Environmental Test Engineer III (Clearance Required)

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role
As an Environmental Test Engineer III at Sierra Space, you will leverage your extensive experience and general expertise in specific areas of test engineering to lead and contribute to advanced testing and validation of aerospace systems and components, including satellites and spacecraft. You will play a key role in planning and executing environmental test campaigns - including shock, vibration, thermal, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing - to verify that flight hardware and subsystems can survive the launch and on-orbit space environment. You will work under general direction to independently develop approaches to solve technical problems and provide guidance to less experienced engineers. Representing Test Engineering, you will play a critical role in requirements management, system design, and the execution of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower - to join us in this critical mission.

We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals - while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and execute complex and professional test plans, test procedures, and test reports to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
• Plan, set up, and execute environmental test campaigns for satellites, spacecraft, and space hardware, including:
  • Shock testing to verify hardware survives pyrotechnic events, separation shocks, and other transient high-frequency loads.
  • Vibration testing (sine, random, and sine burst) to simulate launch vehicle acoustic and dynamic loads and verify structural integrity and workmanship.
  • Thermal testing to verify performance and survival across qualification and acceptance temperature ranges representative of mission environments.
  • Thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing to verify functional performance, outgassing, and thermal balance/thermal cycling under vacuum conditions representative of the space environment.
• Apply expertise in specific areas of test engineering principles and practices, such as dynamics, thermal, measurement, HSI, software testing, and integration, to solve broad technical problems.
• Develop and review environmental test plans, procedures, and success criteria in accordance with program requirements and industry/customer standards (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, MIL-STD-810).
• Coordinate with facilities and test operations teams to schedule and configure shaker tables, shock test fixtures, thermal chambers, and thermal vacuum chambers, including instrumentation and data acquisition setup (accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges).
• Monitor test articles during shock, vibration, thermal, and TVAC testing to detect anomalies, halt testing when necessary, and support root-cause investigation of test failures or anomalies.
• Work effectively in multi-disciplinary design and development teams, providing guidance and direction to less experienced engineers while independently determining and developing approaches to testing solutions under general direction.
• Represent Test Engineering in requirements management, system design, and systems integration, ensuring effective system performance and validation.
• Represent Test Engineering in the planning, conducting, and documenting of Verification and Validation (V&V) activities, including environmental qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
• Handle the generation and disposition of test-related product non-conformances while adhering to quality assurance principles.
• Read and interpret schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and apply logical troubleshooting techniques to resolve complex testing issues.
• Utilize various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies - including vibration/shock test systems, thermal and thermal vacuum chambers, and associated data acquisition systems - to support validation efforts and ensure the quality of aerospace systems and components.
• Prepare and document detailed technical data, test reports, and analyses (including test data correlation to analytical predictions) to support engineering initiatives and project decision-making.
• Communicate technical concepts and information clearly to team members, senior engineers, and stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and successful project outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or Masters +3 yrs experience).
• Typically 5+ years of related experience.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required.
• General expertise in one area of test engineering principles and practices (dynamics, thermal, measurement, HSI, SW Test, Integration, etc.).
• Ability to effectively work in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
• Experience with requirements management, system design, and systems integration.
• Experience planning, conducting, and documenting Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
• Ability to read/interpret schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and use logical troubleshooting techniques.
• General expertise with various testing equipment, standards, and methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with advanced engineering software tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or TestStand for testing and validation.
• Hands-on experience with environmental test equipment such as shaker/vibration tables, shock test fixtures, thermal chambers, thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers, and associated data acquisition systems.
• Experience developing or executing shock, random/sine vibration, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum test procedures for satellite or spacecraft hardware, including qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
• Familiarity with aerospace environmental test standards such as NASA GEVS-SE, MIL-STD-1540, MIL-STD-810, or equivalent customer-imposed environmental specifications.
• Experience with instrumentation for environmental testing, including accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges, and vacuum/thermal control systems.
• Understanding of spacecraft/satellite launch and on-orbit environments (acoustic, random vibration, shock, thermal extremes, vacuum) and their influence on test article design and test planning.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and methodologies in test engineering.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in aerospace engineering.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams and lead initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly and effectively convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Proven problem-solving skills and the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to technical challenges.
• Experience in representing the organization to external stakeholders, such as suppliers, partners, and industry bodies.

Compensation:

Pay Range:
$112,694.00 - $154,975.25

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Please note: Sierra Space does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to Sierra Space team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of Sierra Space, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.