Senior Development Test Technician

As a Senior Development Test Technician, you will play a critical role validating next-generation spacecraft hardware for the Mega Class satellite. In this role you will be working side-by-side with Design, Manufacturing, and Test Engineers helping establish the Mega Structures Lab, execute development test campaigns, develop test procedures, build custom test setups, and perform structural and mechanical testing. The ideal candidate is highly autonomous, mechanically inclined, and comfortable making informed decisions while raising technical risks and concerns, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety.

Responsibilities

Build, assemble, modify, and tear down complex development test stands, fixtures, and one-off engineering hardware

Prepare test articles, for development and qualification testing

Execute static load, proof load, structural verification, leak checks, and subsystem development testing

Assemble hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical systems used during testing

Install, route, and verify instrumentation and data acquisition hardware, including load cells, strain gauges, displacement sensors, accelerometers, thermocouples, video systems, and test harnesses

Perform fabrication and modification to fixtures and test hardware using manual machining, drilling, cutting, grinding, sanding, and other shop tools to support rapid iteration

Collaborate closely with Structural, Manufacturing, and Test Engineers throughout development

Troubleshoot test equipment, instrumentation, fixtures, and hardware anomalies

Identify technical risks and opportunities to improve tooling, test methods, lab processes, and overall test reliability

Monitor inventory of tooling, fittings, hoses, consumables, and other test equipment

Participate in rigging, crane, and lifting operations for test articles and test equipment

Process work orders, lab maintenance requests, and test documentation as required

Maintain lab readiness through 5S, calibration tracking, preventative maintenance, and equipment upkeep

Operate independently with a high level of ownership while raising technical concerns and driving safe test execution

Qualifications

7+ years of hands-on aerospace development, environmental test, or structural test experience

Experience working with high energy test systems and promoting a strong safety culture through rigorous procedures and best practices.

Experience assembling complex mechanical systems from engineering drawings

Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills

Experience operating DAQ systems (Dewesoft, MTS, Revel, or similar)

Experience assembling hydraulic and pneumatic systems

Experience operating cranes, forklifts, lifting equipment, and rigging safety

Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate technical risks and concerns

Strong ownership mentality and attention to detail

Nice to Have

Direct experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or aircraft development

Ability to read mechanical and engineering drawings and interpret tolerances (including GD&T)

Experience operating MTS systems, Instron or Frank Bacon load frames, and Data Physics vibration systems

Experience with harness and connector selection / fabrication

Airframe & Powerplant License

Ability to obtain or current hold top secret/SCI security clearance

Additional Requirements

Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as bending or twisting, grasping, standing, lifting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, carrying, and use hands to operate tools or machine controls

Must be able to lift and carry parts or equipment up to 50 lbs. unassisted

Must be able to stand for extended periods of time

Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly pay range for this non-exempt role is $40 - $52 + equity in the company

Compensation 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