Space Force - Advanced Test Engineer

Job Title: Advanced Test Engineer 

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Employment Type: Contract to Direct

Industry: Defense

Compensation: $73.45/hour

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking an Advanced Test Engineer / Space Force Integration Engineer to support the Development Integration Test (DIT) Team responsible for testing, integration, verification, and validation of advanced space and ground systems. In this role, you'll contribute to mission-critical programs supporting the U.S. Space Force by leading integration activities, executing system-level testing, developing automation solutions, and ensuring system readiness throughout the development lifecycle.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Support cutting-edge space and defense technologies.
• Work on high-visibility programs that directly impact national security.
• Collaborate with talented engineers across software, systems, integration, and test disciplines.
• Gain experience with satellite operations, ground systems, software integration, and test automation.
• Join a team focused on innovation, technical excellence, and mission success.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting:

This role offers the opportunity to lead complex integration and testing efforts for advanced space systems. You'll help validate mission-critical capabilities, develop innovative test strategies, troubleshoot sophisticated systems, and contribute directly to technologies that support the future of space operations and national defense.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

Sound like a good fit?

TODAY

What You'll Do:

• Lead system integration, verification, validation, and testing activities for advanced space and ground systems.
• Analyze system and software requirements and develop detailed verification strategies.
• Prepare, execute, and maintain test plans, test procedures, test scripts, and test documentation.
• Support software integration, system-level integration, and interoperability testing.
• Execute functional, performance, regression, and end-to-end system tests.
• Troubleshoot software, hardware, and system integration issues.
• Develop and maintain automated test scripts and testing frameworks.
• Support technical planning activities, including schedules, budgets, resources, and equipment planning.
• Design and utilize diagnostic tools, test fixtures, and specialized test equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to resolve defects and improve system performance.
• Document test results, present findings, and support customer demonstrations and program reviews.
• Ensure compliance with program requirements and verification objectives throughout the engineering lifecycle.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline with 5+ years of relevant experience; OR
• Master's degree in a related technical discipline with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in systems integration, test engineering, software integration, systems engineering, or verification and validation activities.
• 5+ years of experience developing and executing test plans, test procedures, integration tests, and verification activities.
• 3+ years of experience analyzing technical requirements and translating them into test strategies and verification methods.
• 3+ years of experience utilizing object-oriented programming, scripting languages, or software development tools.
• 3+ years of experience troubleshooting complex software, system integration, and technical performance issues.
• 2+ years of experience supporting defense, aerospace, space systems, or other highly technical engineering programs.
• 15+ years of experience in software integration, integration testing, or systems integration environments.
• 5+ years of experience supporting satellite operations and ground operations systems.
• 10+ years of experience working in Linux environments.

What Sets You Apart:

• Experience developing automated testing tools, frameworks, and scripts.
• Experience supporting Space Force, aerospace, satellite, or mission-critical defense programs.
• Strong knowledge of software development lifecycles, verification methodologies, and integration processes.
• Experience leading integration efforts across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to quickly absorb new technologies and solve highly complex technical challenges.
• Strong collaboration skills with a demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities while meeting critical program milestones.
• Commitment to continuous learning, technical excellence, and innovation.
• Interest in leveraging AI-enabled technologies to improve testing efficiency, automation, and system performance.
• Strong understanding of software integration, systems testing, and engineering development lifecycles.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis skills.

Additional Information:

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check and drug screen.
• Overtime: May be required based on program schedules and testing requirements.
• Work Arrangement: Fully On-Site or Hybrid/Flex with a minimum of four days per week on-site.
• Work Environment: Advanced aerospace, defense, and space systems engineering environment supporting Space Force programs.
• Top Skills: Systems integration, software integration, test engineering, test automation, Linux, satellite operations, troubleshooting, and verification & validation.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
  
• Active DoD Secret Clearance Required. 

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Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.