MAIT Manager

MAIT Manager at TNO – Delft / Hybrid

About this position

Aerospace plays a vital role in the daily life of everyone on Earth. Satellites for communication, navigation and observation, as well as their innovative information systems, terminals and high-tech instruments, are becoming a unique part of our planet's infrastructure. TNO works together with partners, subcontractors and clients from the European industrial sector and with sister institutes at home and abroad. Projects we work on are typically firm fixed price offerings, and generally fall within the European space policy that is managed by ESA, the European Space Agency. The project size varies from €500k to €25Mln, and typically run for several years.

What will be your role?

The Space Systems Engineering expertise group of TNO develops and supplies opto-mechatronic instruments and systems for space technology, ground-based astronomy and scientific research. The requirements for these systems are generally on the limits of what is technically feasible. The realization of such an instrument therefore requires a solid project organization, in which experts in the field of optics, mechatronics, manufacturing and testing must work together in multidisciplinary teams to achieve the desired result.

The project organization usually consists of a core team of a Project Manager, a Systems Engineer, a Product Assurance Engineer and an MAIT (Manufacturing-Assembly-Integration-Testing) Manager, surrounded by a technical team.

The MAIT Manager organizes and coordinates activities aimed at purchasing and realization of parts, the assembly of the instrument and the test programs of sub-systems and finished products. He draws up the planning and distributes tasks in the MAIT team. He reports to the project manager of the project.

In the quotation phase of projects, the MAIT manager prepares the cost estimates of the MAIT related activities. In the initial phase of projects, the MAIT manager is actively involved in the assessment of designs and components for manufacturability, integration and testability.

The MAIT manager organizes and coordinates all activities related to the realization of a complex product/instrument, developed at TNO. The manager directly reports, and supports the project manager, to bring the product to the customer.

These activities include (not limited to):

• Coordination and planning of the project team efforts using various planning tools (MS project / gitlab / etc.).
• Coordination of procurement process.
• Subcontractor or supplier management.
• Coordination of internal and external logistics.
• Coordination of facilities required for the project.
• Performing cost estimates of MAIT activities, as input to PM or proposals.
• Resolving chicken-egg problems for complex systems in correspondence with the Systems Engineer.
• Establish a MAIT plan and assure its application.
• Provide input on design reviews, specifically to assure manufacturability.
• Supporting Product Assurance in resolving non-conformances.
• Assure proper documentation and traceability of MAIT activities.

What we expect from you

To be successful in this position you:

• Have a solid technical background and a good understanding of, and preferably practical experience with, the manufacturing and assembly activities of opto-mechanical instruments in cleanroom environments.
• Are able to manage a MAIT team and have a good understanding of project management. The MAIT manager can deal with planning tools and risk management.
• Must be able to respond quickly to new situations and be stress resistant. Good communication skills are required verbally and in writing in both Dutch and English.
• Are familiar with and able to draw up MAIT plans, GSE plans, Test Procedures and Reports.
• Must be able to build a good and effective relationship with suppliers and conduct effective negotiations with them.
• Contribute to the quality, efficiency and cohesion of the MAIT team and TNO in general.
• Have a ‘let’s do it’ mentality!

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + €180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.