Sr. Test Engineer | TeraWave Verified today
About the role
This position is part of Blue Origin's TeraWave business unit, a newly announced satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. TeraWave consists of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations.
Blue Origin is seeking an experienced Electrical Test Lead to support high-rate production of satellite vehicles on the TeraWave program. In this role you will own the production electrical test strategy, execution, and continuous improvement for a production line delivering multiple spacecraft per year. You will lead a team of technicians and test engineers, drive test throughput while maintaining quality, and serve as the primary interface between test and design, manufacturing, and mission assurance.
Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day electrical test operations across production vehicles, including harness continuity, subsystem functional testing, integrated vehicle verification, and pre-ship acceptance testing.
- Own and maintain test procedures, test equipment calibration plans, and test scripts for all production test phases.
- Drive test flow improvements to reduce cycle time and support rate increases without compromising test coverage.
- Manage a team of test technicians and test engineers; provide mentorship, assign work, and maintain team readiness.
- Coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Mission Assurance to disposition test anomalies, nonconformances, and open items.
- Maintain real-time test status visibility and report production metrics including first-pass yield, defect escapes, and test throughput.
- Identify and implement test automation opportunities to reduce manual test burden at rate.
- Own the electrical Ground Support Equipment (GSE) suite - coordinate maintenance, calibration, and configuration control.
- Support root cause analysis and corrective action for test failures and escaped defects.
- Interface with the design engineering team to ensure test coverage of critical parameters and provide feedback for design-for-test improvements.
- Participate in design reviews representing the test organization.
- Ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g., ESD controls, torque verification, workmanship standards).
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.
- 7+ years of experience in electrical test, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
- Experience leading electrical test in a high-rate, high-complexity production environment - aerospace, automotive, defense electronics, industrial systems, or similar.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and interface control documents.
- Hands-on experience with standard electrical test equipment (oscilloscopes, DMMs, power supplies, data acquisition systems).
- Demonstrated ability to manage test schedules, prioritize competing demands, and drive decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
- Experience with nonconformance management, anomaly disposition, and corrective action processes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to brief anomalies and status to program leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience on programs with production rates of 6+ vehicles or units per year.
- Background in spacecraft, launch vehicle, EV/automotive electronics, medical devices, or defense systems - any domain where test escapes have significant downstream consequences.
- Experience developing or executing automated test systems (Python, LabVIEW, CANoe, or similar).
- Familiarity with harness/wiring test methods (continuity, isolation, dielectric withstand).
- Background in RF testing, power system testing, or embedded electronics verification.
- Familiarity with quality management systems (AS9100, IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and production quality metrics.
- Experience supporting customer witness tests or acceptance test reviews.
- ESD handling and workmanship standards experience (IPC/WHMA-A-620 or equivalent).
Compensation and Benefits
Base Pay Range for WA applicants: $145,188.00 - $203,263.20 (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 up to 5%, and Education Support Program. Stock options available for regular employees (20+ hours/week). Paid time off up to 4 weeks per year and up to 14 company-paid holidays. Performance bonuses may be eligible based on role type and job level.
Employment Requirements
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin 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.
Blue's Standard Background Check is required for all positions.
