Payload AIT Manager | Space Systems & Satellite Programmes

Tres Cantos, Madrid

At Morgan Philips , we are partnering with our client Thales Alenia Space , a general leader in the space industry, to recruit a Payload AIT Manager who will lead the Assembly, Integration and Test activities of advanced payloads for cutting-edge satellite programmes.

This is a high-impact opportunity for an experienced space professional with a strong background in AIT/AIV, project management and systems integration who is ready to take ownership of complex work packages and coordinate multidisciplinary teams in an international environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that payload AIT activities are delivered in line with demanding technical, quality, cost and schedule objectives , acting as the focal point for all AIT-related matters throughout the programme lifecycle.

The Opportunity

As Payload AIT Manager , you will define and manage the complete AIT strategy for the assigned payload programme, from initial planning and test preparation through integration, verification, contractual reviews and final delivery.

You will coordinate the teams, resources, facilities and technical inputs required to execute complex integration and test campaigns, ensuring the availability of documentation, hardware, software, test benches and Ground Support Equipment .

Working closely with Systems Engineering, Programme Management, Engineering, Quality, Product Assurance, Operations, suppliers and customers , you will provide the technical and programmatic leadership required to achieve major programme milestones.





The position offers significant visibility across the organisation and direct exposure to international customers, prime contractors and senior programme stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

AIT Planning and Strategy

- Define the payload AIT plan in accordance with the overall programme and system test strategy.
- Establish the integration and test sequence, key milestones, dependencies and resource requirements.
- Contribute to the definition of test bench specifications and Ground Support Equipment requirements.
- Ensure the availability and maturity of all required inputs, including documentation, hardware, software, facilities and test resources.
- Align AIT activities with the wider programme schedule and contractual commitments.
- Anticipate critical constraints and define mitigation or recovery plans when required.

AIT Execution and Test Campaigns

- Manage the execution of the payload AIT plan and coordinate activities across all involved departments.
- Oversee payload assembly, integration, functional verification and associated test activities.
- Ensure operational readiness before the start of each integration or test phase.
- Organise and lead risk analyses related to AIT activities and test campaigns.
- Monitor AIT performance,



identify deviations and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure rigorous execution of testing methodologies, procedures and technical standards.
- Support the investigation and resolution of test anomalies, defects and non-conformances.

Programme and Customer Interface

- Act as the programme focal point for all AIT-related technical and programmatic matters.
- Support major programme reviews and contractual milestones, including PDR, CDR and FMCR .
- Organise and lead AIT contractual milestones, including Test Readiness Reviews and Non-Conformance Review Boards .
- Provide clear visibility of AIT progress, risks, resources and performance to programme management.
- Support technical discussions and decision-making with customers, prime contractors and industrial partners.
- Coordinate payload delivery and transfer activities, ensuring the readiness of teams, resources and equipment.
- Contribute to final acceptance and delivery reviews.

Team and Stakeholder Coordination

- Functionally lead the multidisciplinary AIT team assigned to the programme.
- Establish clear responsibilities, priorities and deliverables across all contributors.
- Coordinate Systems Engineering, Engineering, Quality, Product Assurance and Operations stakeholders.
- Facilitate timely decisions and the resolution of complex technical or organisational issues.
- Promote effective collaboration across different disciplines, locations and organisations.
- Build strong relationships with international customers, suppliers and programme partners.

Work Package Management

📌 Payload AIT Manager (España)
🏢 Morgan Philips Group
📍 España