Assembly Integration and Test Lead Engineer

Air Force Research Laboratory; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque, NM, seeks an Assembly Integration and Test Lead Engineer for the Small Satellite Portfolio at Kirtland AFB. You will lead a team in satellite assembly, integration, and test, coordinate with program managers, and ensure testing aligns with directorate goals.

The role requires experience with environmental test campaigns, clean room practices, and leadership responsibilities across multiple spacecraft programs, with a focus on collaboration and

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required.
• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering.
• At least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
• APDP Level II certification in Engineering and Technology Management (N) with up to 60 months to meet requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of technicians and engineers, including training and certification.
• Develop and execute integration and test campaigns with spacecraft program managers.
• Manage facilities, requirements, and scheduling for multiple campaigns.
• Track funding needs to support facilities and personnel.
• Balance competing requirements with leadership to meet program goals.
• Maintain and operate environmental test systems (vibration, TVAC, EMI).
• Lead investigations into anomalous test results or vehicle behavior.
• Work in a clean environment with flight hardware.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Spacecraft testing

Team leadership

Program management liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering

Tools

Vibration table

TVAC chamber

EMI chamber

Job description

Job Overview

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM PDT, 30 August 2026.

NOTE: Applicants must use MM/DD/YYYY date format for experience entries on resume.

The AFRL Space Warfare Directorate seeks to hire an Assembly Integration and Test Lead Engineer in the Small Satellite Portfolio (RJE-N) at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. The ideal candidate will have experience in satellite assembly, integration, and test; systems engineering; developing satellite environmental test campaigns; clean room practices and procedures; and leading a team. The job also involves close coordination with Branch and higher-level leadership as well as spacecraft program managers to ensure spacecraft testing aligns with programmatic and directorate goals.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Lead a team of technicians and engineers, including overseeing training and certification of team.
• Work collaboratively with spacecraft program managers and chief engineers to develop integration and test campaigns.
• Manage facility needs, requirements, and schedule to support multiple spacecraft integration and test campaigns.
• Track funding needs to maintain facilities and personnel.
• Work with Branch and Division leadership to balance competing requirements.
• Maintain and operate environmental test systems (vibration tables, TVAC, EMI, etc.).
• Lead investigations into anomalous test results or vehicle behavior.
• Work in a clean environment with flight hardware.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Must possess a professional bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering discipline.
• Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level.
• This position is an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) position requiring Level II Non-Critical certification in Engineering and Technology Management (N). The selectee will have 60 months to meet APDP requirements, or a waiver must be obtained. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
• Resume must explicitly describe work history and duties performed to determine position qualifications.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Familiar with clean room practices and procedures.
• Experience with spacecraft testing apparatus (vibe table, TVAC chamber, EMI chamber, etc.).
• Experience leading a spacecraft through assembly, integration, and test.
• Experience communicating with program management, tracking tasks and developing/meeting timelines.
• Background in satellite systems engineering and technical reviews.
• Experience teaming with the Department of Air Force civilian and military personnel, other DoD services, support contractors, and industry Subject Matter Experts.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

08XX

Additional Information

Requisition Number 24512

Posting End Date

08/30/2026