RF 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 a RF Test Engineer III at Sierra Space, you will leverage your growing experience and working knowledge of test engineering principles to support and contribute to the testing and validation of complex, integrated aerospace systems — including spacecraft, satellites, or other large-scale systems incorporating electrical, mechanical, and software components. You will work under the guidance of senior engineers to help develop and execute test approaches for RF and space communications systems, while building toward greater autonomy in your area of expertise.

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:

• Support the design and execution of RF and space communications tests, including the use of RF antennas, antenna hats, modems, vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, cable analyzers (VSWR), and communications cabling.
• Implement and execute test scripts and code (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) for control, telemetry, data acquisition, and analysis of integrated systems.
• Work with Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) — including power supplies, controls, instruments, sensors, networking and communications equipment, data acquisition equipment, and associated software and wiring, including National Instruments & LabVIEW products.
• Interpret electrical and network schematics and signal channelization databases to support test execution.
• Contribute to software testing efforts spanning functionality, performance, and regression testing.
• Support execution of tests on integrated systems for thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, acoustic, EMI/EMC, and other space environments, using a variety of instrumentation and sensors to measure electrical, mechanical, optical, and other characteristics.
• Prepare test procedures and test reports, and support development of test plans, to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
• Apply familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles to support the generation and disposition of product non-conformances.
• Read and interpret schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and apply logical troubleshooting techniques to resolve testing issues.
• Communicate technical concepts 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:

• Skilled in test design and execution of integrated products or systems, including spacecraft, aircraft, ships, or other similar large and complex systems that incorporate electrical, mechanical, and software components, typically working under the guidance of senior engineers
• Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or similar degree, or equivalent experience
• Experience with programming and using TILE! EMI/EMC testing application
• Experience implementing and executing test scripts and code (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) for control, telemetry, data acquisition, and analysis of integrated systems
• Experience supporting or executing RF and space communications tests, including use of RF antennas, antenna hats, modems, vector network analyzers (VNA), spectrum analyzers, cable analyzers (VSWR), and communications cabling
• Working knowledge of Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) including power supplies, controls, instruments, sensors, networking equipment, communications equipment (including RF signal/network analyzers), data acquisition equipment, and associated software and wiring, including National Instruments & LabVIEW products
• Ability to interpret electrical and network schematics and signal channelization databases to support test execution
• Experience with software testing including functionality, performance, and regression testing
• Experience supporting or executing tests on integrated systems for thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, acoustic, EMI/EMC, and other space environments
• Familiarity with a variety of instrumentation and sensors to measure electrical, mechanical, optical, etc. characteristics
• Ability to prepare test procedures and test reports, and support development of test plans, to demonstrate compliance to system requirements
• General familiarity with Product and Quality Assurance principles, including supporting generation and disposition of product non-conformances
• Exposure to or support of certification testing for various certification organizations (i.e., FAA, NASA, DoD) preferred
• Ability to read schematics, use service manuals, follow test procedures, and apply logical troubleshooting techniques
• Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry preferred

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.