Sr. Test Engineer

Astrolab; Hawthorne (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity ownership in the company

Comprehensive health benefits (medical

401(k) plan with company match

Flexible PTO and parental leave

Weekly lunch stipend and on-site perks

Monthly social hour on-site

Job summary

Astrolab, The Lunar Operations Company, is seeking a Senior Production/Test professional in Hawthorne, CA to advance rover production, test campaigns, and facility processes. You will lead cross-functional collaboration to design, build, and validate hardware and sub-assemblies, ensuring robust test programs and data systems.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, process development, and on-site collaboration with customers and partners to propel lunar technology forward.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) required.
• 5+ years of experience in production, R&D, or test operation environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, define, and develop test processes for structural components, assemblies, and sub-assemblies.
• Design test equipment and setups that evolve with scope.
• Develop data acquisition systems and integrate with other data streams.

Skills

Production experience

R&D / test operations

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

CAD (NX/SolidWorks)

DAQ systems

Job description

Compensation

$140,000 - $150,000 / year

Department

Production & Test

Location

Hawthorne, California

Compensation

$140,000 - $150,000 / year

Description

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

Astrolab is looking for a team member who will support both the development of lunar rovers and development of our production facility and processes. You will collaborate with other Astrolab engineers to advance product design in tandem with advancing our means to build and test. You will be ultimately responsible for ensuring the success of our sub-assembly and technology test campaigns.

What you’ll do

• Design, define, and develop test processes for structural components, structural assemblies, avionics assemblies, electro-mechanical sub-assemblies, new technology development, and fully integrated rovers
• Design test equipment and test setups that are flexible and evolve with our ever-evolving scope
• Develop data acquisition systems and integrate with other data streams for seamless post processing
• Triage and determine solutions for non-conformances. Perform hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis
• Champion concurrent engineering – Collaborate with the cross functional team to develop the product, processes, and facility
• Perform light fabrication and assembly hands-on work
• Design assembly and fabrication tooling. Own these from concept through implementation
• Develop work instructions and documentation for build and test processes
• Collaborate engineering team members to develop production systems, outline detailed project plans, and execute
• Perform trade studies on capital equipment and tool procurement
• Support on-site and off-site vehicle testing
• Directly interact with customers and strategic partners

What you'll bring

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field
• 5+ years of experience working in production, R&D, or test operation environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in DAQ systems, meaningful experience in set-up and troubleshooting, and prior experience in basic coding (LabVIEW, Python, etc)
• Experience understanding the design, assembly, integration, and testing of electromechanical systems
• Experience developing and executing qualification and acceptance test campaigns for complex hardware or new technologie
• Experience in set-up and operation of environmental test equipment (I.E Tvac chambers, thermal chambers, etc.)
• Proficient in electromechanical assembly and troubleshooting
• Demonstrated mastery of project management and associated tools
• Proficiency with CAD modeling software (e.g., NX or SolidWorks)
• Experience in written documentation skills including use of Microsoft suite products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks