We are seeking an experienced Satellite Test Development Engineer to lead the transition of spacecraft testing from engineering-led development activities into robust, repeatable, highly automated production test systems.
This is a critical role supporting the scale-up of satellite manufacturing, ensuring every spacecraft undergoes consistent, efficient, and reliable qualification and acceptance testing prior to shipment and launch. You will develop end-to-end test strategies, procedures, automation, and Ground Support Equipment (GSE), enabling seamless handover to Production Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) teams for routine execution.
Working closely with Systems Engineering, Production AI&T, Program Management, and spacecraft subsystem teams-including Electrical Power Systems (EPS), Attitude Determination & Control Systems (ADCS), Communications, Command & Data Handling (C&DH), and Flight Software-you will transform verification requirements into practical, production-ready test campaigns that minimise variability, reduce human error, and maximise confidence in every vehicle delivered.
This position is based on-site in Seattle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the transition of spacecraft test campaigns from engineering development into production-ready execution.
- Develop subsystem and spacecraft-level qualification and acceptance test strategies across all spacecraft systems.
- Plan, coordinate, and lead cross-functional engineering teams supporting test development activities.
- Convert verification requirements into scalable, repeatable, and efficient production test plans.
- Develop comprehensive test procedures, automation frameworks, scripts, and documentation that enable consistent, low-variance execution.
- Collaborate with engineering, production, and programme teams to deliver complete end-to-end spacecraft validation.
- Define requirements for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and oversee its design, development, and validation.
- Establish best practices for test safety, robustness, automation, and error-proofing.
- Define standards for test readiness, including procedure validation, dry runs, checkouts, and automation maturity.
- Coordinate engineering inputs to ensure test readiness while maintaining programme schedules.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and eliminate test variability.
- Apply lessons learned from previous spacecraft programmes to prevent recurring issues and improve production readiness.
- Support additional engineering initiatives as required.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 12+ years of experience in spacecraft integration and test, hardware development, or comparable complex aerospace testing environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading multiple spacecraft or launch vehicle integration and test campaigns.
- Strong hands-on background in spacecraft system testing, procedure development, automation, and execution.
- Experience developing scripts or software to automate spacecraft testing.
- Proven ability to work across multidisciplinary engineering teams, including electrical, mechanical, systems, and software engineering.
- Strong understanding of spacecraft Assembly, Integration & Test (AI&T) principles, including test-as-you-fly methodologies, NASA and DoD verification standards, and build verification strategies.
- Track record of successfully delivering complex technical programmes within fast-paced, schedule-driven environments.
- Strong engineering judgement, ownership, problem-solving ability, and the confidence to make sound decisions in evolving environments.
Preferred Experience