Mechanical Test Operations Engineer - Certified Test Conductor

Lockheed Martin Corporation; Alabama; On-site; USD 85,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Lockheed Martin Space invites applications for the Orion Mechanical Test Operations Engineer (CTC). The role leads test execution across mechanical tests, ensuring safety, discipline, and accurate results within a 24/7 rotating shift environment on the Orion program.

The position requires a technical degree with 3+ years of experience, strong analytical and communication skills, and hands-on experience with high-reliability space hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field with 3+ years of experience.
• Willingness to work 24/7 rotating shifts.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lb and access heights or confined spaces.
• US Citizenship required.
• Must not hold Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) or Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE) certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and approve test plans, procedures, and schedules.
• Prepare test hardware, ground-support equipment, and instrumentation.
• Lead execution of acceptance, environmental, and ground servicing tests at multiple levels.
• Serve as the PIC for all test-execution activities and document results.
• Provide 24x7 test support on a rotating schedule and escalate anomalies.
• Coordinate with Test Leads, Technicians, and other CTCs for unified strategy.
• Maintain CTC certification status and complete training/recertification.
• Identify and mitigate human-error risks by applying approved procedures.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written & oral communication

Test engineering

Leadership

Data acquisition tools

Mechanical ground support

Education

Mechanical or Aerospace engineering degree

Tools

Automation framework

Test instrumentation

Job description

Standard Job Description

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire, and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire, and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.

At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future‑ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.

Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you!

Orion Test Operations - Mechanical Test Operations Engineer - CTC

Role Overview

The Certified Test Conductor (CTC) will serve as the person-in-charge (PIC) during the execution of all mechanical test activities within the Orion program. The CTC is accountable for the safe, disciplined, and efficient execution of test procedures, the integrity of test inputs/outputs, and the coordination of test-support coverage across rotating 24-hr / 7-day shifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and approve detailed test plans, procedures, and schedules in accordance with program requirements and command media.
• Prepare all test hardware, mechanical ground-support equipment, and instrumentation, ensuring compliance with the Test Engineering Command Media.
• Lead execution of acceptance, environmental, and ground servicing tests (fluids & pneumatics, mechanical structures, mechanisms) at the assembly, subsystem, and spacecraft levels.
• Serve as the PIC for all test‑execution activities and document results, discrepancies, and corrective actions.
• Provide in‑person test support for a 24 x 7 program on a rotating schedule (day, split, night) and act as the primary escalation point for any test‑phase anomalies.
• Coordinate with Test Leads, Test Technicians, and other CTCs to ensure unified test‑execution strategy, resource allocation, and compliance with ATLO directives.
• Maintain CTC certification status, complete required training and annual recertification.
• Identify and mitigate human‑error risks by applying the Human Error Prevention and enforcing approved procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master's degree in Technical field (Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field) and 3+ years of experience.
• Ability to perform reliably in a 24‑hour operational environment, working rotating day, split, and night shifts.
• Ability to lift test equipment (typically up to 40 lb) and work at various heights or confined spaces.
• Must not hold Certified Principal Engineer (CPE) or Responsible Systems Engineer (RSE) certification/status.
• US Citizenship is required.

Desired Skills

• Completed the CTC certification curriculum and successfully finished the required OJT training OR Military leadership experience.
• Strong analytical abilities combined with excellent written, oral, and documentation skills.
• Hands‑on experience with crewed spacecraft or other high‑reliability flight hardware.
• Solid understanding of test‑engineering processes, including the creation and execution of test plans, procedures, and the maintenance of accurate test records.
• Experienced using automation‑framework and data acquisition tools.Proven leadership and team‑building skills; capable of coordinating and guiding a team through anomaly investigation and resolution.
• Familiar with mechanical ground support equipment used to pressurize and monitor spacecraft subsystems.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $85300.00 - $158300.00

At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.

The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.

Benefits offered:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.

• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.