Senior Avionics Test Engineer, Optical Verified today
The Role
K2 designs and deploys ambitious optical payloads for satellites across MEO, GEO, cis-lunar, and deep space. As a Senior Optical Avionics Test Engineer, you will be pivotal in developing production test hardware and software to deliver optical avionics through ATP and QTP. You will work alongside the Optical team to interface with payloads, validate prototype designs, define test requirements, and design test infrastructure to meet critical programmatic milestones such as delivery of flight hardware to vehicle integration. In your first year, you will lead multidisciplinary test campaigns, root cause investigations, and production improvements to ensure reliability and scalability.
Responsibilities
- Design and fabricate test hardware, harnessing, and test systems to support optical payload development testing
- Develop modular, reusable test automation software and drivers in Python, Rust, C++ for Linux platforms
- Execute development and production tests to meet internal and external customer needs
- Develop data acquisition, control, and instrumentation systems to test at the integrated level
- Own the project management of multiple test assets and acceptance testing of optical avionics including upgrades to support hardware lifecycle
- Design device simulators deployed across component subsystem and HITL testbeds
- Collaborate with a cross-functional team to establish product requirements, testing methods, and project test schedules
- Design and build optical tables with automated active alignment for high-rate optical testing
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, computer, aerospace, or other relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 5+ years of experience with test hardware design and software scripting
- Strong programming abilities in Python, C++, or Rust
- Experience designing, building, and testing electrical assemblies and test fixtures
Nice to Have
- Experience with design and testing of optical systems
- Experience with camera automation and quantitative image processing (beam profiling), power meters, and laser interlocks
- Experience with data acquisition, controls, and dedicated test equipment
- Familiarity with SMC-S-016 or MIL-STD-810 testing methods, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing
- Understanding of the failure modes of electrical and optical systems in space environments
- Demonstrated ability to own electrical or optical hardware test systems within an integrated engineering team
- Creative problem solver that can balance schedule, resource, and technical constraints
Compensation
- Base salary range: $150,000 to $200,000 plus equity
- Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave
Export Compliance
This role requires access to items controlled by U.S. export control regulations (ITAR). You must be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.