Lead Spacecraft Test & Production Automation Engineer

Darwin Recruitment; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment in Seattle seeks a Senior Satellite Test Development Engineer to lead production-ready test campaigns across spacecraft systems, translating verification requirements into robust, repeatable procedures and automation.

You will design end-to-end test strategies and Ground Support Equipment (GSE), collaborating with Systems Engineering, AI&T, and subsystem teams to ensure consistent qualification, acceptance testing, and smooth handover to manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in spacecraft integration and test.
• Experience leading multiple spacecraft or launch vehicle test campaigns.
• Hands-on background in spacecraft system testing, automation, and execution.
• Experience automating spacecraft testing with scripts or software.
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary teams across engineering domains.
• Knowledge of AI&T principles, NASA/DoD verification standards, and build verification strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead transition of test campaigns from engineering development to production-ready execution.
• Develop qualification and acceptance test strategies for subsystems and spacecraft.
• Plan and lead cross-functional engineering teams for test development.
• Create scalable, repeatable production test plans.
• Develop test procedures, automation frameworks, scripts, and documentation.
• Collaborate with engineering, production and programme teams for end-to-end validation.
• Define requirements for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and oversee its design and validation.
• Establish best practices for test safety, automation, and error-proofing.
• Identify efficiency improvements and reduce test variability.
• Apply lessons learned to improve production readiness.
• Support additional engineering initiatives as needed.

Skills

Automation scripting

Test development

GSE design

Python

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Python

DOORS

Jama

Job description

Darwin Recruitment in Seattle seeks a Senior Satellite Test Development Engineer to lead production-ready test campaigns across spacecraft systems, translating verification requirements into robust, repeatable procedures and automation.

You will design end-to-end test strategies and Ground Support Equipment (GSE), collaborating with Systems Engineering, AI&T, and subsystem teams to ensure consistent qualification, acceptance testing, and smooth handover to manufacturing.