Astroforge Io

Spacecraft Test Engineer

Seal Beach, USA

Sponsorship not specified$94k-$104kDetected 140 days ago

PythonC++Structural AnalysisFPGAEMI/EMCRoboticsMechanical DesignElectrical EngineeringHardware DesignTest AutomationCommunication

About the role

We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods.
Job Description As a Spacecraft Test Engineer, you will be the final gatekeeper for our flight hardware.
This is a multidisciplinary role requiring a "systems" mindset-you'll be as comfortable writing Python scripts for automated data acquisition as you are designing a custom mechanical fixture for a vibration table.

Develop, document, and execute comprehensive test plans for spacecraft components, subsystems, and the fully integrated vehicle.
Design and build Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) to facilitate seamless testing.
Develop software and scripts (primarily Python) to automate test sequences, monitor telemetry, and process post-test data.
Root-cause failures during testing, working closely with the design team to implement hardware or software fixes.
Maintain rigorous test logs and generate flight readiness reports that prove our systems can survive deep space.

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related field).
3+ years of experience in spacecraft or high-complexity aerospace testing (e.g., launch vehicles, satellites, or high-performance robotics).
Strong experience with Python or C++ for test automation and equipment interfacing.
Experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, power supplies) and environmental test facilities.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes startup environment where you may need to pivot quickly based on test results.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.
Familiarity with FPGA or microcontroller-level debugging.
Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related field).

Preferred Skills and Experience Experience with deep space missions or asteroid-bound hardware.

Benefits 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage Vision and FSA benefits available 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time 10 paid holidays Retirement savings plan - 401(k), with company match

At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth.
Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains.
We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity's capabilities in space.
You will own the transition from "it should work" to "it will work" in the harshest environments imaginable.
You will lead the charge in defining how we test our spacecraft, from initial component-level characterization to full-up Integrated System Tests (IST) and environmental campaigns (TVAC, Vibe, EMI/EMC).
Test Strategy & Execution: Develop, document, and execute comprehensive test plans for spacecraft components, subsystems, and the fully integrated vehicle.
Hardware Design: Design and build Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) to facilitate seamless testing.
Automation: Develop software and scripts (primarily Python) to automate test sequences, monitor telemetry, and process post-test data.
Environmental Campaigns: Lead spacecraft through environmental stress screening, including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing.
Anomaly Resolution: Root-cause failures during testing, working closely with the design team to implement hardware or software fixes.
Documentation: Maintain rigorous test logs and generate flight readiness reports that prove our systems can survive deep space.

This listing is sourced directly from Astroforge Io's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.