Senior AIT Manager – Space Optical Instruments (M/F)

BERTIN TECHNOLOGIES is a European industrial group that designs and manufactures measurement, observation and detection components, equipment and systems for critical and scientific applications. Bertin Technologies has played a decisive role in the JWST, EUCLID, MARS CURIOSITY, ESO-VLT, LMJ, ... And we continue our commitment to excellence through our crucial contributions to ITER, ESO-ELT, space laser communications, and earth observation constellations.

Our mission: to respond to the challenges facing our world, and to participate in the collective effort to create a sustainable industry and European sovereignty for our nations, through the security of people and nations, the protection of the environment, the securing of low-carbon energy production, and the enhancement of scientific knowledge.

As a major player in innovation, Bertin Technologies invites you to take part in a technological adventure that began in 1956. You'll be able to express your skills and personality within a flexible, dynamic and ambitious structure that values people and associates them with the company's success. Whatever your expertise, you'll find a stimulating working environment that strives for excellence!

Visit our website www.bertin-technologies.com and subscribe to our LinkedIn pages and our Bertin Technologies YouTube channel to find out more about our latest innovations!

A non-exhaustive list of Bertin's contributions to ground-based telescopes

Bertin Technologies is an industrial company in innovation, designs and manufactures measurement, observation, and detection systems for critical sectors.

Currently experiencing strong strategic growth, the company is accelerating its development in the space sector. While consolidating our historical positioning on high-performance institutional missions (ESA, CNES), we are deploying a strong ambition in the New Space market to address constellation and commercial needs.

Within our Space & New Space Business Line, you will join a dynamic team developing embedded optical payloads (including our SPEO product line) as well as complex Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) for integration and calibration.

Reporting to the AIT/Production Department, you hold the overall responsibility for the Assembly, Integration, and Testing phases of our most complex space opto-mechanical instruments and OGSE.

As a Senior AIT Manager, you are a key technical leader who brings the instrument to life. You define the overarching AIT philosophy and manage the transition from the design phase to physical realization in the cleanroom. You ensure that the flight hardware is built, aligned, and tested in strict accordance with the required performance, quality standards, schedule, and budget, while mentoring the AIT team and driving continuous improvement.

Your main missions are structured around four pillars:

1. AIT Strategy & Engineering:

• Define the overall AIT strategy, logic, and sequence for complex Flight Models and OGSE, optimizing for both high-end institutional requirements and agile New Space / SPEO production.

• Validate AIT Plans, test procedures, and integration workflows.

• Drive the definition, specification, and validation of complex Ground Support Equipment (MGSE, EGSE, and OGSE).

2. Cleanroom Operations & Testing Leadership:

• Supervise and lead the physical integration of the instrument in the cleanroom (high-precision opto-mechanical assembly, optical alignment, electronic integration).

• Lead the critical environmental test campaigns (Vibration, Shock, Thermal Vacuum/TVAC, Electromagnetic Compatibility/EMC) at internal or external test facilities.

• Oversee complex optical performance and calibration test campaigns.

3. Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement:

• Coordinate and functionally manage the multidisciplinary AIT team (optical, mechanical, and electronic technicians/engineers) during operational phases.

• Act as a technical mentor to junior engineers and technicians, elevating the overall AIT expertise of the department.

• Drive AIT process improvements, reducing integration time and mitigating technical risks.

• Act as a high-level interface with Project Managers, System Engineers, and the Management team.

4. Quality, Verification & Anomaly Resolution:

• Ensure strict compliance with space quality standards (cleanliness, handling, traceability) in close collaboration with the Product Assurance (PA/QA) team.

• Organize, lead, and defend Test Readiness Reviews (TRR) and Test Review Boards (TRB) in front of high-level client representatives (Agencies, Primes).

• Take the lead on investigating complex anomalies, chairing Non-Conformance Review Boards (NRB), and implementing robust corrective actions.

This position is located in our offices of Aix-en-Provence (13).

With an Engineering Degree (Master’s) or PhD in Optics, Mechanics, or Aerospace Engineering, you have a solid and proven track record (10+ years of experience) in AIT for Space payloads, with strong expertise in opto-mechanical systems and optical metrology.

You have an extensive hands-on experience managing operations in ISO 5 to ISO 7 cleanroom environments ?

A deep expertise in space environmental testing (TVAC, Vibrations) and optical alignment techniques is one of your strenght ?

You have a mastery of ESA/ECSS standards and institutional space project lifecycles ?

Your ability to lead a team on the floor, maintain motivation during critical test campaigns, and define long-term AIT strategies. ?

High reactivity, pragmatic mindset, and technical authority to troubleshoot and resolve critical hardware anomalies are mandatory.

Finally, you have an extreme attention to detail, safety, and quality, combined with the ability to communicate effectively with clients and top management ?

Then don't hesitate and apply to join a rapidly expanding group!

WHY JOIN US? WHAT WE OFFER

A rich, constantly evolving environment, a community of enthusiasts evolving in a culture of information sharing.

More than 90% of our employees appreciate their work and their missions, the autonomy they are granted on a daily basis and the team spirit that reigns within the company (Internal satisfaction survey 2023).

Our benefits:

• Work-life balance: flexible working hours, telecommuting up to 2 days a week if eligible

• Independent access to in-house training and a personal development tool

• Numerous activities/subsidies with our CSE

• Advantageous company mutual insurance and provident scheme

• Incentive bonus based on group results and security

Whatever your profile and career objectives, you'll find a stimulating working environment focused on excellence!