Spacecraft Test Engineer
AstroForge
Quality Assurance
Seal Beach, CA, USA
USD 100k-140k / year + Equity
Posted 6+ months ago
Spacecraft Test Engineer
Seal Beach
Test and Integration
In office
Full-time
About the Company
At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and with a smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity’s capabilities in space.
Description:
AstroForge is seeking a Spacecraft Test Engineer with a strong understanding of space vehicle design. This position focuses on ensuring the reliability and performance of spacecraft systems by maintaining and balancing technical budgets, coordinating subsystem functionality, and overseeing integration and testing activities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their interdependencies, enabling them to ensure the spacecraft meets mission objectives.
The role requires experience in working on real-life space hardware, with hands-on involvement in building and testing spacecraft. The candidate will work cross-functionally with various teams to ensure that all aspects of spacecraft development, from design to testing, meet mission requirements. Additionally, the candidate will support the development and submission of documentation to regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with spaceflight regulations.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, interpret, and maintain technical budgets, including mass, power, link, and thermal, to support spacecraft reliability and performance.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure seamless subsystem integration.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of spacecraft subsystems (e.g., propulsion, avionics, communications, power, thermal, and structures) and their interfaces.
- Lead hands-on activities in spacecraft integration, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Contribute to the development, testing, and operation of space hardware.
- Provide input to ensure system-level consistency and compatibility across the spacecraft.
- Assist in preparing and submitting documentation for regulatory compliance with spaceflight standards.
- Adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting project needs and priorities.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems and their interdependencies.
- Experience in creating and managing technical budgets (e.g., mass, power).
- Hands-on experience with space hardware, including integration and testing.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for spaceflight and experience with related documentation and compliance.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.
Preferred Skills and Experience:
- Experience in spacecraft reliability analysis, integration, or subsystem design.
- Knowledge of industry standards and practices in spacecraft testing, verification, and regulatory compliance.
- Background in aerospace or related industries.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to meet critical project deadlines.
- Occasional travel may be required to support hardware testing and integration activities.
Benefits
- 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
- Vision and FSA benefits available
- 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
- 10 paid Holidays
- Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
- Equity on the ground floor of a startup
Salary
100k - 140k
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
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Req ID: R21