Senior Test Engineer I - Spacecraft

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.

We are looking to add a Senior Test Engineer I - Spacecraft to our team. If you are excited about working in a startup environment, have a strong work ethic, and are passionate about cutting-edge electronics, we would like to hear from you.

In this position, you will work closely with CesiumAstro design engineers to create subsystem and spacecraft functional and performance test setups, develop and execute test procedures, design, deploy and operate test systems, and data capture and analysis tools. You will have the opportunity to use and maintain state-of-the-art spacecraft lab instrumentation, such as spectrum analyzers, automated power supplies, aa thermal cycling chamber, thermal vacuum chamber, large scale vibration test table, and EMI/EMC chamber. This role will involve design verification and qualification for spacecraft, payloads and subsystems. You will be challenged to propose and implement intricate test setups to increase productivity, maintain safe operating conditions, and reliably generate test results.

This role involves the test and handling of space flight hardware. This includes unique fastener types, materials, cleanliness standards, and electronics sensitive to electrostatic discharge. As such, familiarity with space flight hardware at a final level of assembly (subsystems, payloads, or spacecraft) is highly preferred. This role will also lead the development and implementation of test solutions and automation including interfacing with control systems and leading the development of test automation scripts. Experience with active phased arrays and RF circuitry, including the performance and safety considerations associated with this equipment is a plus.

Your work will have a direct impact on the success of the company. You will work closely with the engineering team, program management to ensure the successful build and launch of our satellite. Element will be the largest, most powerful rideshare satellite in LEO. We’re launching eight of them in the next four years, starting with our first launch this year. Together, our small team will design, build, and iterate to reduce mass and cost while increasing performance, reliability, and manufacturability of a new generation of satellites. Let’s build!

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Develop, implement and execute test automation and post-processing scripts
• Design, develop and implement test configurations and support in situ troubleshooting, as required
• Create clean, intricate and well-documented test setups consisting of instrumentation, cabling, and the devices under test
• Create thorough documentation with meticulous attention to detail and a high standard of quality
• Assemble and validate custom test fixtures, cable harnesses, etc. for supporting test station development for production and product validation
• Perform measurement validation on test solutions to validate the performance of the instruments, cabling, etc.
• Support design engineers in unit verification tests in planning, execution, and anomaly troubleshooting and resolution in the event it is required
• Work with the production, supply chain and Assembly, Integration, and Test (AI&T) teams to maintain facilities, equipment functionality, and calibration of tools and equipment
• Support the development of test plans, procedures, and reports

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Electrical, Aerospace Engineering or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of industry experience in electrical or aerospace integration and test
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and standard collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Teams
• Experience with basic electrical and/or RF test equipment (e.g. power supplies, electronic loads, power meters, and network analyzers)
• Exposure to design for manufacturing (DFM)
• Ability to interpret and review Electrical Interface Control Diagrams (EICDs) and interconnect diagrams
• Ability to interpret industry-standard assembly and dimensional drawings (i.e. ASME Y-14.5)
• Experience using MATLAB and Simulink
• Experience in test scripting using Python, or Ruby, or a similar programming language
• Familiarity with spacecraft command, control, and telemetry systems such as COSMOS/OpenC3
• Experience collaborating with cognizant engineers in a multidisciplinary environment
• Experience working in an assembly and test bay or cleanroom with cleanliness, FOD, and ESD awareness
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics as well as mechanical assembly documentation
• Ability to plan and accomplish schedule-critical tasks time and communicate regular progress updates to program management
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• Willingness to learn to support mechanical operations such as critical lifts and transport of spacecraft and sensitive hardware
• Experience or strong interest in developing and supporting environmental testing for spaceflight hardware (e.g. thermal vacuum, dynamics, and EMI/EMC testing)
• Experience with LabView firmware / control systems development
• Willingness to provide inputs to and review safety documentation and procedures
• Passion for troubleshooting and of searching out for creative solutions to complex engineering problems
• Significant interest in hands-on assembly, integration, and test activities involving spaceflight hardware

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.