AIT Engineer - Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Integration

Exotrail

Massy, France

Exotrail is hiring an experienced AIT Engineer to play a key role on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Integration processes for the SpaceVan™ project. This role focuses on managing and supporting assembly, integration, and environmental testing of spacecraft systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and supporting launch campaigns through proactive problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail. The AIT engineer most also be capable of both MGSE design and operational execution in a cleanroom setting.

The current team comprises several AIT engineers and technicians across missions (LEO, GEO, Rendez-vous), and this role will support test phases for diverse mission types.

Your main tasks will be:

Integration Planning: Develop integration strategies and optimize workflows for successful subsystem integration, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams;
Technical Integration Oversight: Lead and oversee the integration of structural, thermal, and electrical components, verifying alignment, fit, and functionality, and implementing corrections as needed;
Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Integration: Conduct assembly and integration of spacecraft components across mechanical, thermal, and electrical domains, ensuring strict adherence to technical protocols, cleanliness standards, and quality control measures;
Test Preparation & Execution: Create detailed test procedures, set up and organize materials, equipment, and tools required for various in-house functional and environmental tests, including vibration and thermal tests, ensuring readiness and compliance with test standards;
Component Verification: Inspect and verify all components before integration, performing dimensional and functional checks to ensure each part meets design specifications.
Environmental Testing & Launch Campaign Support: Manage environmental testing campaigns (e.g., TVAC, vibration), setting up and maintaining GSE and MGSE, and ensuring all testing standards are met;
MGSE Design and Development: Lead the design, development, and validation of MGSE for various AIT phases, including initial concept, CAD modeling, structural analysis, and fabrication oversight. Ensure the MGSE meets the specific mechanical and thermal requirements for spacecraft handling, integration, and testing;
Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Maintenance: Ensure proper setup, calibration, and maintenance of Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) and Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) used during integration, troubleshooting issues as they arise;
Cleanroom, ESD and HSE Management: Supervise cleanroom activities, enforce Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) protocols and HSE standards, ensuring contamination control, equipment and personnel protection;
Configuration Management: Track all hardware and procedural modifications, ensuring strict configuration control and compliance with IVVQ specifications;
Troubleshooting & Technical Support: Provide on-site support, address integration issues, resolve NCRs, and coordinate with quality assurance and engineering teams for timely resolutions;
Continuous Improvement & Documentation: Document procedures, outcomes, and lessons learned to refine processes and support future missions;
You will work under the supervision of the AIT Team Leader and maintain regular interactions with the cross-functional teams.

Preferred Experience:

Exotrail is looking for an AIT Engineer with hands-on experience in mechanical, thermal, electronics assembly and integration, ideally within the aerospace or satellite industry, as well as proficiency on GSE design. The preferred candidate should have:

Education: Holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, industrial, electrical engineering or a related field;
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Catia) for reading technical drawings and designing MGSE;
- Strong understanding of integration and environmental testing standards, with hands-on experience setting up and operating test equipment;
- Knowledge in Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) design and management, from preliminary to finalized design, including CAD definition, manufacturing drawings, and BOM management;
- Familiarity with IVVQ processes, with a focus on ensuring compliance across mechanical, thermal, and electrical domains;
- Experience in preparing for and executing environmental tests, including vibration and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing;
- Strong background in contamination control and cleanroom practices, ensuring sterile integration and testing;
- Knowledge in ESD handling protocols to protect sensitive electronics during testing;
- Knowledge in using automated test scripts in Python, C, or C++ to streamline testing operations and data acquisition is a plus.
A minimum of 2+ years in spacecraft AIT engineering, specifically with mechanical, thermal, and electrical integration for aerospace or satellite systems. Prior experience managing environmental testing campaigns (e.g., vibration, TVAC, and EMC) is highly desirable;
In addition, and as importantly, the candidate must have the following mindset;
Passionate about technical, hands-on work with strong problem-solving and analytical capabilities;
Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to high-quality standards;
Effective communication skills to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams;
Flexible to evolving project priorities in a fast-paced setting;
Comfortable in a dynamic start-up environment, working with a pragmatic risk-taking and accountable approach;
Fluent in English; proficiency in French is an asset.