Deployable Structures Test Engineer
espace · Saratoga, CA ·
- Work mode
- Onsite
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- QA
- Visa sponsorship
- No
- Company size
- 51-200
Tests large deployable antenna structures for LEO satellite systems, designing gravity-offload test rigs and executing deployment test campaigns to characterize kinematics, force profiles, and verify ground-to-flight correlation for flight deployment prediction.
Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
We are looking for a Deployable Structures Test Engineer to own the ground deployment test program for E-Space's large deployable antenna structure. This person will design and execute gravity-offload deployment test campaigns, characterize deployment kinematics and force profiles, establish ground-to-flight correlation, and verify deployment repeatability against aperture geometry requirements. This is a specialized role at the intersection of mechanisms, structural testing, and test facility engineering - for someone who has thought carefully about what it actually means to simulate zero-gravity deployment on the ground.
On-site in California or Texas. Hands-on test facility presence is required. Some travel between sites expected.
What you will do:
- Own the deployment test plan for the antenna assembly - from test requirements definition through gravity-offload rig design, test execution, and post-test correlation.
- Design or oversee design of gravity-offload and support fixtures appropriate for large flexible deployable structures, including friction budget analysis and rig compliance characterization.
- Execute deployment tests, capturing deployment force/torque profiles, deployable element tip trajectories, deployment timelines, and deployment-state shape measurements (photogrammetry or equivalent).
- Establish ground-to-flight correlation methodology: characterize offload rig artifacts, derive correction factors, and bound residual uncertainty in flight deployment prediction.
- Verify deployment repeatability run-to-run and characterize sensitivity to deployment sequencing, temperature, and lubricant state.
- Coordinate with the deployment mechanism team to characterize actuator force output and locked-state stiffness/backlash for use as structural dynamics boundary conditions.
- Coordinate with structural subsystem teams to characterize subsystem performance and define an integrated testing campaign.
- Feed deployment test data into the integrated structural model; participate in model-test correlation reviews with the IAS structures analyst.
Required qualifications:
- BS or MS or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
- Experience with deployment or mechanism testing of flight hardware - solar arrays, antennas, booms, or equivalent deployable structures.
- Hands-on experience with gravity-offload test setups for large flexible hardware.
- Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry or optical shape measurement.
- Practical understanding of test-to-flight fidelity gaps for deployable structures in 1g.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with composite boom deployment mechanisms or wrap-rib/coilable boom hardware.
- Familiarity with friction and lubrication behavior in space mechanisms across temperature ranges.
- Experience contributing to model-test correlation for deployment dynamics simulations.
- Knowledge of TVAC deployment testing and the additional instrumentation challenges it introduces.
Additional Requirements
This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.
This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga, CA or Arlington, TX office. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed.
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.
Why E-Space is right for you:
As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.
We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:
• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off