion, they are strengthening their Assembly, Integration, Testing and Verification (AIT&V;) capabilities and are looking to appoint an experienced AIT Lead Engineer to take technical ownership of spacecraft integration and testing activities.
The Role Our client is looking for an experienced AIT Lead Engineer to lead the technical execution of spacecraft Assembly, Integration, Testing and Verification activities across its SmallSat missions.
Reporting to project and engineering leadership, you will act as the primary technical authority for AIT activities, taking responsibility for defining integration strategies, planning test campaigns, supervising cleanroom operations and ensuring spacecraft achieve flight readiness.
Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership: Lead the technical execution of spacecraft assembly, integration, testing and verification activities across satellite programmes.
AIT Strategy & Model Philosophy: Define spacecraft AIT philosophy, model philosophy, integration sequences, verification approaches and overall test flows.
Planning & Documentation:



Develop and maintain AIT plans, prepare high-level test plans and review or approve integration procedures, test specifications and technical reports.
Provide direct technical supervision of spacecraft mechanical and electrical integration activities within cleanroom environments.
Lead troubleshooting, anomaly investigations and root-cause analysis, representing AIT engineering at Non-Conformance Review Boards (NRBs).
Technical Decision-Making: Take responsibility for key technical decisions during integration and testing, ensuring spacecraft meet verification and flight-readiness requirements.
Oversee supplier activities and the development of equipment needed for integration and testing.
Environmental Testing: Plan, coordinate and technically supervise major environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, EMC and mass properties testing.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with systems, mechanical, electrical, software and project engineering teams to ensure successful integration and verification of spacecraft systems.
The Ideal Candidate We are looking for an experienced spacecraft AIT/AIV engineer who combines strong technical knowledge with practical, hands-on integration and testing experience.
Typically 6–10+ years of relevant spacecraft or complex payload AIT/AIV experience,



including experience as a Senior AIT Engineer, AIT Lead or equivalent technical authority.
Proven hands-on experience integrating and testing complete spacecraft, satellite subsystems or complex space payloads.
Experience taking technical ownership of integration and testing activities, defining test strategies and making engineering decisions.
Strong understanding of ECSS standards, Verification Control Documents (VCDs), spacecraft verification approaches and qualification versus acceptance model philosophies.
Environmental Testing: Direct experience with cleanroom operations and environmental test campaigns, including TVAC, vibration, EMC and mass properties testing.
Strong technical understanding of Mechanical and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE/EGSE), including equipment specifications, procurement and supplier technical oversight.
Demonstrated ability to investigate technical anomalies, perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
Working Environment: Comfortable operating in lean, agile engineering teams where individual ownership, technical autonomy and resourcefulness are essential.
Advanced English communication skills, both written and spoken. Spanish language skills are an advantage.
Location & Work Eligibility Candidates must be willing and able to work onsite at the client's facilities in the Basque Country during spacecraft integration and testing campaigns.
Hybrid working arrangements are possible for activities such as planning, documentation and technical strategy.
Visa sponsorship is not available.
Flexible working hours and hybrid flexibility where project activities permit.

📌 Lead Engineer (Vitoria-Gasteiz)
🏢 Xperior Global
📍 Vitoria-Gasteiz