Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms

AscendArc; Beaverton (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AscendArc in Beaverton is seeking a Test Engineer – Structures and Mechanisms to design, build, and test spacecraft structures for our satellite communications system. You will work with responsible engineers to run environmental tests, develop fixtures, and help translate the vision into hardware you assemble, test, and fly.

This hybrid role combines hands-on fabrication with rigorous testing in a fast-paced startup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field.
• 5+ years designing and building test fixtures for aerospace/high‑reliability systems.
• Experience with environmental/structural testing (thermal, vibration, shock).
• Ability to translate test requirements into practical tooling and fixture solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and integrate test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware to test spacecraft structures and mechanisms.
• Assist engineers in design and concept testing including thermal, vibration, shock, deployment, and pressure testing.
• Support test readiness reviews, drive testing schedules, and ensure safe operations.
• Develop testing infrastructure and roadmap for spacecraft qualification, defining resources and needs to hit milestones.

Skills

Test fixtures

CAD NX

SolidWorks

Data acquisition

Environmental testing

Cross-functional collab

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

SolidWorks

DAQ systems

Job description

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical team as a Test Engineer – Structures and Mechanisms developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.

AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and integrate test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware to effectively test spacecraft structures and mechanisms.
• Assist responsible engineers in design and/or concepting of functional, environmental, and qualification tests, including thermal, vibration, shock, deployment, and pressure testing.
• Support test readiness reviews, drive testing schedules, and ensure safe test operations
• Develop responsive testing infrastructure, generate roadmap for executing spacecraft qualification, define resource and infrastructure needs to achieve company milestones

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing and building test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware for aerospace or high-reliability systems
• Hands‑on experience with test execution and familiarity with environmental and structural testing (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.)
• Strong ability to gather and interpret test requirements from cross‑functional stakeholders to develop practical tooling and fixture solutions
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and mechanical analysis tools
• Data acquisition and management experience
• Hands‑on mindset with experience in rapid prototyping, fabrication, and iterative build‑test cycles

Who We’re Looking For

We’re searching for exceptional talent at any career stage — from early‑career engineers to senior and staff‑level experts. Compensation will be adjusted accordingly. More than years of experience, we value high‑caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.

We’re looking for people who:

• Thrive in a cradle‑to‑grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
• Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
• Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.

Hybrid Work

This position is based at our Beaverton office. We value the collaboration that comes from working together in person, while also supporting flexibility. Team members typically spend three days a week in the office and may work from home up to two days each week.

The base salary range for this position is $120,000-190,000/year. Wh

AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non‑merit factor or legally protected status.