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. Export Control/ITAR: 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). Please review the job details below. Vantor is hiring for an experienced Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) Manager to join our team in Westminster, CO. This role provides technical oversight and accountability of spacecraft integration and test activities performed by external partners on our next‑generation satellite programs and 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 team is responsible for defining 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. We work closely with top‑tier industry partners , providing the opportunity to influence and oversee high‑impact programs across the full system. Our team is composed of highly experienced engineers and leaders who understand how to deliver. We operate with a deliberate balance of lean execution and disciplined engineering , enabling us to move quickly while maintaining the rigor required for mission success. Just as important, we’ve built a culture of strong collaboration, shared ownership, and camaraderie —with a clear sense of purpose behind the systems we deliver. 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. Minimum Qualifications 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, as needed, for design reviews, component inspections, and integration and test campaigns. Willingness and ability to travel to launch sites, as needed, 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 Transparency The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $107,000.00 - $179,000.00 annually. For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market‑driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range. Benefits Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at: EEO Policy Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Vantor