
Principal Systems Test Engineer
Airbus US Space & Defense, Inc. • Merritt Island, Florida, United States
Role & seniority: Principal Systems Test Engineer (senior), lead for I&T of satellite hardware and simulators; provides technical leadership and guidance.
Stack/tools: Aerospace I&T tools and processes; flatsats, HWIL/SWILs, test plans/procedures; requirements flow-down; design-for-Cost/Manufacturability/Test approaches; spacecraft, payload, and launch integration contexts.
Top 3 responsibilities
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Lead Integration & Test activities across satellite platforms (unit to system level), develop test requirements, methods, and execute tests.
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Develop test sequences, plans, and procedures for functional, environmental, and compatibility testing; test flatsats and simulators; ensure interface compliance.
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Roadmap support and cross-functional planning: assist product teams, drive multi-program engineering efforts, and implement process improvements.
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Must-have skills: 15+ years (BS) or 12+ years (MS) in aerospace hardware/software; proven end-to-end experience from concept to operations; strong I&T tooling proficiency; effective cross-functional communication; ability to obtain/maintain US government security clearance; candidate must be eligible for DoD Secret or higher.
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Nice-to-haves: Master’s degree in STEM; DoD security clearance active; experience with space mission CONOPS, launch operations, and multi-site collaboration.
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Location & work type: Merritt Island, Florida area; travel: <20% if based in Merritt Island; ≥50% travel to Merritt Island if based elsewhe
Full Description
Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.
Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.
Position Summary
Airbus U.S. is looking for an enthusiastic and creative Principal Systems Test Engineer to develop solutions for satellite integration and test. We're looking for candidates who can bring exceptional engineering skills and strong experience in aerospace programs to the team.
Position Responsibilities
The Principal Systems Test Engineer's primary responsibility will be leading development and executing I&T activities for the Airbus U.S.'s satellite flight hardware, flatsats, HWIL/SWILs, and simulators. This engineer will be involved in the full lifecycle of development, from requirements definition through operations. Being at the cutting edge of space technology, we need someone who is eager to learn, grow, and take on new and potentially unfamiliar challenges. There is no shortage of fascinating problems to solve.
The Principal Systems Test Engineer will provide autonomous support of complex assignments and technical leadership of other engineers, under the leadership of the Systems Engineering Manager. The Principal Systems Engineer will have project and subject matter responsibility and authority.
Integration and Test 50%
Develop and execute various tests pertaining to the AirbusUS satellite platforms, including ARROW platform to meet customer requirements
Lead the Integration and Test Phase for Systems Engineering through development of test requirements, designing test methods, and following through test execution
Create test plans and procedures for various levels of assembly: unit, module, subsystem, platform, satellite. Includes testing such as functional, environmental, compatibility
Develop and interact with the Flatsats and other I&T means to test functionality and performance
Develop test sequences that demonstrate compliance with various interface specifications at both the subsystem and satellite, and systems level
Support the development of subsystem level requirements and requirement flow-down to the various components and parts as necessary - in all phases of the development lifecycle with particular emphasis on Design for Cost/Design for Manufacturability/Design for Test approaches
Drive multiple concurrent engineering projects (programs or mission) - could lead to spacecraft, payload, satellite bus, and/or launch integration activities;
Lead in cross-functional planning, coordination, and task execution situations involving the full spectrum of engineering and integration activities
Roadmap Development 25%
Support Airbus spacecraft development product roadmap: includes design adjustments, schedule, and cost targets aligned for future business captures.
Support the definition of spacecraft customization process for customer mission needs.
Assist product teams in unit-level development to ensure consistency and quality across development projects
Additional Responsibilities 25%
Perform all the necessary system engineering activities to build, to maintain and to evolve the Airbus spacecraft products.
Promote and optimize cost savings by reuse of the heritage platform designs and manufacturing infrastructures in the pursuit of various constellation prospects.
As a senior, experienced engineer, provide guidance and insight to individual engineers across the company
Implement company process improvements
Qualified Experience / Skills / Training
Education
Bachelor's degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
Preferred: Master's in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering, Math) or related scientific areas.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years with a Bachelor's degree, or 12 years with a Master's degree
Proven track-record of working with aerospace hardware and/or software systems, starting from conceptual designs and tradeoffs thru detailed design, development, manufacture, integration, test, deployment, and operations.
Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities
Proficiency with various I&T engineering tools and processes
Familiarity with elements of space mission architectures extending beyond the satellite platform - including launch, flight operations, mission CONOPS, user interfaces, etc.
Communicate in a clear and concise manner effectively across multiple levels.
Be team-minded and ready to work in a multi-functional and multi-cultural, fast-moving and complex/technical environment.
Flexible attitude and strong initiative.
Demonstrated ability to deliver results.
Travel Required
If based in Merritt Island, Florida: periodic travel (less than 20%) to US Airbus facilities or partner companies
If not based in Merritt Island, Florida: significant travel to Merritt Island, FL (at least 50% during I&T activities)
Occasional International travel to collaborate with European Airbus counterparts
Eligibility
US Citizenship is required
Clearance
Ability to obtain and maintain a Government security clearance
Active DoD security clearance at Secret or above highly desirable
Physical Requirements
Vision: able to see and read computer screen and other electronic equipment with screens, able to read documents.
Hearing: able to hear to participate in conversations in person and via teleconference or phone and to hear sounds including safety warnings or alarms.
Equipment Operation (personal computer, telephone, copies, fax machine, and related office equipment and using electronic identification card to enter building floors and internal doors): able to operate most office and personal electronic equipment.
Carrying: able to carry documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
Lifting: able to lift documents, electronic equipment and/or supplies up to 40lbs/9kg.
Sitting: able to sit for long periods of time in meetings, working on computer.
Squatting / Kneeling: able to occasionally squat or kneel to retrieve or replace items shelved on bottom shelves.
Standing: able to stand for long periods of time.
Walking: able to walk through office and outside areas including uneven surfaces.
Equal Opportunity
Airbus provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Airbus complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, demotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Airbus expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetics, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status or other legally protected status.
As a matter of policy, Airbus does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered. Airbus does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. Airbus reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
By submitting your resume or application you are consenting to Airbus using and storing information about you for monitoring purposes relating to your application or future employment. This information will only be used by Airbus. Airbus is committed to achieving workforce diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome all applications irrespective of social and cultural background, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief. Airbus is, and always has been, committed to equal opportunities for all. As such, we will never ask for any type of monetary exchange in the frame of a recruitment process. Any impersonation of Airbus to do so should be reported to HR@airbusus.com.