Electric Propulsion Test Engineer III - Propellant Feed System Test Stations Verified today

The Role

As a Test Engineer III on the TeraWave propulsion team, you will design and construct development test stations while executing testing that informs propulsion system development. TeraWave is a satellite communications network delivering symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps globally, powered by Hall thruster-based propulsion systems that maneuver constellation satellites.

You will support the propulsion team's facilities for development and production acceptance testing. Working with cross-functional propulsion team members, you'll utilize aerospace testing experience to design, assemble, and validate test stations and test plans for product development and high-rate production.

Responsibilities

• Design, procure, assemble, and operate propulsion development test facilities for system and subsystem-level tests
• Document and lead discussion of test results, conclusions, and recommended path forward for test and test article development
• Coordinate with equipment suppliers and Blue Origin facilities on delivery of large and long lead test equipment requiring detailed facility layouts and specialized infrastructure
• Work closely with mechanical design and manufacturing team members to provide Design for Test insight in test article design reviews
• Author test plans, test procedures, and test software for high quality and automated testing
• Develop practices for test data aggregation, statistical process control, and data visualization with scalability to high-rate production
• Conduct test station design reviews and test readiness reviews
• Define test requirements and objectives, ensuring effective characterization of system development and coverage of product requirements
• Identify, communicate, and mitigate cost, schedule, and technical risks
• Plan scaling activities for development and production test capacity to support concurrent high-rate production and continuous product improvement

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's of Science in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area
• 5+ years career experience in propulsion system development, production, and test
• Experience working with flight hardware in a production facility or laboratory
• Working knowledge of electric propulsion principles and test practices (e.g., ion, Hall-effect)
• Demonstrated experience in creation and commissioning of development or production test stations for high pressure assemblies and low pressure flow systems for propulsion systems
• Experience working safely with compressed gases, high pressure test systems, vacuum chambers, and high voltage assemblies
• Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately at all levels of the organization
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion
• Strong safety demeanor and hands-on experience planning and conducting hazardous or critical operations
• Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Enthusiasm for mentoring, training, knowledge sharing, and supporting technical development of team members

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's of Science in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, Systems Engineering, or related technical subject area
• Experience developing test infrastructure drawings and documentation, configuring test articles, and conducting testing of propulsion systems or subsystems
• Functional knowledge of common electric propulsion test equipment (power supplies, data acquisition systems, pump systems, leak detection equipment, motion stages, DMMs) and test software (Python, LabView, Grafana, TestStand)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, engineering industry standards, and technical requirements
• Experience conducting thermal, vibration, shock, and/or vacuum testing on flight hardware in accordance with MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016, and MIL-STD-1540
• Ability to perform data analysis and reduction and present technical information in clear visual format
• Proven experience developing and starting new test processes
• Electric propulsion production system and/or subsystem testing experience
• Experience developing propulsion system from concept to production
• Experience scaling and optimizing tests and test practices for higher production rates
• Conducting tests and resolving non-conformances in high-rate production environment
• Experience performing limited design work to draft test fixturing and tool needs (CAD)
• Excellent computer skills with ability to quickly learn various software tools
• Experience with AS9100 Quality Management System
• Experience with analytical and scripting tools: MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, or C++
• Experience with test script and software development, deployment, maintenance, and version control
• Experience with requirements management tools and lifecycle management (PLM) tools

Physical Requirements

• Support production floor activities
• Climb stairs and work in small areas
• Lift and carry 40 lbs

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation range for Washington applicants: $121,023.00 to $169,432.20. Other site ranges may differ.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match of up to 5%, Education Support Program, stock options for regular employees (20+ hours/week), and paid time off up to four weeks per year plus up to 14 company-paid holidays.

Special Considerations

• Relocation provided
• Travel expected up to 25% of the time

Employment Requirements

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum. Background check required for all positions.