Senior Manager, Test Systems - Spacecraft Automation

Terran Orbital Corporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company-paid medical, dental, vision

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off

Education reimbursement

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. You will oversee test systems development, automated test tools, environmental test readiness, and high-volume production test execution.

You will coordinate with integration, build leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth handoffs, optimize test efficiency, and implement design-for-testability inputs while

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Test leadership

Spacecraft test experience

Automated test systems

Environmental test processes

Technical data analysis

Strong communication

Multi-project management

MS Office proficiency

DoD clearance eligibility

Tools

LabVIEW/TestStand

Python scripting

Test software

GSE

Job description

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. You will oversee test systems development, automated test tools, environmental test readiness, and high-volume production test execution.

You will coordinate with integration, build leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure smooth handoffs, optimize test efficiency, and implement design-for-testability inputs while