Optical Test Engineer - Space Technologies

SpaceNews; New Mexico; On-site; USD 112,500 - 159,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and vision benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

SpaceNews is looking for an experienced Test Engineer in New Mexico to join their Space Technologies division. In this pivotal role, you'll work on optical and opto-mechanical testing, developing automation for tests, and supporting systems across various programs.

The ideal candidate should possess a background in optical engineering or related fields, with hands-on experience and proficiency in optical test equipment. A competitive salary range of $112,500 – $159,600 is offered alongside excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• 8 years related experience required.
• Experience developing integration and test plans/procedures.
• Must obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Refine system/subsystem requirement verification statements.
• Develop, document, and execute test plans for optical components.
• Perform alignment, calibration, and verification testing.

Skills

Optical test equipment proficiency

Signal processing

Experimental testing in cleanroom

System design and verification

Leadership and communication skills

Education

B.S. or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering

Tools

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Python

JAVA

Job description

Job Description

AV is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for multiple programs within the Space Technologies division. The Space Technologies division has been developing the techniques, systems, subsystems, and design elements required to implement high reliability optomechanical and electrical systems.

In this role the Test Engineer is a key member of an integrated team operating in a very dynamic environment. The candidate will work across engineering disciplines to help define V&V statements, develop software for automated tests, and provide overall systems support for multiple programs.

The ideal candidate will have a strong optics background as well as hands‑on experience with optical tests, optical test benches, autocollimators, vibration tables, thermal chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, cleanrooms, and spaceflight hardware.

Worker Type

Regular

Responsibilities

• Work within the systems test team to refine system/subsystem requirement verification statements and verification cross‑reference matrices to ensure the requirements are testable.
• Develop, document, and execute test plans and procedures for optical and opto‑mechanical spaceflight components.
• Perform alignment, calibration, and verification testing of lenses, mirrors, beam paths, and sensor systems.
• Implement test setups, including selection and integration of optical test equipment (interferometers, collimators, beam profilers, spectrometers, etc.).
• Plan, coordinate, and execute tests (optical, vibration, thermal, vacuum, etc.) for spaceflight components and systems according to industry standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and design hardware and software for automated test equipment as well as support existing systems.
• Communicate effectively with cross‑functional engineering teams and technicians.
• Work with a multi‑disciplinary team to achieve system test design automation, integration, SIL integration, and off‑site tests.
• Work with the Systems Team to ensure proper requirement verification and validation methodology and execution.
• Analyze test data, identify anomalies, and provide recommendations for design improvements to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Support failure investigation, troubleshooting, and resolution.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 8 years related experience.
• Proficiency in using optical test equipment (e.g., interferometers, alignment scopes, cameras, light sources, etc.).
• Familiarity with environmental test standards for space hardware (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL‑STD‑1540, etc.).
• Experience in automated control and measurement systems.
• Experience in system design, verification, and validation.
• Experience testing performance of systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience developing integration and test plans/procedures and reports.
• Experience in signal processing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in optical testing, preferably in a spaceflight or high‑reliability environment.
• Hands‑on experience in conducting environmental tests for spaceflight hardware or satellite systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, Python, and JAVA.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to assume technical responsibility for pieces of a program or multiple programs.

Clearance Level

Secret

Salary Range

$112,500 – $159,600

ITAR Requirement

• This position requires access to information subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or a person approved for an export license by the governing agency. Contractors may also be required to be U.S. citizens in accordance with contract requirements (120.15).

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcome all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.