AIT Engineer

AIT Engineer - Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Integration [F/M] Apply for the AIT Engineer - Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Integration [F/M] role at Exotrail. About ExotrailBorn from a strong ambition to reach for the stars, Exotrail is a fast‑growing scale‑up founded in 2017. Its mission is to develop and commercialize propulsion systems for small satellites on a global scale. We design products focused on impact, fast delivery, and continuous improvement, driven by a customer‑oriented, entrepreneurial spirit. We push boundaries and achieve results beyond a traditional space model, deploying every necessary resource to support the development of our products, whether in propulsion or in‑orbit services. Job DescriptionExotrail 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 must 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. Main Responsibilities 📌 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 GSE and Electrical GSE 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. Preferred Experience A minimum of 5+ 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. Hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, industrial, electrical engineering or a related field. 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, focusing on 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 of ESD handling protocols to protect sensitive electronics during testing. Experience using automated test scripts in Python, C, or C++ to streamline testing operations and data acquisition is a plus. Mindset & Characteristics 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. Recruitment Process Interview with Talent Acquisition Manager: learn more about the position and our culture. On‑site interview with your future manager: discover your work environment and learn more about the required qualifications. Interview with the team and a founder: ensure shared vision and values with the company. Seniority level: Mid‑Senior levelEmployment type: Full‑timeJob function: Engineering and Information TechnologyIndustry: Defense and Space Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr