AI&T Manager

Katalyst Description:

At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical.  We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.

You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:

• Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
• Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
• Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.

Role Description:

As AI&T Manager, you will lead the spacecraft integration process from hardware readiness through test and final flight delivery. You will be responsible for orchestrating the physical assembly, environmental qualification, and functional verification of Katalyst spacecraft. This role bridges design and deployment, ensuring our modular systems are built, integrated, and validated to meet mission requirements.

You will coordinate across mechanical, electrical, software, and mission assurance teams to develop integration plans, execute testing campaigns, and manage the test infrastructure roadmap.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead mechanical and electrical integration of flight and engineering hardware
• Develop and manage detailed test plans for subsystem and full-vehicle validation
• Oversee thermal, vibration, EMI/EMC, and functional testing for space qualification
• Establish and maintain configuration control during build and test phases
• Build and lead an AI&T team including technicians and test engineers
• Collaborate with systems engineering to define verification plans and test requirements
• Manage assembly schedules and hardware flow from procurement through delivery
• Define and maintain procedures, fixtures, and GSE (Ground Support Equipment) for integration and testing
• Identify risks, drive root-cause analyses, and lead corrective action efforts
• Support test readiness reviews, customer inspections, and launch campaign operations

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-reliability hardware assembly, integration, and testing
• Proven leadership in AI&T or test engineering environments
• Experience leading environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock) and functional tests
• Familiarity with spaceflight hardware handling, contamination control, and cleanroom protocols
• Strong documentation, process development, and configuration management skills
• Experience managing technical teams and cross-functional projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication, especially in fast-paced, hardware-driven environments

Additional Requirements:

Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:  

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off. 

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.