Lead Test Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead development of test plans, procedures, instrumentation strategies, and data acquisition configurations for component, subsystem, and integrated system tests 
Design and refine test setups, fixtures, interfaces, and test stand elements in collaboration with mechanical, electrical, and GNC teams  
Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of test engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance, feedback, and day-to-day support 
Assign and prioritize work across the team to meet program objectives and test schedules 
Build a culture of technical rigor, safety, ownership, and continuous improvement  
Oversee and participate in hands-on test execution, including setup, instrumentation, pre-test readiness, control room operations, teardown, and data review 
Ensure tests are executed safely and consistently through hazard analyses, procedural reviews, and operational readiness checks  
Validate test data quality and lead post-test analysis, reporting, and communication of results to engineering and program stakeholders  
Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, and program teams to align test requirements, hardware readiness, and schedules  
Partner with test operations and facilities teams to ensure test stands, GSE, and site infrastructure meet technical and operational needs  
Support anomaly investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions across test and engineering teams  
Drive continuous improvement in test documentation, procedures, and instrumentation reliability — including automation opportunities, data pipeline enhancements, and ongoing GSE development 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or related engineering discipline.
• 6+ years of test engineering experience within aerospace, defense, propulsion, or high-reliability hardware environments. 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Hands-on experience leading and executing component or subsystem tests with a strong understanding of sensors, DAQ systems, and control room operations.
Demonstrated experience writing test plans, developing test setups or fixtures, and performing structured post-test analysis.
Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians, or serving as a technical lead.
Strong understanding of safety processes, hazard analysis, and high-energy test operations.
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical disciplines.
Must meet U.S. export control requirements (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, asylee, or refugee). 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Experience with system-level, engine-level, or propulsion test campaigns.
Familiarity with real-time control systems, PLCs, automated test sequences, or custom DAQ systems.
Experience designing or improving test stands, GSE, or test site infrastructure.
Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for data processing and analysis.
Prior experience in a startup or high-growth hardware environment. 
Experience with pyrotechnics, propulsion systems, hazardous operations, or flight test environments.
Knowledge of configuration management practices and structured test documentation systems 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Can work in an indoor manufacturing environment 70%, outdoors 30%
Travel between our Port of Long Beach (70%), El Segundo (20%), and other facilities (10%) as required. Occasional travel to our other in-state and out-of-state sites may be required.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone, and telepresence
Ability to pick up to 12lbs
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment