Satellite Test Lead Engineer

General Atomics; Centennial (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the aerospace sector is seeking a Senior Satellite Test Lead Engineer in Centennial, CO. This role involves planning and conducting satellite system tests, developing test procedures, and collaborating with engineering teams to ensure product quality. Candidates should have extensive experience in spacecraft testing and a strong technical background in engineering.

Qualifications

• 12+ years experience with a bachelor's, 10+ with a master's, or 7+ with a PhD.
• Experience in spacecraft testing and requirements essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct satellite system tests.
• Develop and execute test configurations and procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering staff on design and testing.

Skills

Leadership

Data Analysis

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering

Master's in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Spectrum Analyzers

Generators

Oscilloscopes

Power Meters

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS's expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions supports critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Whether a specific satellite for a specific mission or a constellation of interconnected spacecraft, the GA-EMS Space Systems team is redefining how customers can access the possibilities of space. GA-EMS offers modular and scalable satellite platforms backed by a history of operational flight experience to support diverse mission requirements.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Satellite Test Lead Engineer (Assembly, Integration and Test) to join our team in Centennial, CO. The individual will interact with technical staff, report to test managers, and support a range of tests from engineering research trials, production, factory acceptance tests, system and component level requirements verification, operational, lifecycle, environmental, and electromagnetic tests.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Plan, organize, and conduct satellite system tests.
2. Develop, review, and execute satellite system and subsystem test configurations and procedures.
3. Innovate and promote satellite assembly, integration, and testing flows, including new concepts and approaches.
4. Design and implement test fixtures and plans for both board and system-level testing environments.
5. Test and troubleshoot complex electronics systems from component to system level.
6. Debug and resolve issues during testing using standard lab equipment to ensure product quality.
7. Address hardware/software interface problems, define I/O parameters, and ensure system integration.
8. Collaborate with all levels of program and engineering staff on design, integration, and testing matters, supporting other teams as needed.
9. Resolve complex technical issues with innovative approaches, leveraging advanced concepts.
10. Potentially assume technical and engineering responsibility for specific projects.
11. Formulate and maintain test plans during execution.
12. Support quality management in program execution.
13. Apply technical knowledge to set objectives, analyze, investigate, and resolve advanced engineering problems, including future applications and developments.
14. Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline, with extensive experience: 12+ years with a bachelor's, 10+ with a master's, or 7+ with a PhD; or equivalent experience.
• Experience in spacecraft testing and requirements essential.
• Proficiency with test equipment (spectrum analyzers, generators, oscilloscopes, power meters).
• Familiarity with data analysis, test data documentation, and manipulation in spreadsheets.
• Experience with spacecraft hardware and electronics assembly and testing highly desirable.
• Knowledge of environmental testing standards like MIL-STD-810; space environmental testing is a plus.
• Understanding of clean room facilities, compliance, and safety practices.
• Deep technical expertise in satellite system lifecycle, engineering principles, and concepts.
• Leadership experience in organization, planning, and risk management.
• Knowledge of AS9100 Quality Management standards.
• Experience with satellite subsystem and system-level testing preferred.
• Launch base operations experience beneficial.
• Active TS/SCI clearance required or desired.