Mechanical Test Engineer

ispace, inc.; Englewood (CO); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Hybrid work

RTD EcoPass

Lunch stipend

Paid time off

401(k) matching

Stock options

Travel opportunities

Learning & development

Job summary

ispace-US, based in Englewood, Colorado, is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer to lead planning, execution, and analysis for lunar lander and relay satellite testing. You’ll work with Design Responsible Engineers, AI&T, and Systems Engineers from development through qualification and acceptance testing of hardware.

The role is hands-on within a small, highly technical team. Responsibilities include test planning, execution, data analysis, and delivering test reports to leadership, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high‑reliability hardware testing.
• Experience developing and executing test plans, procedures and reports.
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Knowledge of scripting or automation tools such as Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB.
• Comfortable with hardware in lab, cleanroom and manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Define test requirements, environmental conditions, instrumentation, and equipment for vehicle and subsystem verification.
• Develop, review, and execute test plans and verification documentation for flight hardware and subsystems.
• Plan and coordinate end-to-end test campaigns including GSE, instrumentation, data acquisition, and safety reviews.
• Serve as Test Engineer and Certified Test Conductor (CTC) and oversee test procedures.
• Own test procedures for structural, propulsion, and other hardware on vehicles.
• Design and oversee tooling and fixtures for testing.
• Collect and reduce test data, document results, and deliver recommendations to engineering leadership.

Skills

Instrumentation and data acquisition

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Scripting/automation

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NI data acquisition equipment

Job description

At ispace U.S., we’re not just going to the Moon—we’re redefining how we get there. Our missions push the boundaries of human and robotic exploration, driven by our belief: “Expand our Planet. Expand our Future.” By providing cost-effective lunar transportation, we are pioneering a future where space is within reach for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and sustainable exploration.

With locations in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States, ispace is rapidly growing and leading the way in lunar exploration and development. Our U.S. branch is based in Englewood, Colorado, and focuses on high-capacity payload lunar landers designed to support future lunar missions. Our team is made up of innovators, problem‑solvers, and visionaries committed to making space more accessible and fostering the next generation of space exploration.

Let’s go to the Moon together! Our team is growing, and we are actively seeking talented individuals who share our passion for space.

ispace-US is looking for a Mechanical Test Engineer to support testing activities for our lunar landers and relay satellites. You will own the planning, execution, and analysis of the testing used in the qualification and acceptance of our vehicles, subsystems, and in‑house manufactured components.

This is a hands‑on role on a small, highly technical team. You will work directly with Design Responsible Engineers, AI&T, and Systems Engineers to verify that mission and design requirements are met — from early development through qualification and acceptance testing of lunar lander and relay satellite hardware.

Key Responsibilities

Test Planning & Requirements

• Define test requirements, environmental conditions, instrumentation, and equipment needed to verify vehicle, subsystem, and component performance.
• Develop, review, and execute test plans, procedures, and verification documentation for flight hardware, subsystems, and integrated systems.
• Plan and coordinate test campaigns end to end, including facility requirements, ground support equipment (GSE), instrumentation, data acquisition, safety reviews, and logistics.

Test Execution

• Serve as Test Engineer and Certified Test Conductor (CTC), responsible for the safe development and execution of test procedures. CTC certification will be earned on the job — prior certification is not required.
• Execute tests alongside test technicians, fellow test engineers, and the design team.
• Own the test procedures for structural, propulsion, and other hardware on the vehicles.
• Design, develop, and oversee fabrication of tooling and test fixtures as needed.

Analysis & Reporting

• Collect and reduce test data to determine whether requirements have been met.
• Document results, generate test reports and deliver recommendations to engineering leadership and program stakeholders in order to validate our processes and hardware.
• Support root‑cause investigations and corrective action implementation following test failures or hardware anomalies.
• Document and provide resolution to non‑conformances.

Capability Building

• Develop and maintain test equipment, fixtures, instrumentation, procedures, and laboratory capabilities to improve efficiency and repeatability.
• Contribute to the Preventative Maintenance Plan (PMP) and to the expansion of the test team’s equipment and facilities.
• Maintain configuration control of test articles, test equipment, procedures and associated documentation throughout the program lifecycle.
• Partner with engineers, subject matter experts, and technicians to resolve shop floor issues.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, pressurized systems, or other high‑reliability hardware testing, integration, manufacturing, or verification. Substantial collegiate project team experience (e.g. Formula SAE, Design/Build/Fly, collegiate rocketry, hybrid electric vehicle) counts toward this.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing test plans, test procedures, verification documentation and test reports.
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Working knowledge of scripting or automation tools such as Python, LabVIEW or MATLAB.
• Comfortable working hands‑on with hardware in laboratory, cleanroom and manufacturing environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high standard of accountability and integrity.

What Makes You Stand Out!

• Familiarity with qualification and acceptance testing methodologies for aerospace or other high‑reliability systems.
• Experience with requirements verification and traceability methodologies.
• Experience with pneumatic or pressurized testing across a range of pressures, volumes, and media.
• Experience with the design, manufacture and operation of pressurized test stands.
• Familiarity with NASA‑STD‑7000, SMC‑S‑016, SSCMAN 91‑710, MIL‑STD‑810 or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, ISO and quality control standards.
• Experience with National Instruments data acquisition equipment.
• Strong understanding of engineering documentation, configuration management and verification processes.
• A track record of driving continuous quality and process improvement in a hardware manufacturing environment.

$81,000 - $122,000 a year

The salary posted is a targeted range for budget of position. Base compensation can be negotiated and will be commensurate with experience, skills, education and training. We welcome candidates with diverse experience level and evaluate the best fit on an individual basis. Your final job level and salary will be determined based on your skills, experience and the impact you can bring to the role.

Health Coverage: Competitive medical, vision, and dental plans, with 100% company‑paid options available for employees.

Hybrid Work: Flexibility to work remotely and in‑office depending on your role and the stage of our program.

Commuter Perks: Company‑paid RTD EcoPass for buses and light rail.

Lunch Perks: Monthly stipend to enjoy meals from our café.

Paid Time Off: 18 vacation days, 6 sick days and 17 paid holidays.

Retirement: 401(k) plan with company matching.

Travel: Opportunities for domestic and international travel.

Stock Options: Participation in our stock option program.

Learning & Development: Ample opportunities to grow including lunch‑and‑learns, skills training and stipends for professional development.

Team Culture: A fun and casual environment with regular team gatherings including monthly events to connect and unwind.

#LI‑LH1

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR.here.

ispace is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with ispace is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All applicants who are offered employment with_ispace_US will be subject to a background investigation. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background investigation conducted in accordance with Company policies and all applicable laws.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug‑free workplace.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E‑Verify program.