Senior Test Engineer – R&D Test Rigs & Thermal Systems

Industrious Ventures; Torrance, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

Antares is seeking a Test Engineer to design, build, and own test infrastructure for the R1 microreactor. You will develop end-to-end test plans across heat rejection, power distribution, thermal management, and mechanical systems, and document testing best practices for rapid iteration and data quality.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure prototype, development, and qualification hardware aligns with test plans, while maintaining precision and accuracy in test setups.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of hands-on test engineering experience.
• Experience designing assemblies and test fixtures using CAD.
• Experience integrating and using test instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, strain gauges, relays, solenoid valves, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and employ bespoke test stands and rigs for heat pipe components and assemblies.
• Develop comprehensive test plans and protocols: instrumentation, execution steps, pass/fail criteria, and data analysis workflows.
• Build test schedules and ensure alignment with development and business needs.
• Lead test design and readiness reviews and communicate approach and results with stakeholders.
• Validate measurement precision and accuracy; procure or design specialized fixtures and sensors as needed.
• Create schematics and CAD models of test setups and facilities.
• Define standard processes and workflows for prototype, qualification, and production-grade testing.
• Provide subject matter expertise on test methods, including mentoring teammates.
• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent repeat failure.

Skills

Test engineering

CAD

LabVIEW

Python

Instrumentation

Data analysis

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering

Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering (preferred)

Tools

CAD software

Test instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, strain gauges, relays, valves)

Job description

Antares is seeking a Test Engineer to design, build, and own test infrastructure for the R1 microreactor. You will develop end-to-end test plans across heat rejection, power distribution, thermal management, and mechanical systems, and document testing best practices for rapid iteration and data quality.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure prototype, development, and qualification hardware aligns with test plans, while maintaining precision and accuracy in test setups.