Space Hardware Test Lead

We are looking for a Testing & Qualification Lead to own the qualification and acceptance strategy for space solar panels. You will develop and execute mission‑appropriate test plans that build customer confidence and reduce real technical risk—without over‑testing or burying the team in unnecessary process. This is a pragmatic, high‑autonomy role that combines deep standards knowledge, strong engineering judgment, and hands‑on work in the lab and with external test partners.

Key responsibilities

• Own internal processes for qualification and acceptance of space solar hardware.
• Maintain environmental test plans and a reference mission set aligned with NASA GEVS (and/or ECSS equivalents) and customer requirements.
• Plan and execute environmental test campaigns (TVAC, vibration, thermal, radiation, etc.) both in‑house and at external test facilities.
• Tailor and optimize test plans to explore conditions beyond the standard reference mission set while balancing schedule, cost, and risk.
• Manage the full testing and qualification loop when solar panel designs are customized for specific customer needs, including revisiting and updating test strategies as needed.
• Coordinate with external testing houses: define specifications, hold vendors accountable to requirements and timelines, and review/interpret test results.
• Drive right‑sized risk analysis (e.g., FMEA/FMECA‑lite, fault trees where useful) to inform test scope and decision‑making.
• Support failure analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective/preventive actions for nonconformances and test failures.
• Partner closely with Manufacturing to define quality controls, acceptance gates, and nonconformance workflows.
• Clearly communicate testing rationale, status, and results to internal stakeholders and customers.

Required qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in reliability, quality, or test engineering for high‑reliability hardware (space, aerospace, defense, or similar).
• Direct experience testing and delivering space‑rated components for production use.
• Proven experience building and owning environmental test programs for space‑rated hardware, including planning and execution of TVAC, vibration, thermal, and radiation testing per NASA GEVS standards.
• Strong working knowledge of NASA GEVS environmental testing standards (and familiarity with ECSS is a plus).
• Experience coordinating with external testing houses and vendors: setting test specifications, overseeing execution, and interpreting test reports.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering preferred).

Nice‑to‑have experience

• Direct solar system experience for satellite integration or other space applications.
• Background at high‑pace space companies (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Redwire, Amazon LEO, or other fast‑moving satellite/space hardware organizations).
• Experience with satellite integration, component qualification, or other space subsystem testing.
• Prior involvement in Formula SAE, robotics, rocketry, or similar hands‑on, high‑intensity engineering teams.