Senior Test Engineer

Speedrun Talent Network; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vis

401(k) program and stock option plan

Flexible time-off (PTO, holidays, sick

Flexible work environment

Weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanic

Job summary

Aerospace innovator Astro Mechanica seeks a Senior Test Engineer to design, operate, and enhance test infrastructure for hardware R&D, including jet engine subsystems. You will ensure rigorous testing before aircraft integration, while expanding capabilities and maintaining a safety-first ethos.

You will lead hands-on testing, data capture, and troubleshooting in a fast-paced in-office environment, collaborating with engineers to push performance and reliability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems and test ops.
• Experience in hazardous environments and safety mitigations.
• Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation (pressure, temperature).
• Familiarity with data acquisition, control systems, PLC hardware, networking, software interfaces.
• Proficiency with Python, MATLAB, and LabVIEW for data processing.
• Shows initiative for continuous improvement, not just tasks.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Architect test stand design and documentation for components to systems.
• Maintain test facilities, troubleshoot issues, keep areas clean.
• Implement data and video recording infrastructure.
• Analyze data for activation, calibration, operation.
• Diagnose stand problems and perform corrective actions.
• Improve facility capabilities to boost throughput and reliability.
• Handle harness assembly and operate manual machine shop tools.
• Operate drills, mills, lathes and other shop equipment.

Skills

Fluid systems

Mechanical systems

Test operations

Hazardous environments safety

Data acquisition

Control systems

PLC software

Python

MATLAB

LabVIEW

Initiative for improvement

Detail-oriented

Tools

PLC hardware

LabVIEW

Python

MATLAB

Networking

Job description

ABOUT US:

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

Astro Mechanica is seeking a Senior Test Engineer to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is someone who is capable of designing, fabricating, operating, and improving on complex mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems for conducting rigorous testing of our innovative jet engine and subsystems. Your work at Astro Mechanica will keep test operations running smoothly, while constantly expanding and improving test capabilities.

In this role, your mission will be to create and operate test infrastructure for hardware research and development. You will have firsthand responsibility that every new design is rigorously tested to ensure quality and performance metrics are met prior to aircraft integration before leaving the ground. You embody the test-like-you-fly philosophy.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Architect test stand design and documentation (engineering drawings, P&ID, electrical schematics, test procedures) for testing components to integrated systems

• Maintain test facility operations and maintenance, troubleshoot problems, site cleanliness

• Implement robust data and video recording infrastructure

• Analyze data for equipment activation, calibration, and operation

• Diagnose stand problems efficiently and perform corrective actions

• Continually improve facility capabilities to increase test throughput and reliability

• Harness assembly (crimping/soldering terminals, cable lacing, troubleshooting)

• Operate manual machine shop equipment (drills, cutting tools, mills, lathes)

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• 5+ years hands-on experience with fluidic and mechanical systems, test operations

• Experience with hazardous environments (flammables, high voltage, pressurized systems) and safety mitigations

• Knowledge of fluid systems hardware and instrumentation (pressure, temperature, load cells, relays, solenoids, pneumatics)

• Familiarity with data acquisition and control systems, PLC hardware, computer networking, and software interfaces

• Proficiency with PLC and data processing software (Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW)

• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)

• Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment

• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

PERKS & BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan

• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time

• Flexible work environment

• Company-funded perks, including weekly team lunches and Astro Mechanica swag

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.