Full Description

System Spacecraft Test Engineer $130,000 – $180,000 Full-time | On-site | San Jose, CA

Company Overview Our client designs, builds, and operates advanced small satellite systems to support turnkey space missions in Earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, and exploration. With a collaborative engineering culture and global infrastructure, they are pushing the boundaries of space technology to deliver high-performance systems for both commercial and government customers.

Position Summary We’re seeking a System Spacecraft Test Engineer to join a hands-on, mission-driven team ensuring spacecraft are ready for launch and on-orbit success. In this role, you’ll develop and execute system test plans, automate test procedures, and perform data analysis on spacecraft hardware. You’ll collaborate with design engineers, project managers, and customers to define test strategies, troubleshoot anomalies, and drive continuous improvement of test operations from subsystem delivery through launch. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of test engineering, systems integration, and automation on complex, high-reliability spacecraft systems.

Key Responsibilities Develop comprehensive system test plans and procedures to verify spacecraft performance from subsystem delivery through launch Perform, automate, and analyze spacecraft system tests; present results and feedback to engineering teams Ensure test plans meet evolving system requirements and mission characteristics Troubleshoot anomalous test results, identify defects, and support root-cause resolution Collect or design necessary support equipment and automate test procedures to improve efficiency Document test changes, results, and issues with high attention to detail Drive continuous improvement in test processes while ensuring hardware and personnel safety

Minimum Qualifications

B. S. or M.S. in Engineering (Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Software), Math, Physics, or related field

• 5+ years of experience testing complex systems, ideally spacecraft or similarly high-reliability hardware
• Experience with RF systems
• High proficiency in test automation or Python programming
• Ability to interpret and follow system documentation accurately
• Hands-on experience with hardware testing and diagnostic tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power sources, spectrum analyzers, and modems
• Strong communication and collaborative problem-solving skills

U. S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency (Green Card) required under export control regulations

Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with mission assurance practices Experience with spacecraft manufacturing or high-volume production environments Background in electrical or software design Proficiency with Python libraries such as pandas for test data analysis Experience automating tests with spectrum analyzers, power meters, or modems