Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms

Ascend Arc; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic startup in satellite communications is seeking a Senior/Staff Test Engineer to develop a revolutionary satellite communication system. This role involves designing test fixtures and supporting environmental testing processes while working in a collaborative, hybrid environment. The ideal candidate has a degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and significant hands-on experience in aerospace test execution. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $120,000 to $190,000 per year.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing and building test fixtures for aerospace or high-reliability systems.
• Strong ability to gather and interpret test requirements from stakeholders.
• Hands-on mindset with experience in fabrication and iterative build-test cycles.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and integrate test fixtures for spacecraft structures.
• Assist in design and concepting of environmental and qualification tests.
• Drive testing schedules and ensure safe test operations.

Skills

Design and build test fixtures

Hands-on experience with test execution

Proficiency in CAD software

Data acquisition and management

Experience in rapid prototyping

Education

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

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms
Location: Beaverton
Department: Engineering
Work type: In office, Full-time

Be part of shaping the future 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. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

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.

Req ID: R23