Head of AIT In-Orbit Service (F/M) In-Orbit Services · Massy · Hybrid

Head of AIT In-Orbit Service (F/M)

Exotrail is a fast‑growing scale‑up founded in 2017 that develops and commercialises propulsion systems for small satellites. This position is based at the Massy site and is part of the In‑Orbit Service Business Unit.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, deployment and sustained performance of the AIT department, creating the industrial capacity to scale production to a multi‑satellite rate while ensuring repeatability, scalability and compliance with space industry standards.
• Manage the department, define the industrial vision and structure the organisation around three divisions: Industrialisation & Methods, AIT Production and AIT Industrial Support.
• Prioritise tasks, allocate resources and manage industrial risks.
• Ensure production capacity (throughput, quality, lead times) and drive industrial maturity (standardisation, product ranges, GSE, methods).
• Act as the main interface between the AIT department and Exotrail’s Engineering, Programme, Quality and Supply Chain teams, and with the Spaceware department to promote industrial best practices.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, set objectives, conduct performance reviews and support team development. Lead and manage the team, implement effective processes and handle conflicts when necessary.
• Define and implement the AIT industrial strategy in line with IOS objectives, oversee Value Stream Mapping, define and monitor KPIs, manage the department budget, and develop the roadmap.
• Lead manufacturability and testability analysis, ensure compliance and qualification of critical assembly and test processes, and coordinate with Spaceware to leverage synergies.
• Plan and organise multi‑program integration and testing, ensure compliance with project milestones and delivery of deliverables, implement departmental governance across three levels, and report risks to the VP.
• Identify requirements for test and integration resources, oversee their development and qualification, and ensure traceability. Manage internal facilities, logistics and stock.
• Define and enforce quality and safety standards in accordance with ECSS, EN9100, ISO 9001, ISO8 cleanroom and chemical safety regulations.
• Ensure feasibility of contractual commitments before signing, assess capacity, risks, investments and schedules, and act as the key point of contact for Programme Managers.
• Contribute to commercial proposals and tender responses, lead continuous improvement and promote industrial innovation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of end‑to‑end AIT process management.
• Proven experience ramping up a space production line (prototype to series).
• Electrical safety accreditation (B2V/BE Testing), chemical risk awareness and ESD awareness.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping, QRQC, 8D and PFMEA; experience in industrialisation and DFMA.
• Knowledge of ECSS, EN9100, ISO 9001 and Aero Excellence guidelines; CAPEX/OPEX budget management.
• Strong technical supervision, problem‑solving, root‑cause analysis and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication in French and English.
• Ability to work autonomously in demanding regulated environments and make decisions under uncertainty. Experience in a scale‑up environment is an advantage.

Location: Massy (Hybrid).