Test Engineer II

Inversion; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative aerospace company in Los Angeles is seeking a Test Engineer to play a crucial role in the design and testing of next-generation re-entry vehicles. You will conduct tests on accurate landing systems, develop test procedures, and lead logistics for testing campaigns. The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, with 2+ years of relevant experience. This is an on-site role at the company's HQ in Playa Vista, CA, with a competitive salary range of $106,000-150,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of applicable hands-on experience testing hardware systems.
• Demonstrated history of test campaign ownership from cradle to grave.
• Experience testing parachutes and airborne systems.

Responsibilities

• Test high-performance landing and recovery systems.
• Develop and own test equipment and procedures.
• Lead logistics for flight test days.

Skills

Hands-on experience testing hardware systems

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in a related field

Job description

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth

Who We Are

Eras of humanity can often be defined by a dominant transportation mode - horse-drawn chariots, ocean-going boats, or aircraft. These were spurred by a small group of people rigorously focused on building technology to achieve faster access to more of the world. We seek to usher in a new era of humanity defined by universal access to the whole globe free of borders and the presence of a routine way from space to Earth. To do this, we are building highly maneuverable re‑entry vehicles that can loiter in orbit before precision landing back on Earth.

What You’ll Do

As a Test Engineer at Inversion, you will play a critical role in the design, functionality, and performance of our next‑generation re‑entry vehicles. This is a unique opportunity to work on the early stages of vehicle design, including defining vehicle architecture and creatively solving new design challenges. You will be a key member of the Accurate Landing Team, reporting directly to the Director of Engineering, Accurate Landing. In this role, you will:

• Test high-performance accurate landing and recovery systems through ground test and aerial drop test campaigns.
• Develop and own relevant test equipment, procedures, reports and analyses.
• Coordinate and lead the logistics of flight test days and recovery.
• Coordinate test activities with external vendors and suppliers.
• Lead test operations with a high degree of safety, accountability, and responsibility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Typically 2+ years of applicable hands‑on experience testing hardware systems.
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Capable of working in a dynamic, fast‑paced startup environment.
• This position is on‑site at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated history of test campaign ownership from cradle to grave.
• Experience with vehicle‑level flight test campaigns and hardware qualification.
• Experience testing parachutes and airborne systems.

Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.

The California annual base salary for this role is currently $106,000-150,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job‑related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

ITAR Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

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