Description

Do you like to know how things work and then try to break them? Do you consider it to be a great day when you have touched electronics, electro-mechanical devices, and test equipment, and used software to make them play like an orchestra? Does being organized and getting the details right bring you joy? Do you imagine working on exquisite systems that operate in the extreme environment of space and deliver timely information to support our national security?

If so, we are looking for you, our next Space Domain Test Engineer to work in San Diego, CA, as part of a small team to provide responsive, cost-effective InfraRed (IR) Payloads that are hosted on satellites in earth orbit. In this role, you will perform a wide range of subsystem and system test activities on the electrical systems and electronics that form the backbone of our IR Payloads, integrate and troubleshoot subsystems, write test plans and test procedures, perform tests and analyze data, create test automation software, architect lab facilities for test and define specific test equipment needs. Further, you will be an integral part of a cross-functional engineering team where there are overlapping roles and opportunities for cross-over skillsets to develop and contribute across a range of technologies. The ideal candidate will have space domain experience through all stages of the systems product lifecycle.

• Work from established system requirements and subsystem designs, and use established engineering processes, to develop subsystem and system test operations.
• Follow engineering, lab, and safety standards and assist engineers in system test and documentation efforts; develop test plans and procedures, and contribute to refinement of best practices.
• Plan and perform functional, electrical, mechanical, environmental, and requirements verification tests at subsystem and payload system level.
• Collect and analyze test data and create the corresponding test reports.
• Integrate, troubleshoot, and debug subsystems and the payload system using modern tools and techniques, to include electronic, electro-mechanical, and software-based technologies.
• Create, maintain, and configuration control test automation software.
• Work with Hardware and Software Design Engineers to design, build, and verify custom Automated Test Equipment.
• Identify potential roadblocks and develop solutions where the solution is not always well defined but always considers the customer first.
• Perform test set-up and manage the availability of test stands and test support equipment between different projects.
• Collaborate with managers and leads to provide input to schedules and other project artifacts as required; lead and/or support test readiness events.
• Participate in product design reviews and provide input on testability.
• Create, maintain, and communicate detailed schedules, ensuring the team is aware of tasks and deadlines, including resource identification and acquisition.
• Work to improve team throughput metrics of planned tests.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements in spacecraft testing.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our high-performing team.

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering from an ABET-accredited university and 8+ years' experience.
• At least 3 years of experience in system and sub-system testing including test planning, design, procedure definition, procurement, fixture assembly, execution, analysis, and reporting.
• At least 3 years of hands-on integration and test experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Optical Assemblies
  • Electro-Mechanical Actuation Systems
  • High Speed Digital Electronics
  • Power Electronics
  • Electrical and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
• Ability to generate / interpret mechanical drawings and layouts, and/or electrical drawings.
• Strong electrical and mechanical systems engineering intuition and critical thinking; comfortable with ambiguity and turning high-level requirements into clear test objectives.
• Possess strong, demonstrated leadership and the ability to work with personnel from diverse backgrounds and disciplines both internal and external to the organization.
• Ability to accurately estimate complexity and duration of subsystem and/or system test tasks.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD SECRET clearance. (U.S. Citizenship is required)
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in San Diego, California.

• Experience with test automation, ability to code in Python.
• Experience leading teams as a Test Conductor.
• Experience testing electro-optical systems or other complex multi-disciplinary systems.
• Previous experience working with thermal chambers, vibration tables, vacuum chambers, or anechoic chambers.
• Understanding and experience with testing of EMI/EMC per MIL Standard 461 and 464.
• Experience in an AS9100 Aerospace and Defense manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience working in small engineering teams.
• Current and active DoD Secret clearance.
• Willing to obtain a Top Secret clearance.