Component Test Engineer

Astrobotic is at the forefront of advancing space exploration and technology development. Our expertise spans from lunar rovers, landers, and infrastructure to spacecraft navigation, machine vision, and computing systems for in-space robotic applications. To date, the company has been contracted for two lunar missions and has won more than 60 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial technology contracts worth more than $600million.

We launched and operated the first American lunar lander mission since the Apollo Program. Beyond helping lead America back to the Moon, Astrobotic developed and operates reusable vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL)rockets and continues to advance next-generation VTVL capabilities and advanced rocket engines. Established in 2007, Astrobotic is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with a propulsion and test campus in Mojave, CA.

****The Component Test Engineer will be involved in development and evolution of Astrobotic’s portfolio of propulsion testing capabilities, including active involvement in component and vehicle test campaigns, development of test products to support integration and test operations, and collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams to achieve verification objectives. Applicants should have a background in vehicle development, qualification, and ground and flight testing.

Job Responsibilities:

• Support the integrated, qualification and acceptance testing of vehicle components/assemblies, including propulsion systems, avionics hardware, pressurant systems, and structural components.
• Develop test plans and test procedures, design/analyze test fixturing to support both on and off vehicle testing, write test reports, and hold test readiness and data reviews.
• Support the development and maintenance of the V&V and requirement verification matrix with the Systems Engineering team.
• Ensure system solutions are flight worthy prior to test and flight operations.
• Work with the Structures, Mechanisms, Integration and Test lead to optimize when and how on vehicle testing is performed to best support vehicle assembly timeline.
• As required, support tests performed by external suppliers as the responsible engineer for a given component/system.
• Collaborate with functional engineering teams to ensure test and requirement verification objectives are achieved with test plans.
• Specify appropriate instrumentation to capture vehicle and component performance that balances cost and data fidelity.
• As part of test data reviews, provide and assess vehicle and component performance, including failure analysis and identifying critical failure modes, effects, and design solutions to mitigate test failures.
• Support troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation for test-related issues.
• Serve as a team member for Mojave test operations, including but not limited to component integration and testing, integrated engine and propulsion system testing, and flight vehicle testing.
• Generate and support discrepancy documentation and ensure test processes and test disciplines are being followed during integration and test execution.
• Ensure safe and successful test activities in a variety of environments.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or relevant field.
• 3-5+ years of experience with integrated vehicle or component test.
• Working knowledge of fluid components such as valves, regulators, actuators, and fittings.
• Experience with sensors, instrumentation (pressure transducers, accelerometers, etc.), and data acquisition/controls.
• Good working knowledge of multiple engineering disciplines, including Mechanical, Electrical, and Software Engineering.
• Excellent communication and team interaction skills, strong work ethic, and intrinsic self-motivation.
• A dedication to safety, including experience working with hazardous pressurized or other relevant systems.
• Ability to deliver results with minimal oversight.

Desired Skills & Qualifications:

• An understanding of VTVL vehicle design and operations.
• Understands what is — and what is not — needed for high reliability VTVL systems, including knowledge of MIL-STD-1522, NASA-STD-5012 and FAA Guide to Verifying Safety-Critical Structures for Reusable Launch and Reentry Vehicles.
• Familiarity in systems engineering, including requirement validation and verification thru test.
• Familiarity with DO-160 and/or DO-178.
• Hands-on experience performing component and system qualification testing and/or directing technicians.
• Self-driven, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.