Team Lead, Production Mechanical and Thermal

ICEYE is seeking a Production Mechanical and Thermal Team Lead to take ownership of all mechanical aspects of satellite production. This is a critical, hands-on leadership role at the core of our spacecraft manufacturing activities—responsible for ensuring that all mechanical assembly, integration, and testing processes are executed with precision, repeatability, and efficiency as we scale production. You will lead a medium-sized team of technicians and engineers with mechanical backgrounds, overseeing key processes such as structural assembly, vibration tests, and integration of satellite mechanical systems.

Your scope will include responsibility for deployable mechanisms, environmental and vibration testing, and thermal hardware validation. You will work closely with AIT Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Planning to ensure that designs are translated into robust, production-ready processes. From tooling definition and technician training to hands-on execution and production support, you will play a key role in delivering flight-ready satellites that meet the highest standards of mechanical reliability and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the daily activities of the mechanical production team, ensuring high-quality and on-time delivery of satellite mechanical assemblies
• Own all aspects of mechanical deployables: structural assembly, installation of panels and brackets, torquing, alignment and fit-checks
• Oversee the preparation and execution of mechanical and thermal environmental tests, including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing
• Ensure readiness and functionality of deployable subsystems (e.g., antennas, solar panels) through testing and validation procedures
• Develop, review, and improve work instructions, assembly procedures, tooling, and jigs for mechanical operations together with the AIT engineering and production engineering team
• Train and mentor production technicians in mechanical best practices, ensuring compliance with quality standards and IPC/ECSS guidelines
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, AIT, and Quality teams to resolve integration challenges and drive design-for-manufacturing improvements
• Lead the implementation and upkeep of Lean manufacturing and 6S practices across mechanical production areas
• Monitor build progress and escalate blockers early, ensuring smooth coordination with planning and supply chain
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase assembly efficiency, reduce rework, and strengthen process control
• Support root cause analysis and non-conformance resolution for mechanical-related issues during integration and testing
• Ensure proper documentation and traceability for all mechanical activities in accordance with aerospace production standards

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace or high-reliability mechanical assembly environments
• Proven experience leading a mechanical production or integration team
• Familiarity with quality standards
• Experience preparing and executing mechanical environmental test campaigns
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, scaling production environment with tight deadlines
• Hands-on mindset — must be willing to go on the floor, solve problems, and support technicians directly
• Demonstrated ability to create and improve mechanical work instructions, tooling, and jigs
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate across functions (Production, Engineering, QA, Planning)
• Strong process ownership and commitment to continuous improvement
• Experience with root cause analysis and non-conformance handling
• Exposure to lean manufacturing principles and 6S implementation

Nice To Have

• Strong understanding of satellite mechanical subsystems, including deployables, structures, and environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum)
• Thorough understanding of thermal behavior and thermal interfaces, including thermal pads, thermal pastes, and other thermal dissipation hardware, is essential
• Familiarity with IPC, ECSS, or similar aerospace manufacturing and quality standards
• Experience in NewSpace or small satellite production
• Knowledge of mechanical testing standards and processes in the space industry
• Experience working with cleanroom procedures and satellite integration flows
• Familiarity with ERP or MES systems used in production environments