Systems Test Engineer - Strategic SATCOM
Aurex
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Job summary
Aurex is seeking a Systems Test Engineer - Strategic SATCOM to lead a test team supporting the next generation of strategic satellite communications capabilities. You will test, analyze, evaluate, verify, and validate systems against requirements, identifying issues early in development to enable rapid delivery of advanced tech solutions.
The role requires 12+ years in defense test programs, active DoD experience, and collaboration with government, FFRDCs, and contractors to meet program goals.
Qualifications
- 12+ years of experience in test, verification, and system integration for major defense acquisition programs involving complex space, ground, cryptographic, or hardware systems.
- Experience supporting government DT&E programs within a Lead Developmental Test Organization.
- Experience planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting DT&E activities, including operational-test readiness and required test artifacts.
- Experience translating requirements and interface specifications into test objectives, procedures, acceptance criteria, and verification evidence.
Responsibilities
- Lead test, verification, validation, and system integration activities for strategic satellite communications capabilities.
- Plan, execute, analyze, and report on developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) activities, including operational-test readiness and required test artifacts.
- Translate system requirements and interface specifications into test objectives, procedures, acceptance criteria, and verification evidence.
- Support Test Readiness Reviews, system-of-systems testing, space-to-ground integration testing, and deficiency management.
- Develop Test and Evaluation Master Plans, System Test Plans, and requirements verification plans and reports.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
We seek the curious, the brilliant, and the relentless. If you\'re driven to solve complex problems, operate at the edge of technology, and make systems smarter, faster, and safer, you\'ll find a home here. Advance your career in a company that builds for what\'s next.
We\'re a team of high performers who don\'t settle. Our culture rewards curiosity, integrity, and results—without the ego. You\'ll be surrounded by people who challenge you, support you, and celebrate your wins. We work hard, solve big problems, and have each other\'s backs.
We\'re a team of high performers who don\'t settle. Our culture rewards curiosity, integrity, and results—without the ego. You\'ll be surrounded by people who challenge you, support you, and celebrate your wins. We work hard, solve big problems, and have each other\'s backs.
We believe exceptional work deserves exceptional rewards. Our total compensation goes beyond base pay to include robust benefits, performance incentives, and investment in your future. From health and retirement to career development and time off—you\'ll have what you need to thrive, in and out of the office.
From entry-level engineers to mission program leads, we create space for every employee to thrive. Our work is complex, our standards are high, and our support systems are built to help you rise—wherever you\'re starting from.
"I enjoy working at Aurex for the innovative environment and strong focus on work-life balance… The company values creativity, supports professional growth, and fosters collaboration. I feel empowered to make a difference, both through meaningful projects and through volunteering in my community."
"I love being part of the platform because it offers the resources and opportunities of a larger company while maintaining a tight-knit, small company culture. What motivates me most is the environment it creates, one that supports me in growing professionally, academically, and personally."
jacob Ballentine
Junior Reverse Engineer
"What I love about working with Aurex is that I always feel valued and appreciated, and that work never goes unrecognized … Another thing I love is that, though small, Aurex offers tremendous expertise in various fields … Finally, the diversity of projects and partners means … many different opportunities—you will be helping to create history."
Nathaniel DeCecco
Mechanical Engineer
"What I like most about the company is the strong sense of community… It truly feels like a place where I belong. I\'m motivated by the chance to grow, learn, and take on new challenges… Being part of a passionate, driven team makes every day rewarding."
"I appreciate that our company focuses on growth and innovation in aerospace… I\'m motivated by solving complex challenges and building reliable software for launch operations. It\'s rewarding to know our voice system is used by the government and major contractors—making a real impact. What a dream!"
Astrid Leighton
Software Engineer
Aurex is a mission-focused aerospace and defense company building the next frontier of deterrence. From hypersonics and missile defense to hardened networks and orbital systems, we design, test, and deliver the platforms that turn unproven ideas into battlefield-ready capability.
