Senior AIT Technician - Optical Payloads

Location: Hybrid, Munich

Team & Reporting line:  Satellite Systems team, reporting to the Satellite Systems Lead

Our Mission 

At constellr, we're harnessing the power of space to solve one of Earth’s greatest challenges: climate resilience & 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. 
 
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.

Your Role:

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and maintain constellr’s AIT facility, supporting initial set-up, procurement activities, and the maintenance and calibration of AIT equipment.

• 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.

• Support or perform optical integration activities, including optical subsystem alignment (depending on experience) and the handling of precision optical equipment.

• Support optical testing activities and prepare test setups for radiometric and geometric characterisation.

• Execute and oversee instrumentation integration, including the installation and routing of accelerometers, thermocouples, thermistors, and heaters, verifying proper installation and signal integrity.

• Perform advanced electrical integration tasks, including harness assembly (crimping, splicing, connector mating) and verification using electrical measurements (resistance, continuity, insulation checks).

• Perform and supervise bonding activities using space-qualified adhesives (e.g., structural, conductive) and verify bonding quality and process compliance.

• Contribute to AIT planning and execution by reviewing and improving procedures, estimating task durations, and identifying risks.

• Lead test preparation and execution support, including the installation of instrumentation for environmental tests and troubleshooting during test campaigns.

• Ensure documentation and traceability, including as-run procedures, non-conformance reporting, and configuration tracking.

• Interface across multiple engineering teams and external suppliers, and mentor junior technicians.

About you 

Required: 

• Technical education (vocational training or diploma) in mechatronics, aerospace, mechanical, or electronic systems.

• Several years of experience in AIT, manufacturing, or integration of complex systems (preferably in space, aerospace, or optical instrumentation).

• Strong experience in mechanical assembly of precision hardware, including optical alignments, usage of adhesives, and electrical integration (splicing, crimping, soldering, verification).

• Proven ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and integration documentation, working independently with minimal supervision.

• Solid knowledge of cleanroom operations, ESD handling, and relevant quality standards.

• Experience with basic electrical measurements and troubleshooting, alongside a strong problem-solving mindset and sharp attention to detail.

• Good communication skills with the ability to work effectively in international teams.

• Fluency in English (German language skills are considered an asset).

Nice to Have: 

• Experience with optical payloads, opto-mechanical systems, or optical alignment techniques.

• Experience with metrology and alignment equipment (e.g., hexapods, theodolites, laser trackers, CMM, interferometers, collimators, black bodies).

• 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).

• Experience in environmental test campaigns (vibration, thermal vacuum) for space hardware.

Why join constellr?

• High-Impact National Security Mission: 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.

• Fast-Paced "New Space" Innovation: 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.

• Broad Interdisciplinary Exposure: Accelerate your professional growth by collaborating daily with a diverse, international cohort of astrophysicists, software developers, and defence-system engineers.

• Inclusive & Scientific Culture: 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.

• Financial Upside & Well-being: 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.