Manager, Test Systems

terranorbitalcorporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

401(k) Match

Flexible Time Off

Education Reimbursement

Parental Leave

Job summary

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Manager, Test Systems to lead a dedicated test engineering team responsible for spacecraft module, subsystem, and full-vehicle testing.

This leadership role oversees test systems development, automated tools, environmental testing readiness, and high-volume production tests in a fast-paced aerospace environment. Applicants should have DoD-relevant experience and U.S. clearance readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• 8+ years of professional experience including leading test teams.
• Experience with spacecraft system test: power, RF, sensors, actuators, avionics.
• Automated test systems, test software, test racks, and GSE familiarity.
• Environmental test processes (thermal, vibration, TVAC) and aerospace/military standards.
• Ability to analyze and present technical data; support schedules, estimates, and EVM.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Manage multiple projects in fast-paced production; strong organization.
• Proficiency with MS Office and professional communication.
• U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain DoD clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a test engineering team supporting spacecraft module, avionics, subsystem, and full-vehicle tests.
• Develop and maintain test flows, test plans, and automated test procedures for production.
• Oversee test system infrastructure including software, automation frameworks, test racks, and GSE.

Skills

Spacecraft test

Automated test systems

Test software

Test racks

GSE (electrical/mechanical)

Environmental testing

Technical data analysis

Scheduling & EVM

Leadership

Communication

Project management

MS Office

Security clearance readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW/TestStand

Job description

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you're not just part of the system - you're a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation's defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you're driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you'll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let's redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Manager, Test Systems to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Director, Systems Integration & Test the Manager, Test Systems will lead a focused test engineering team responsible for spacecraft module, subsystem, and full-vehicle testing. This leader will oversee test systems development, automated test tools, environmental test readiness, and high-volume production test execution.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a dedicated test engineering team supporting spacecraft module, avionics, subsystem, and full-vehicle test campaigns.
• Develop and maintain test flows, test plans, and automated test procedures to support production and program requirements.
• Oversee test system infrastructure, including test software, automation frameworks, test racks, electrical and mechanical GSE, calibration, and configuration control.
• Partner with integration and build leadership to ensure smooth handoff from assembly to test and alignment of vehicle-level test objectives.
• Support scalable, high-volume manufacturing through automation, improved test efficiency, and design-for-testability input.
• Ensure readiness and execution of environmental testing such as thermal, vibration, and thermal vacuum, including operation in cleanroom environments.
• Define test standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and deliver executive-level progress summaries, test metrics, and risk/opportunity reporting.
• Contribute to program scheduling, resource planning, proposal estimates, and Earned Value Management inputs.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, external customers, and vendors regarding test requirements, reviews, and compliance with industry, DoD, and military test standards.
• Support occasional off-site testing and travel as needed.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience, including leading technical test teams.
• Experience with spacecraft system test, including electrical power systems, RF subsystems, sensors, actuators, and avionics.
• Strong knowledge of automated test systems, test software, test racks, and electrical/mechanical GSE.
• Familiarity with environmental test processes (thermal, vibration, TVAC) and aerospace/military test standards.
• Ability to analyze and present technical data clearly; experience supporting schedules, estimates, and EVM activities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced production environment; strong organization and prioritization.
• Proficiency with MS Office tools and professional communication (written and verbal).
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in test automation using National Instruments Labview / TestStand software and/or Python scripts.

Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag!

Salary Range

$160,000 - $190,000 USD

Full-time positions only:

Benefits

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

About Terran Orbital

Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is rou