Job Description
Position: AIT Engineer – Hardware and System Testing
Location: Exotrail’s Massy office
Department: In-Orbit Services
Reports To: AIT Team Leader
Employment Type: Full-time
Exotrail seeks an AIT Engineer specialized in Hardware and System Testing for the SpaceVan™ project. This position focuses on testing spacecraft systems, particularly avionics and other electronics subsystem, to ensure compliance with mission requirements. As a critical contributor to the verification phase, you will design and execute functional and environmental tests, manage test data, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams on IVVQ (Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification) processes. Collaborative, problem-solving, and detail-oriented, you will help drive quality and efficiency across testing phases.
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:
Test Planning and Preparation: Design and optimize testing workflows; create and refine test specifications and procedures for both subsystem and system levels, focusing on functional, environmental, and performance testing, with a strong emphasis on Integration, Verification, Validation, and Qualification (IVVQ) standards.
Test Scripting: Develop automated test scripts in Python and C/C++ to improve testing efficiency and support test data collection.
Test Execution: Conduct subsystem and end-to-end hardware tests, including avionics, power, propulsion, thermal, and electrical, across Engineering Models (EM), Qualification Models (QM), Flatsat, and Flight Models (FM) to validate performance and reliability.
Assembly and Integration support: Support assembly and integration tasks, including mechanical, electrical, and thermal integration of spacecraft subsystems. Follow established procedures to ensure that all connections and interfaces meet specified tolerances.
Documentation and Reporting: Document integration and test outcomes meticulously, including pass/fail criteria, observed anomalies, and test deviations, and log this data in our documentation and ticketing platforms.
GSE setup: Ensure proper setup and operation of Electrical and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE and MGSE) for each testing phase.
Environmental Testing and Launch Support: Actively participate in environmental test campaigns, including vibration, thermal vacuum (TVAC), and EMC testing, and assist during launch campaigns.
Configuration Management: Ensure accurate configuration control of all testing hardware, tracking software versions and test equipment setups for each testing phase.
NCR and Troubleshooting: Generate Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) for issues arising during AIT phases and collaborate with quality assurance and engineering teams to resolve these quickly and efficiently.
Best Practices: Capture and integrate lessons learned from each test cycle to continually refine and enhance future testing practices and workflows.
You will work under the supervision of the AIT Team Leader and maintain regular interactions with the cross-functional teams.
The position is opened in Exotrail’s offices in Massy.
Preferred Experience ♀️
Exotrail is looking for an AIT Engineer with hands-on experience in spacecraft AIT, specifically in hardware and system testing. The ideal candidate:
• Education: Holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace, electrical, or mechanical engineering.
• Technical Skills:
o Proficient in subsystem and system-level testing for spacecraft hardware, with experience in writing automated test scripts using Python and C/C++ for data acquisition and analysis.
o Skilled in EGSE and MGSE setup and operation for test environments.
o Strong proficiency in managing and maintaining configuration for test equipment and software versions.
o Experienced in IVVQ processes, system-level testing and environmental testing campaigns within the space industry.
o Prior experience working in a cleanroom environment with knowledge of contamination control protocols and cleanroom standards.
Experience Requirement: A minimum of 2 years’ experience in hardware testing within the aerospace industry, with a focus on spacecraft systems is required for this position. 5 years of experience in satellite AIT would be ideal, with a great adaptability to the new environment, and capacity to be autonomous on technical subjects.
In addition, and as importantly, the candidate must have the following mindset:
• Passionate about technical, hands-on work with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to high-quality standards.
• 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.
About our recruitment process
We are committed to recruiting the right people for the right job regardless of your private background.
We meet at least three times in order to give you a better idea of what it’s like to work at Exotrail:
1. Technical interview with your future manager: You will learn more about the position, the required qualifications , and undergo a technical test if applicable.
2. On-site interview with HR and VP: You will discover your work environment and learn more about our culture.
3. Interview with the AIT team members : you can make sure that you share the same vision and values of the company.