Born in Huntsville and built for speed, Aurex brings together aerospace veterans, combat-tested operators, and forward-leaning technologists to solve problems that matter—fast. We move from whiteboard to warfighter with precision, clarity, and zero tolerance for fluff.
The Systems Test Engineer will lead a test team within the Strategic SATCOM program office supporting the next generation of strategic satellite communications capabilities. This role will test, analyze, evaluate, verify, and validate systems against established requirements while identifying issues requiring urgent mitigation early in development to support the delivery of advanced technology solutions.
- Lead test, verification, validation, and system integration activities for strategic satellite communications capabilities.
- Plan, execute, analyze, and report on developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) activities, including operational-test readiness and required test artifacts.
- Translate system requirements and interface specifications into test objectives, procedures, acceptance criteria, and verification evidence.
- Support Test Readiness Reviews, system-of-systems testing, space-to-ground integration testing, and deficiency management.
- Develop Test and Evaluation Master Plans, System Test Plans, and requirements verification plans and reports.
- Identify test deficiencies and areas requiring urgent mitigation early in system development.
- Collaborate with government clients, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), and associate contractor teammates to achieve program goals.
- 12+ years of experience in test, verification, and system integration for major defense acquisition programs involving complex space, ground, cryptographic, or hardware systems.
- Experience supporting government DT&E programs within a Lead Developmental Test Organization.
- Experience planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting DT&E activities, including operational-test readiness and required test artifacts.
- Experience translating requirements and interface specifications into test objectives, procedures, acceptance criteria, and verification evidence.
- Experience with Test Readiness Reviews, system-of-systems testing, space-to-ground integration testing, and deficiency management.
- Experience with DAFMAN 63-119, Mission-Oriented Test Readiness Certification.
- Experience developing Test and Evaluation Master Plans, System Test Plans, and requirements verification plans and reports.
- Ability to communicate effectively and establish collaborative relationships with government clients, FFRDCs, and associate contractor teammates.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently, demonstrating initiative to complete complex tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Active DoD TS/SCI clearance.
- Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or Computer Science.
- Experience working with DoD space, SATCOM, or satellite ground systems.
- Experience with Agile tools, including Jira and Confluence.
- Experience performing interoperability testing, integrated test events, and operational acceptance activities.
- Experience with DOORS, MagicDraw, digital engineering models, or tools supporting requirements and verification traceability.
- Knowledge of verification and validation of software or database releases.
- Knowledge of DoD 5000-series acquisition guidance, MIL-STD-3022, DoDAF, and IEEE 15288 lifecycle standards.
- Test and evaluation professional certification, such as ITEA Certified Test and Evaluation Professional (CTEP).
- INCOSE Systems Engineering Professional certification, such as ASEP, CSEP, or ESEP.
The salary range for this role is $170,000 - $200,000 annually. We offer a comprehensive total rewards approach to compensation, providing incentives and benefits that extend far beyond the base salary. Compensation is determined by the candidate’s work experience, education, training, and relevant skills. We offer a competitive benefits package designed to support our employees\' health, well-being, and professional growth.
This position has an on-site requirement at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA. All candidates must be willing and able to report on-site 3–5 days per week, based on mission and customer requirements.
Aurex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It prohibits discrimination, retaliation, or any type of harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, citizenship, immigration status, or any other legally protected status in employment, including in hiring, firing, and recruiting decisions. All applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States for positions at Aurex. There may be limited circumstances in which a law, regulation, executive order, or government contract would require certain citizenship; only in those limited circumstances would Aurex require certain citizenship status to comply with the relevant law, regulation, executive order, and government contract applicable to that position. For all other positions, Aurex does not consider an applicant’s citizenship but only requires that the applicant be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If a position is one that falls under export control laws and regulations requiring authorization from the U.S. government to access export-controlled items, any hiring is contingent on the applicant passing the export compliance assessment, which is separate from the I-9 process, for that specific position. A background check will be required prior to any hire.
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