Environmental Test Engineer

Key Responsibilities

• Perform Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing on components, subsystems, and fully assembled satellites.
• Cook up logistics and scheduling with internal engineering teams and external test facilities.
• Work with and oversee environmental test vendors during off-site testing campaigns.
• Support test article instrumentation (e.g., thermocouples, accelerometers, strain gauges) and data acquisition system setup.
• Analyze test data, interpret results, and provide actionable feedback to design and manufacturing groups.
• Own, operate, and maintain internal environmental test infrastructure, ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
• Lead root cause analysis and drive the resolution of test anomalies and failures.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of test processes, procedures, and documentation.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert on environmental test equipment and methodologies.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: A minimum of 3 years of direct, hands-on experience in environmental testing of aerospace, defense, or other high-reliability systems.
• Working knowledge of relevant environmental test standards (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-810).
• Demonstrated proficiency with TVAC chambers and vibration tables (sine/random).
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications.
• Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Hands-on experience with test instrumentation and data acquisition systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with environmental testing of satellites or spacecraft.
• In-depth knowledge of aerospace materials and their behavior in vacuum, thermal, and vibrational environments.

Soft Skills

• A proactive and accountable approach to managing projects from planning to completion.
• The ability to thrive and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic R&D and manufacturing environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and external vendors.
• A methodical and analytical mindset for troubleshooting complex test anomalies.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication skills for reporting results and documenting processes.

Technology Stack

• NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-810
• TVAC Chambers
• Electrodynamic Shakers (Vibration Tables)
• Shock Test Systems
• Data Acquisition (DAQ) Hardware
• Accelerometers
• Thermocouples
• Strain Gauges
• Force Sensors
• Data Analysis Software (e.g., MATLAB, Python - NumPy/SciPy)
• DAQ Control Software (e.g., LabVIEW, Dewesoft, m+p Analyzer)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods in a lab environment.
• Must be able to lift and carry test equipment and components up to 40 pounds.
• Manual dexterity required to handle and install sensitive instrumentation and cabling.
• Ability to work in an environment with moderate noise levels from test equipment.
• May require occasional travel to external test facilities.