Lead, Manufacturing Test Engineer

About the Team:

The Stage Manufacturing team turns design into reality, owning the build of Terran R’s primary structures. This isn’t about turning the same bolt every day; it’s about building the systems to build the rocket. Engineers and technicians work side by side, with deep collaboration and real-time feedback, to shape how we build better and faster. With a manifest and a launch date, it’s up to the team to deliver on Terran R: solving challenges in real time, optimizing for scale, and constantly improving processes. As the vehicle evolves, so will the factory, with opportunities to apply automation, machine learning, and advanced technologies. What we build here sets the blueprint for the future of scaled launch.

About the Role:

• Design and commission new test assets and systems to unlock new test capabilities or enhance existing ones while working closely with design and manufacturing partners to ensure the successful execution of production testing campaigns that are both efficient and scalable over time.
• Manage a team of test engineers that serve all major products of the Vehicle Integration and Test scope. End-to-end problem ownership and handling of GSE to develop test systems that scale for production.
• Author and optimize test sequences, plans, procedures, and operational processes to support first-article development and transition into high-volume production.
• Analyze data to evaluate assembly performance and disposition recurring testing discrepancies and support multi-disciplinary teams on root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Define and standardize operational requirements and processes to improve safety, data quality, and test repeatability.
• Provide hands-on support to the shop floor and production personnel, rapidly addressing any test issues that arise and offering upstream feedback to drive design for manufacturability, testability or reparability.

About You:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering; or other related discipline.
• 3+ years of relevant technical experience, including (but not limited to): Authoring and executing test plans and procedures on complex high-pressure pneumatic and high-voltage electrical systems; High-pressure pneumatic leak checks, sensor checkouts, high-voltage electrical system checkouts, integrated system testing; Designing and commissioning pneumatic and electrical test equipment; Leading failure and anomaly investigations, resolving non-conformances, and driving root cause analysis with corrective actions implemented effectively
• Strong understanding of and ability to apply engineering fundamentals in fluid, thermal, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
• Demonstrated knowledge of safety standards, common test hazards, and appropriate mitigations.
• Self-starter who can define and roll out new processes from concept through implementation, working collaboratively with technicians, engineers, and external vendors

Nice to haves but not required:

• Experience in a fast-paced and lean environment, including direct vendor engagement, tool development, or leading a small team through an ambiguous build or test effort
• Familiarity with industry test standards: e.g., SMC-S-016, MIL-STD-1540D, and MIL-STD-810G.
• Knowledge of launch vehicle components such as regulators, check valves, orifices, and electromechanical and pneumatically actuated valves
• Experience with test automation, data acquisition and control systems, electrical test equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters, etc.), pneumatic test equipment (e.g., pressure regulators, flow meters, etc.)