Staff Test Engineer

Description

The team designs the electrical ground support equipment (EGSE) and test scripts that validate spacecraft avionics before launch.

You would own test solutions from start to finish, covering hardware, software, documentation and testing, and see your work feed into mission readiness and customer acceptance.

The role is onsite in Phoenix, AZ, reporting to the Manager, Test Engineering.

The team values solving technical problems and trusts each other to make sound decisions.

You do not need every preferred skill to apply. Strong candidates usually meet around 80% of the list and show a willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Select COTS instruments, design custom test boxes and panels, and develop cabling and harnesses for spacecraft avionics EGSE.
• Build LabVIEW user interfaces and VIs for instrument control and telemetry, and write Python and/or Perl automation scripts.
• Integrate test software with embedded C and VxWorks code.
• Connect embedded single board computers and custom analog and digital I/O to Command & Data Handling (C&DH) systems, and support EPS power switching use cases.
• Write Integration & Test Plans, Environmental Test Plans, Acceptance Test Procedures (ATPs), and keep configuration-controlled schematics and BOMs current.
• Run functional and environmental test campaigns, troubleshoot anomalies, lead root cause analysis and corrective actions, and mentor junior engineers.
• Work with systems, firmware, manufacturing test and program management to meet schedule, cost and technical goals.

Requirements

• Must-have qualifications (core):
• At least 7 years of aerospace or defense test engineering, with hands-on ownership of EGSE hardware, software and documentation.
• Proficiency in LabVIEW for production-grade instrument control and operator interfaces.
• Proficiency in C for embedded systems.
• Proficiency in Python and/or Perl for test automation and data handling.
• Practical experience selecting and integrating COTS instruments such as power supplies, loads, DAQ and scopes, and designing custom fixtures and cable assemblies.
• Ability to write clear ATPs and integration and test plans, and to keep schematics and parts lists accurate.
• Strong debugging skills across analog and digital interfaces, with the ability to read schematics and interpret telemetry.
• You must be a U.S. person because the work is export-controlled.
• Nice-to-have (training provided where needed):
• Familiarity with VxWorks on embedded SBCs.
• Experience with cPCI SBCs and C&DH architectures.
• Exposure to EPS backplanes, including power switching and solar array or battery management.
• VHDL and FPGA interface testing experience.
• Cable and harness design experience, with knowledge of EMI/EMC and shielding and grounding practices.
• Experience with Intercept Mozaix or similar tools for schematic, BOM and document control.
• Environmental test support, such as thermal-vacuum, vibration and EMI/EMC testing.

Conditions

The base salary range is $145,000.00 to $185,000.00 per year.

Actual pay depends on factors including location, experience and performance.

The position requires access to U.S. export-controlled information.

Total compensation may include annual bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy and region-specific benefits.

Benefits

• Structured onboarding with mentorship and exposure to several spacecraft programs.
• Targeted training on the company-specific tools and architectures, including Intercept Mozaix and EPS power switching, plus advanced LabVIEW frameworks.
• A clear technical path toward lead or architect EGSE roles and mentoring responsibilities.
• Annual bonuses, an employee stock purchase plan, an open paid time off policy and region-specific benefits.