Environmental Test Engineer
espace · Saratoga, CA ·
- Work mode
- Onsite
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- QA
- Visa sponsorship
- No
- Company size
- 11-50
Designs and runs environmental tests (vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, acoustic) for a satellite’s large deployable antenna, from test planning to anomaly resolution.
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 an Environmental Test Engineer to own the launch and space environmental qualification and acceptance test campaign for E-Space's large deployable antenna structure. This person will define, plan, and execute vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, and acoustic testing for the stowed and deployed antenna assembly, from requirements flow-down through anomaly disposition and test report. This is a hands-on role for someone who treats a test anomaly as the most interesting part of the job.
On-site in California or Texas. Test facility coordination and hardware presence required. Some travel between sites expected.
What you will do:
- Own the environmental test plan for the integrated antenna structure - vibration, shock, acoustic, and TVAC - from requirements flow-down to test report.
- Define test levels and acceptance/qualification margins based on launch vehicle environments and system-level requirements, working with the structures analyst and IAS lead.
- Coordinate with test facilities (in-house and external) to plan, schedule, and execute test campaigns for the stowed antenna assembly.
- Instrument and fixture test articles; develop test procedures, pre-test predictions, and test-as-you-fly configurations.
- Perform real-time data monitoring during test execution; make go/no-go calls and manage test anomaly response in accordance with procedures.
- Own post-test inspection, data reduction, and correlation of test results against pre-test predictions.
- Document test results; maintain test verification closure records in the V&V matrix.
Required qualifications:
- BS or MS or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
- Experience planning and executing structural environmental test campaigns - vibration, shock, or thermal-vacuum - for flight or high-reliability hardware.
- Experience with fixturing, instrumentation (accelerometers, strain gauges, RTDs/PRTs), and data acquisition systems.
- Ability to develop pre-test predictions and interpret post-test data against FEA model outputs.
- Familiarity with MIL-STD-1540, GEVS, or equivalent environmental test standards.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience with large or flexible structures - solar arrays, booms, deployable antennas, or membrane/gossamer systems - where conventional rigid-body fixturing assumptions break down.
- TVAC deployment testing experience, or equivalent thermal-vacuum test of mechanism or deployable hardware.
- Experience with model-test correlation and understanding of how fixturing and test-article mass affect frequency response.
- Familiarity with structural dynamics analysis tools (Nastran, ANSYS, or equivalent).
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