Space Test Engineer

About the role

HawkEye 360 is seeking a Space Test Engineer to join the Assembly, Integration, & Test (AI&T) Team. The Space Team designs, builds, and tests small commercial satellites that provide revolutionary RF geospatial analytics. In this role you will be the technical owner for development, improvement, and execution of spacecraft‑level test programs, modernizing existing test procedures, designing new ones, and ensuring rigorous, efficient verification of spacecraft and complex RF payloads.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute unit‑level and spacecraft‑level functional tests, analyze results, and update test procedures based on findings.
• Modernize existing test procedures to increase clarity, efficiency, and coverage.
• Design, plan, and execute environmental tests (TVAC, Vibe, EMI/EMC, radiation).
• Design harnessing, electrical, and mechanical ground support equipment (EGSE and MGSE) for flatsats and flight hardware.
• Collaborate with the software team to execute and implement automated test scripts and frameworks.
• Develop and refine detailed design documents, interface control drawings (ICDs), test plans, and test procedures across spacecraft subsystems.
• Support launch site integration and test campaigns.
• Work with limited oversight in a fast‑paced integration and test environment, making informed technical decisions and escalating issues appropriately.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 1–5 years of professional experience.
• Proficiency in Python or another high‑level programming language, preferably for automated testing.
• Experience with CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Strong analytical and strategic skills with excellent written and presentation abilities.
• Experience developing or improving aerospace test procedures, verification flows, or test infrastructure.
• Experience designing or modifying EGSE/MGSE to support spacecraft integration.
• Ability to work onsite and hands‑on with spacecraft hardware, following strict ESD and cleanroom protocols.
• Desirable: interest in small‑sat or space industry with RF payloads or communication systems.
• Desirable: experience handling expensive electronic components (ESD and cleanroom best practices).
• Desirable: experience with PCB design using Altium.
• Desirable: experience writing technical documentation such as test procedures and test plans.
• Desirable: experience using lab equipment such as digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, signal generators, and thermal chambers.
• Desirable: strong troubleshooting skills in complex electromechanical or RF systems.

Compensation

We offer a competitive base salary plus an annual performance bonus and benefits. Salary range: $70,000 — $115,000 USD. Compensation is determined based on experience, education, training, skills, market, and business considerations. Candidates with experience and qualifications at a different level than the posting may be considered, which could affect the compensation package.

Company Overview

HawkEye 360 equips defense, intelligence, and national security leaders with mission‑critical signals intelligence to enable faster, better decision making. By detecting, geolocating, and characterizing radio frequency emissions worldwide, HawkEye 360 delivers trusted domain awareness and early‑warning indicators to the U.S. Government and allied partners. Our space‑based collection, proprietary signal processing, and AI‑powered analytics transform knowledge of the RF spectrum into a strategic advantage. Proven by operational mission success, HawkEye 360 is redefining how signals intelligence strengthens national and global security.