Test Engineer

Test Engineer - Build and own the test systems that take spacecraft hardware from development through flight Golden, Colorado | On-site Opportunity Summary This role will own the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of test activities across spacecraft components, subsystems, and integrated systems. You will develop test strategies, procedures, fixtures, data acquisition systems, and automation while working directly with engineering teams to validate performance and drive hardware toward flight readiness. The work spans functional, structural, environmental, and system-level testing, with significant ownership over test infrastructure, anomaly resolution, and how verification scales as the program moves toward operational systems. About Us We are a venture-backed space technology company developing advanced modular spacecraft systems designed to operate, connect, and reconfigure in orbit. The team is small, highly technical, and progressing from flight demonstration toward operational systems. Engineers have broad ownership and work directly on hardware that must survive demanding launch and space environments. Job Duties Own test planning and execution across component, subsystem, and system-level spacecraft hardwareDevelop test plans, procedures, readiness documentation, and verification criteria with clear traceability to requirementsBuild and maintain test infrastructure including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition, automation, and supporting toolingExecute functional, structural, environmental, and performance test campaignsCollect, analyze, and interpret test data against defined pass/fail criteriaDevelop scripts and automation to improve test repeatability, efficiency, and data qualityLead anomaly investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action effortsPartner closely with mechanical, electrical, avionics, software, systems, and manufacturing teamsSupport design reviews and serve as a technical point of contact for major test activitiesImprove test workflows to support faster hardware iteration and production readinessSupport qualification and acceptance testing as hardware progresses toward flightDocument test results, anomalies, and technical conclusions in clear engineering reportsHelp define the broader test strategy, standards, and processes as the program scales Qualifications Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical discipline5+ years of relevant experience for senior-level considerationHands-on experience planning and executing engineering test campaignsExperience with functional, structural, environmental, EMI/EMC, or comparable hardware testingStrong understanding of how test results map back to system and subsystem requirementsExperience with data acquisition, instrumentation, and test hardwareAbility to analyze test data and identify hardware or system-level failure modesExperience with test automation or scripting using Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar toolsStrong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilityAbility to write clear technical procedures, test plans, and reportsComfortable working directly with hardware in a fast-moving development environmentU.S. person status (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) required under ITAR Preferred Experience Experience with spacecraft, satellite, launch vehicle, or other flight-hardware integration and testExperience with environmental qualification or acceptance testingFamiliarity with vibration, thermal-vacuum, structural, or EMI/EMC testingExperience with embedded systems, motor or actuator control, or sensor instrumentationFamiliarity with MIL-STD-810, GEVS, NASA, DoD, or comparable verification standardsExperience standing up a test lab or building test infrastructure from scratchExperience developing automated test systems and reusable test frameworksFamiliarity with hardware-in-the-loop or system-level integrated testingExperience supporting manufacturing or production test environmentsMaster's degree in engineeringPrevious experience in a startup or rapid hardware development environment Why Join Us Be one of the first engineers on the manufacturing and test team and set how the company tests flight hardwareOwn test strategy and execution across spacecraft hardware from development through flightBuild the fixtures, automation, instrumentation, and processes that make testing faster and more reliableWork directly across hardware, software, avionics, manufacturing, and systems engineeringLead anomaly investigations and have a direct impact on vehicle reliabilityEquity participation through stock optionsMedical, dental, and vision coverageShort- and long-term disability insuranceLife insurancePaid parental leaveThree weeks of paid vacationTen or more paid holidays annually Compensation Details $105,000 - $150,000 + equity ITAR Requirement This position requires access to technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees) or eligible to obtain the required U.S. Department of State authorization.