Senior AIT Technician (Optical Payloads)

<p style=";"><strong><span style="color: #121317">Location:</span></strong><span style="color: #121317"> Hybrid, Munich</span></p><p style=";"><strong><span style="color: #121317">Team &amp; Reporting line:</span></strong><span style="color: #121317">  Satellite Systems team, reporting to the Satellite Systems Lead</span></p><p style=";"></p><p><strong><span style="">Our Mission</span></strong><span style=""> </span></p><p><span style="color: #121317">At constellr, we're harnessing the power of space to solve one of Earth’s greatest challenges: climate resilience &amp; security in a changing world. Our thermal satellite constellation delivers the most accurate land surface temperature data on the market, equipping commercial players, governments, defence agencies, and global institutions with the thermal intelligence they need to make strategic decisions– from national security and infrastructure to agriculture and climate resilience. <br /> <br />As a fast-scaling company with offices in Brussels, Freiburg, Munich, Washington and Toulouse, our multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and strategists is building the future of space-based Earth observation.</span></p><p style=";"></p><p><strong><span style="font-size: 1.1em"><span style="color: #1f487c">Your Role:</span></span></strong></p><p><span style="color: #121317">We are looking for an experienced AIT Technician to lead and execute integration activities for optical payloads. The successful candidate will initially support the integration of an existing payload and will then independently perform AIT activities on future units, contributing to planning, optimisation, and troubleshooting.</span></p><p><span style="color: #121317">This role requires the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment, adapting quickly to changes in planning, technical constraints, and project needs. A high level of autonomy and ownership is expected, with the capability to work independently while coordinating closely with engineering teams and external partners.</span></p><p style=";"></p><p><strong><span style="">Key Responsibilities:</span></strong></p><ul><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Coordinate and maintain constellr’s AIT facility, supporting initial set-up, procurement activities, and the maintenance and calibration of AIT equipment.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Perform mechanical and electrical integration of optical payloads with a high level of autonomy, including the assembly of complex subassemblies and instruments, interpreting drawings, procedures, and interface requirements.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Support or perform optical integration activities, including optical subsystem alignment (depending on experience) and the handling of precision optical equipment.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Support optical testing activities and prepare test setups for radiometric and geometric characterisation.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Execute and oversee instrumentation integration, including the installation and routing of accelerometers, thermocouples, thermistors, and heaters, verifying proper installation and signal integrity.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Perform advanced electrical integration tasks, including harness assembly (crimping, splicing, connector mating) and verification using electrical measurements (resistance, continuity, insulation checks).</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Perform and supervise bonding activities using space-qualified adhesives (e.g., structural, conductive) and verify bonding quality and process compliance.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Contribute to AIT planning and execution by reviewing and improving procedures, estimating task durations, and identifying risks.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Lead test preparation and execution support, including the installation of instrumentation for environmental tests and troubleshooting during test campaigns.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Ensure documentation and traceability, including as-run procedures, non-conformance reporting, and configuration tracking.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Interface across multiple engineering teams and external suppliers, and mentor junior technicians.</span></p></li></ul><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="">About you</span></strong><span style=""> </span></p><p><strong><span style="color: #000000">Required:</span></strong><span style="color: #000000"> </span></p><ul><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Technical education (vocational training or diploma) in mechatronics, aerospace, mechanical, or electronic systems.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Several years of experience in AIT, manufacturing, or integration of complex systems (preferably in space, aerospace, or optical instrumentation).</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Strong experience in mechanical assembly of precision hardware, including optical alignments, usage of adhesives, and electrical integration (splicing, crimping, soldering, verification).</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Proven ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and integration documentation, working independently with minimal supervision.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Solid knowledge of cleanroom operations, ESD handling, and relevant quality standards.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Experience with basic electrical measurements and troubleshooting, alongside a strong problem-solving mindset and sharp attention to detail.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Good communication skills with the ability to work effectively in international teams.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Fluency in English (German language skills are considered an asset).</span></p></li></ul><p><strong><span style="color: #000000">Nice to Have</span><em><span style="color: #000000">:</span></em></strong><span style="color: #000000"> </span></p><ul><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Experience with optical payloads, opto-mechanical systems, or optical alignment techniques.</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Experience with metrology and alignment equipment (e.g., hexapods, theodolites, laser trackers, CMM, interferometers, collimators, black bodies).</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Certification or experience in IPC standards for wiring and soldering (e.g., IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001) or adhesive application (EWF/EAB or equivalent).</span></p></li><li><p><span style="color: #121317">Experience in environmental test campaigns (vibration, thermal vacuum) for space hardware.</span></p></li></ul><p style=";"></p><p style=";"><strong><span style="">Why join constellr?</span></strong></p><ul><li><p><strong><span style="">High-Impact National Security Mission:</span></strong><span style="color: #121317"> Be part of an ambitious mission to launch the world’s first commercial thermal infrared constellation, delivering sovereign-grade "behavioural" intelligence from space to close critical blind spots for defence, intelligence, and maritime surveillance agencies.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span style="">Fast-Paced "New Space" Innovation:</span></strong><span style="color: #121317"> Work at the leading edge of a rapidly evolving defence sector. By leveraging modern, agile New Space methodologies, you will help design, build, and deploy dual-use thermal payloads into operational orbit at a speed and scale that traditional aerospace models simply cannot match.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span style="">Broad Interdisciplinary Exposure:</span></strong><span style="color: #121317"> Accelerate your professional growth by collaborating daily with a diverse, international cohort of astrophysicists, software developers, and defence-system engineers.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span style="">Inclusive &amp; Scientific Culture:</span></strong><span style="color: #121317"> Join a high-trust team deeply committed to diversity, inclusion, and scientific excellence, where academic curiosity is paired with high autonomy and a flat hierarchy.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span style="">Financial Upside &amp; Well-being:</span></strong><span style="color: #121317"> Benefit from a Virtual Share Option Plan (VSOP) for permanent employees, giving you a true stake in the company's growth, alongside highly flexible hybrid working models.</span></p></li></ul><p>Find <a href="https://www.arbeitnow.com/">Jobs in Germany</a> on Arbeitnow</a>