Mechanical Test Engineer

YOUR MISSION

We are seeking highly motivated Mechanical Test Engineers to support the design, planning, and execution of test campaigns for spacecraft mechanical systems and hardware. You will work closely with mechanical design engineers, systems engineers, and production teams to ensure mechanical hardware meets performance, environmental, and mission-critical requirements. In this role, you will develop test plans, execute mechanical system tests, design and build test fixtures and ground support equipment, collect and analyze data, disposition anomalies, and verify that hardware meets all specifications. The position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge spacecraft mechanical technologies in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Define and lead test strategies for mechanical system programs, including requirements verification, procedure development, and execution oversight.
• Author and review mechanical test documentation including plans, procedures, readiness reports, and compliance matrices.
• Analyze complex mechanical system test data, resolve anomalies, and lead root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Oversee mechanical test campaigns including acceptance testing, functional/performance testing, qualification testing, and integration testing, ensuring full traceability to system requirements.
• Design, build, commission, and operate mechanical test fixtures and ground support equipment in support of testing operations.
• Interface with program leadership, customers, and regulatory bodies during design reviews and formal mechanical test events.
• Ensure compliance with industry and military standards for mechanical test planning and reporting.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace engineering, or related technical discipline.
• Years of relevant experience in mechanical systems test engineering for aerospace, defense, or high-reliability systems in line with engineering level.
• Knowledge of mechanical system test methodologies including acceptance, functional, and performance testing.
• Experience performing mechanical system test campaigns and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong background in data analysis, systems engineering, and failure analysis for mechanical hardware.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and technical documentation skills.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to government contracts.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s or higher degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Expertise with data acquisition, test automation, and scripting (LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB) for mechanical test environments.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical components including structures, mechanisms, actuators, deployables, and mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with CAD tools, finite element analysis, and mechanical design principles.
• Experience with test standards such as MIL-STD-810, NASA-STD-5018, or other aerospace mechanical test specifications.
• Experience working in classified or secure test environments.
• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Base Salary: - Test Engineer 1: $85,000-$105,000 - Test Engineer 2: $100,000-$120,000 - Test Engineer 3: $125,000-$155,000 - Senior Test Engineer: $140,000-$175,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location— this a fully onsite position based out of our Long Beach, CA office.
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.