FROM AERONAUTICS TO AEROSPACE: MY JOURNEY AND MY CHALLENGES AT MAIASPACE WITH ASTEK – FRANCE

May 29, 2026 | Talent & Commitment

My name is Mounir. I am 42 years old and have nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive, aeronautics, and aerospace industries (both civil and military).

My career path has been marked by continuous growth: a vocational diploma (BEP), a high school diploma in mechanical engineering (STI), an advanced vocational diploma (BTS) in industrial product design, and finally a degree in mechanical engineering. These steps have allowed me to grow over time in a variety of roles, from the design office to training, including industrialization.

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to contribute to major projects:

  • Dassault Aviation, on the transfer of Rafale technology to India.
  • Safran, with R&D activities that, 10 years later, led to the RISE program—a new-generation engine—as well as the M88 and M51 engines.
  • Capgemini & Airbus Aircraft, with the establishment of a back-office operation in Morocco.

These experiences have taught me how to work in demanding environments where technical precision and interpersonal coordination are essential.

My Start at Astek

It was in 2022 that Astek came to offer me a new challenge: joining an aerospace project in full development, at the heart of an agile model. I chose to embark on this adventure, as it represented a natural continuation of my career while offering me an unprecedented learning ground.

MaiaSpace: A European Ambition

Today, I work as a Project Manager at MaiaSpace, a subsidiary backed by ArianeGroup, which develops reusable mini-launchers. My role is to ensure alignment among multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, civil, electrical, launch systems, etc.) and to coordinate all schedules in preparation for future launch campaigns.

In an agile environment, where each team moves at its own pace, my job is to build connections, identify inconsistencies, resolve conflicts, and maintain a holistic view of the project. It’s a hybrid role combining that of a team leader, facilitator, and Scrum Master.

Astek’s Contribution

At MaiaSpace, I was able to draw on my 20 years of experience to establish a cross-functional role that didn’t exist before: overall scheduling management. Astek gave me the opportunity to join an ambitious project and contribute to a European initiative, while showcasing my expertise and adaptability.

That’s exactly what I appreciate about this partnership: Astek knows how to place its consultants on projects where their expertise makes a difference, while offering them stability and long-term prospects.

What about tomorrow?

The aerospace industry remains a demanding field that is constantly evolving. The challenges of coordination, reliability, and innovation are immense. My goal is to continue supporting MaiaSpace in its ambition to become a European leader by building a robust, forward-looking organizational model.

Mounir AIT IHIY

Mounir AIT IHIY

Project Manager

LinkedIn de Mounir AIT IHIY