Test Engineer for re-entry systems (m/f/d)

World Aquatics; Germany (OH); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ATMOS Space Cargo is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for Re-entry Systems to plan, execute, and analyze test campaigns for inflatable re-entry structures and advanced materials.

You will develop and validate test procedures, create data acquisition systems, and collaborate with design engineers to implement improvements based on results. English communication is essential for documentation and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical testing, validation, or product development in aerospace/defense or similar.
• Hands-on experience with structural testing and experimental validation.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics and mechanical systems.
• Experience with sensor integration and data acquisition (pressure transducers, strain gauges, load cells).
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for analysis, automation, and data evaluation.
• Experience developing structured test procedures and documenting engineering results.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and evaluate mechanical and structural test campaigns for re-entry systems and subsystems.
• Design, build, operate, and improve mechanical test rigs, breadboards, and experimental setups.
• Develop and refine test procedures, validation methods, and internal testing standards to ensure reliable results.
• Develop data acquisition systems and analyze test data using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Support manufacturing, integration, and quality assurance throughout hardware development lifecycle.
• Collaborate with design engineers to validate concepts and implement design improvements from test results.
• Document test results, prepare technical reports, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Support project planning and coordinate testing activities with internal teams and external partners.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Structural testing

Data acquisition

Sensor integration

Automation

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace/Mechatronics

Job description

ATMOS Space Cargo is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for Re-entry Systems to join our engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing test campaigns for inflatable re-entry structures and advanced gas-barrier materials. You will develop innovative test methods, validate hardware performance, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our spacecraft through hands‑on engineering and data‑driven analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and evaluate mechanical and structural test campaigns for our re‑entry systems and their subsystems.
• Design, build, operate, and continuously improve mechanical test rigs, breadboards, and experimental setups.
• Develop and refine test procedures, validation methods, and internal testing standards to ensure reliable and repeatable results.
• Develop data acquisition systems and analyze test data using Python, MATLAB, or similar engineering tools.
• Support manufacturing, integration, and quality assurance activities throughout the hardware development lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with design engineers to validate concepts and implement design improvements based on test results.
• Document test results, prepare technical reports, and communicate findings to internal stakeholders.
• Support project planning and coordinate testing activities with internal teams and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical testing, validation, or product development, ideally in aerospace, automotive, defense, or another high‑performance engineering environment.
• Hands‑on experience with structural testing, prototype development, and experimental validation.
• Strong understanding of structural mechanics and mechanical systems.
• Experience with sensor integration and data acquisition systems, including pressure transducers, strain gauges, load cells, or comparable instrumentation.
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for engineering analysis, automation, and data evaluation.
• Experience developing structured test procedures and documenting engineering results.
• Strong analytical thinking, practical problem‑solving skills, and a proactive, hands‑on mindset.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Company description

ATMOS was founded as a European company built on the values of freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and human rights. We are committed to protect these values by making our technology available to others who share the same values, strengthening infrastructure and innovation for prosperity on Earth.
Our team is multinational and diverse, with offices in Lichtenau and Strasbourg. We work in a collegial, hands‑on culture where people support each other, take ownership, and keep learning every day. Motivation for the mission comes first — building spacecraft is not a nine‑to‑five pursuit. We align the mission, the team, and the individual in mutual dependence. This principle shapes our work environment where exceptional people, as committed as they are competent, can grow and contribute to a mission that matters.