Head of AIT

Location: Madrid Tres Cantos, Spain A Joint Venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer delivering, for more than 40 years, high-tech solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth Observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Thanks to our diversity of skills, talents and cultures, our customers (governments, institutions, space agencies, telecommunications operators), therefore have Space to Connect, Secure & Defend, Observe & Protect, Explore, Travel & Navigate.

Thales in Spain is a leader in technological solutions applied to Defence, Aeronautics, Security, Transportation and Space and, furthermore, is a global centre for excellence in Space, Security of Critical Infrastructures and Transportation. With a turnover of €320 million and a staff of 1,200, it exports approximately 40% of its total production principally to the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America.

Role Overview

We are looking for an experienced Head of Department – AIT to lead and develop our AIT team, ensuring the successful assembly, integration and testing of satellites in line with quality, cost, schedule and performance objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Management: Lead, develop and organize the AIT team, ensuring adequate resources, skills and performance.

• AIT Operations: Oversee satellite assembly, integration, functional testing and environmental test campaigns.

• Project Delivery: Ensure AIT activities meet program milestones, budgets and quality requirements.

• Technical & Quality Leadership: Ensure compliance with procedures, configuration management, traceability and non-conformance management.

• Industrial Performance: Drive continuous improvement, optimize processes and test facilities, and improve operational efficiency.

• Cross-functional Coordination: Work closely with Engineering, Project Management, Quality, suppliers and external partners.

Required Profile

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electronics or a related field.

• Proven experience in satellite AIT/AIV activities within the space industry.

• Strong experience in team management and industrial operations.

• Solid understanding of satellite integration, functional testing and environmental test campaigns.

• Excellent leadership, planning, problem-solving and communication skills.

Key Success Factors

• On-time delivery of AIT milestones.

• Compliance with quality, cost and schedule targets.

• Effective team management and resource allocation.

• Continuous improvement of AIT processes and operational performance.

What we offer

• Flexible schedule, from 8 to 9.30 and 16.30 until 18h.

• Thales Concilia: a set of advantages and free services and others at reduced prices.

• Free and healthy canteen.

• Enjoy discounts and special promotions on products and services thanks to Club Ahorro.

• 22 working days of vacation, 6 days of free disposal and closing days that do not consume vacations at Christmas and Easter.

• Thales Flex: Personalized flexible compensation plan in which you can choose how to distribute your salary (health insurance, childcare vouchers, transportation and training).

• Annual bonus.

• Fixed profit bonus of 739,76€.

• Sharing Thales program: become a Thales shareholder.

• Hybrid work plan.

• Pension Plan with monthly contributions on your behalf to your Pension Plan.

• Wellness Plan: thematic webinars and access to our company clubs.

• Medical and physiotherapy service at the workplace.

• We continuously create an inclusive, respectful and cooperative environment.

At Thales Alenia Space we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales Alenia Space employing around 8,900 employees in 10 countries with 17 sites in Europe and a plant in the US, our mobility policy enables employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth #SpaceForLife. Great journeys start here, apply now!