Senior Development Test Technician

The Role 

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