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Environmental Test Engineer III (Clearance Required) Verified today

Sierra Space · Broomfield, CO · Production · first seen 2026-09-03
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The Role

As an Environmental Test Engineer III at Sierra Space, you will lead and contribute to advanced testing and validation of aerospace systems and components, including satellites and spacecraft. You will plan and execute environmental test campaigns including shock, vibration, thermal, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing to verify that flight hardware and subsystems 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.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and execute complex test plans, test procedures, and test reports to demonstrate compliance with system requirements.
  • Plan, set up, and execute environmental test campaigns including shock testing, vibration testing (sine, random, and sine burst), thermal testing, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.
  • Apply expertise in dynamics, thermal, measurement, HSI, software testing, and integration to solve technical problems.
  • Develop and review environmental test plans, procedures, and success criteria in accordance with NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, and 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.
  • Monitor test articles during testing to detect anomalies, halt testing when necessary, and support root-cause investigation of test failures.
  • Work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams, providing guidance to less experienced engineers and independently determining approaches to testing solutions.
  • Represent Test Engineering in requirements management, system design, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) activities.
  • Handle 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 vibration and shock test systems, thermal and thermal vacuum chambers, and data acquisition systems to support validation efforts.
  • Prepare and document detailed technical data, test reports, and analyses to support engineering initiatives and project decision-making.
  • Communicate technical concepts clearly to team members, senior engineers, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience (Masters degree plus 3 years experience acceptable).
  • Typically 5 or more years of related experience.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance (required).
  • General expertise in one area of test engineering principles and practices (dynamics, thermal, measurement, HSI, software testing, 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 and 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.
  • Hands-on experience with environmental test equipment such as shaker and vibration tables, shock test fixtures, thermal chambers, thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers, and data acquisition systems.
  • Experience developing or executing shock, random and sine vibration, thermal cycling, and thermal vacuum test procedures for satellite or spacecraft hardware.
  • Familiarity with aerospace environmental test standards such as NASA GEVS-SE, MIL-STD-1540, or MIL-STD-810.
  • Experience with instrumentation including accelerometers, thermocouples, strain gauges, and vacuum and thermal control systems.
  • Understanding of spacecraft and satellite launch and on-orbit environments and their influence on test article design and test planning.
  • Strong organizational skills and 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.
  • Excellent communication skills to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
  • Proven problem-solving skills and ability to develop and implement innovative solutions.
  • Experience representing the organization to external stakeholders.

Compensation

Pay range: $112,694.00 to $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.

Requirements

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.

Benefits

Sierra Space offers medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, and 3 weeks paid time off.