Lead Environmental Test Technician

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

CesiumAstro is seeking a Lead Environmental Test Technician specializing in to lead vibration, thermal, humidity, and thermal shock environmental testing activities within our Environmental Test Lab. In this hands-on role, you will serve as the primary technical expert for all ESS operations, ensuring safe, accurate, and compliant execution of environmental testing for flight and engineering hardware.

You will own the day-to-day operation of thermal chambers, 3-axis vibration tables, thermal shock systems, and humidity test equipment. This includes scheduling, executing, and documenting tests, maintaining critical lab equipment, troubleshooting issues, and partnering closely with engineering teams to ensure hardware readiness.

This position is ideal for a senior technician with deep environmental test experience who enjoys working directly with engineers, defining and improving lab processes, training technicians, and helping expand our environmental screening capabilities for high-reliability aerospace hardware.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead day-to-day planning, scheduling, and execution of all environmental testing, including vibration (random, sine, sine-on-random, gunfire), thermal cycling, thermal shock, humidity, and vibe-under-temperature testing.
• Interpret and execute test procedures, MIL-STD and DO-160 requirements, and internal specifications to ensure full environmental compliance.
• Set up and operate environmental test systems including 3-axis shakers, thermal chambers, humidity chambers, and thermal shock equipment.
• Build and run thermal and vibration profiles; collaborate with engineers to design and review vibration fixtures and mounting hardware.
• Process, review, and analyze vibration and thermal data using Excel, PDF reporting, and internal systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot test anomalies, equipment issues, and environmental system failures to minimize downtime and improve repeatability.
• Manage lab equipment health, including preventative maintenance, calibration tracking, repair scheduling, upgrade scoping, and documentation.
• Maintain lab organization and safety standards, including ESD controls, tool/equipment upkeep, and consumables tracking.
• Train and mentor technicians and engineers in test procedures, equipment operation, lab safety, and environmental test best practices.
• Collaborate with product, design, and quality engineering teams to resolve issues, improve test methods, and ensure successful hardware test campaigns.
• Author and conduct training modules covering environmental equipment use, environmental test methodology, and lab safety protocols.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• 9+ years of experience performing environmental testing or environmental testing in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability hardware environments.
• High school diploma or equivalent (technical certificate or associate degree preferred).
• Extensive hands-on experience operating and maintaining vibration tables, thermal chambers, humidity chambers, and thermal shock systems.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret environmental test procedures, engineering drawings, and MIL-STD/DO-160 requirements.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across thermal, vibration, and environmental control systems.
• Experience processing and validating vibration and thermal data for compliance reporting.
• Proficiency using common electronic test tools and data acquisition systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document work, coordinate with engineers, and provide clear training.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• Experience designing or reviewing vibration fixtures and thermal test setups.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing or maintaining an environmental test lab, including calibration, maintenance schedules, and equipment procurement.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.