Test Engineer

Viridian Space Corporation; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee equity options

Job summary

Viridian Space Corporation, an early-stage space technology start-up in El Segundo, California, seeks a Test Engineer to support hardware prototyping and the flight of our satellite with a novel plasma propulsion system.

You will operate a vacuum test facility, maintain the plasma source, and develop CAD drawings for jigs and fixtures used in ground tests. This role requires hands-on lab work and strong design skills.

Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience with oscilloscopes, power supplies and standard lab equipment.
• Basic understanding of vacuum systems and test environments.
• Experience manufacturing or assembling experimental hardware.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain our vacuum test facility.
• Operate and maintain our plasma source.
• Develop CAD drawings of jigs, fixtures and ground test hardware.
• Manufacture, assemble and test experimental hardware.
• Collaborate with the team to deliver flight units to customers.

Skills

Lab equipment handling

Vacuum systems understanding

Hardware testing

Electrical and mechanical design

Python programming

CAD software

Tools

SolidWorks

FreeCAD

Job description

Viridian Space Corporation is an early-stage, space technology start-up located in El Segundo (Los Angeles), California. Viridian’s mission is to commercialize a new generation of agile, refuellable satellites and to unlock commercial access to Very Low Earth Orbits, far below where traditional Low Earth Orbit satellites fly. We are looking for energetic and talented people to join our team to support hardware prototyping, culminating in the flight of our satellite with a novel plasma propulsion system.

The Role

Here is what we expect a Test Engineer to do in the first year at the company:

• Operate and maintain our vacuum test facility.
• Operate and maintain our plasma source.
• Develop CAD drawings of jigs, fixtures, and other ground test hardware
• Manufacture, assemble and test experimental hardware.
• Work with other members of the team on delivering flight units to our customers.

Essential skills

• Practical experience in laboratory environment, using oscilloscopes, power supplies, and/or other standard laboratory equipment.
• Basic understanding of vacuum systems.
• Experience manufacturing experimental hardware.
• Ability to design and build basic electrical and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of Python and ability to create hardware-software interfaces using RS232, RS485 and Ethernet protocols.
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks, FreeCAD, etc)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Other skills that may be helpful

• Practical experience with vacuum systems and vacuum components.
• Experience with electrical power systems.
• Experience with satellite hardware.
• Experience with propulsion hardware.

You must be very good at

• Maintaining an organized test environment
• Automation of test environments

You will love this job if

• You are a tinkerer
• You love making and breaking things
• You have self-motivation to drive forward improvements
• You enjoy working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• You love finding solutions to problems
• You pay close attention to details

• Employee equity options
• This position will require obtaining and maintaining DoD Secret clearance. Jobs restricted by these regulations are contingent upon the applicant’s status as a documented U.S. Person and good standing with the law.

Please see our Careers page: https://www.viridianspace.com/careers