Principal Development Test Engineer

The Role

As Principal Development Test Engineer, you will own the success of testing mechanical structures, materials, and electromechanical subsystems that will be key to our satellite operation. You will anticipate company needs and stand-up infrastructure to support the core and future business. In your first 6 months, you will define large-scale development test campaigns, design and build test setups, and be hands-on with flight hardware. In your first year, you will validate designs through prototype testing and lead large multidisciplinary test campaigns. You will drive company-wide best practices and make a large positive impact on the success of the K2 Space by leading large test campaigns and mentoring the growing team.

Responsibilities

Design and fabricate test hardware, test stands, and test systems, as well as execute development tests for structures, components, and materials in order to support internal and external customer needs

Lead satellite subsystem test campaigns from kickoff through test report and beyond

Drive hands on hardware development testing, analysis processing/data reduction, and continuous improvement of testing methods and best practices across the company

Steer the development of data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems at the integrated level and develop internal tools and company-wide best practices

Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods and project test schedules, and mentor early-career engineers

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline

8+ years of industry experience with mechanical, structural, and/or electromechanical test, design, and analysis

Experience designing, building, and testing mechanical assemblies and test fixtures for aerospace or terrestrial applications (satellite mechanical systems, payloads, launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and/or aircraft structures and mechanisms)

Experience with CAD or FEA software packages

Hands-on fabrication experience

Nice to Have

Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment (examples include motor dynos, material testers, vibration tables, environmental data loggers, motorsports DAQ)

Experience with the practical application of GD&T

Experience with NX (Unigraphics) and Teamcenter PLM

Experience with performing structural analysis (Simcenter 3D, Femap, or Hypermesh)

Basic practical programming abilities (Python, MATLAB, Simulink, C++, R, LabVIEW)

Demonstrated ability to own mechanical hardware or systems within an integrated engineering team

Demonstrated understanding of structural analysis and failure modes of complex mechanical systems in space environments and operations

Independent and self-motivated mindset, with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 + equity in the company

Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level

Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks