Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) Manager | Aerospace

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters—where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee. Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). This role is based in Westminster, CO.

About the Role

The Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) Manager provides technical oversight and accountability of spacecraft integration and test activities performed by external partners on our next-generation satellite programs. This role is responsible for ensuring that all AIT activities conducted by contractors meet program requirements, contractual obligations, and mission assurance standards. You will serve as the program’s authority on AIT readiness, execution quality, and verification integrity.

The Spacewrx team defines the mission, satellite, and payload architecture behind next-generation space constellations. This role offers direct exposure to complex, integrated systems including spacecraft platforms, optical payloads, laser communications, and advanced onboard processing. You will work closely with top-tier industry partners, influencing and overseeing high-impact programs across the full system. Our team operates with a deliberate balance of lean execution and disciplined engineering, enabling us to move quickly while maintaining the rigor required for mission success.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end integration and test oversight for a next-generation satellite program.
• Deliver a fully verified space system—from component integration through launch site operations—while guiding a high-performing team as a subject matter expert and collaborating across engineering, supplier manufacturing, and related supplier organizations.
• Own the AIT strategy, execution, and team performance, ensuring mission readiness in a performance-oriented environment.
• Guide and verify all spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) activities for all contractors and across the full program lifecycle—from program initiation and design through launch site operations.
• Partner with the Systems Engineering teams to review and critique parts selection, ensuring materials uphold the quality and performance objectives of the mission.
• Collaborate closely with suppliers’ manufacturing and test organizations to ensure on-time delivery while meeting performance objectives.
• Drive verification & validation (V&V) efforts to ensure compliance with system requirements and mission success.
• Oversee and review supplier AIT plans, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) needs, test procedures, test scripts, test execution, and deliverables.
• Participate in and guide to success test readiness reviews, nonconformance reviews (and resulting actions), anomaly resolution, post-test analysis, and generation of lessons learned for Vantor.
• Ensure compliance with applicable space system test standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1540, GEVS, EMI/EMC requirements).
• Partner cross-functionally with systems engineering, manufacturing, and program leadership to resolve integration and test challenges.
• Support the launch lead by ensuring delivery of any AIT artifacts needed to maintain launch manifest.
• Support launch campaign activities, including final integration, test, and troubleshooting at the launch site.
• Provide critical reporting on supplier AIT schedules and risks to the Vantor program lead.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in spacecraft integration and test (I&T) or AIT environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading AIT teams or functional groups, including responsibility for schedule, cost, and staffing.
• Proven track record executing end-to-end spacecraft integration and test campaigns, including V&V.
• Experience across spacecraft and/or optical payload mechanical and electrical integration and test, from early development through launch operations.
• Experience with spacecraft and/or optical payload environmental testing (e.g., thermal vacuum, vibration, acoustic, EMI/EMC).
• Willingness and ability to travel to supplier sites for design reviews, component inspections, and integration and test campaigns.
• Willingness and ability to travel to launch sites for launch integration campaigns.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with both spacecraft and optical payload integration, functional testing, and environmental testing.
• Familiarity with laser communications / intersatellite links.
• Proficiency in spacecraft test scripting or automation (e.g., Python, STOL, CCL, Cecil).
• Strong knowledge of industry standards such as MIL-STD-1540, MIL-STD-461, NASA GEVS.
• Experience with modeling and simulation tools for system performance evaluation.
• Project Management experience.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.

Pay

The base pay for this position within Colorado is $109,000.00 - $145,000.00 - $159,500.00 annually. For all other states, geographic cost of labor is used to develop market-driven ranges, and each location where we hire may have a different range. Starting pay will be based on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, location, and market conditions. Candidates who meet the minimum requirements should not expect compensation at the top of the range.

Benefits

Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Robust 401(k) with company match.
• Mental health resources.
• Student loan repayment assistance.
• Adoption reimbursement.
• Pet insurance.