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AIT Spacecraft Manager

SWISSto12 is one of the world’s fastest-growing aerospace companies, evolving from its pioneering use of 3D printing technologies for high-performance Radio Frequency (RF) products and applications to recently announcing the manufacture of entire geostationary telecom satellites, called HummingSat, that define a new category in space.

HummingSat is the world’s first commercial telecom GEO SmallSat developed in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). Its uniquely compact size combined with highly capable telecom payloads allows telecommunications operators to deploy a cost-efficient, compact and agile asset without sacrificing performance or security. HummingSat has recently been selected by Inmarsat to build three I-8 satellites and in 2022 by Intelsat to build the I-45 satellite.

SWISSto12 is also a leading provider of Radio-Frequency (RF) products and sub-systems. The company’s patented 3D printing technologies and associated product designs are unique to deliver lightweight, compact, highly performing, and competitive RF products.

This position is a unique opportunity to play a key role in the development of a new class of telecommunication satellites. If you are looking for position where you can play an active role in contributing to an innovative and fast growing company, this role is for you.

In this role, you will be responsible for the following functions:

  • Leading the planning, development and implementation of the assembly, integration and test of telecommunication satellites and their equipment/subsystems.
  • Develop overall AIT strategies, methodologies, and schedules in coordination with the project management team and systems engineering team.
  • Create detailed AIT flows, plans and test matrices for the different phases of the project.
  • Collaborate with spacecraft designers, system engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Coordinate AIT activities with subcontractors and partners.
  • Coordinate AIT activities with software development, mission operations, and quality assurance, to meet project milestones and objectives.
  • dentify potential risks and challenges associated with AIT activities and develop mitigation strategies
  • Proactively address issues and obstacles that arise during the AIT process, working closely with the AIT team and other relevant parties.
  • Identify resource needs, including personnel, equipment, facilities, and budget, to support AIT activities.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices, and quality assurance processes throughout the AIT activities.
  • Responsible for logistics related to external environmental facilities and launch preparation.
  • Support program reviews (PDR, CDR, FMCR,…) – Organises AIT reviews
  • Design and integration of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) including Mechanical GSE (MGSE), Electrical GSE (EGSE) (hardware and software), and Tanking GSE (TGSE).
  • Responsible of the availability of test tools (GSE)
  • Organise the transfer of end product to the next phase in the project (including availability of documents and necessary tools)

Required experience and competencies:

  • 7 or more years of experience in the space industry including extensive experience in AIT engineering at the satellite level
  • Ideally have completed AIT activities on a number of different satellites
  • Excellent knowledge of spacecraft AIT testing facilities
  • Good knowledge of Space Qualification and Acceptance test campaigns standard as per ECSS/MIL
  • Proactive problem-solving with drive to chase issues through to their conclusion
  • Must possess the ability to resolve complex technical problems and complex management of technical activities.
  • Autonomous and proactive working style with excellent working organisation and ethics
  • Communicating effectively, excellent relational skills and ability to work in a team with different professional and cultural backgrounds, as well as spread across different regions
  • Ability to “think outside of the box” and thrive in an often-ambiguous trade-space
  • Masters or PhD degree in Electrical or Mechanical or Aerospace or Telecommunications Engineering
  • Language: Fluent English is a prerequisite

Working conditions and contract:

SWISSto12 offers a full-time contract with an attractive compensation package. This position will be based in our Lausanne, Switzerland office and will require travel in Europe and between Europe and the US to work with teams and supplier at both locations.

Interested applicants are requested to apply through LinkedIn

More about SWISSto12:

SWISSto12 has successfully established contracts with Inmarsat, Intelsat and ESA for HummingSat as well as an established and growing business for its RF product line in Europe and the US with prominent partners and customers such as Thales, Frontgrade, Profen and ESA. SWISSto12 spun-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) in 2011, is privately owned and backed by prominent Swiss and European Investors. SWISSto12 is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, and operates a US-subsidiary in Foster City California and another team in New Hampshire. The company is well funded for its near and mid-term developments and backed by a solid customer revenue stream.