Test Engineer II

Antares; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Antares is seeking a Test Engineer to join their Test Engineering team in California. You will design, build, and own test infrastructure for microreactors, developing test plans and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure high-quality data and results.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in physics or engineering, has 2+ years of test engineering experience, and is skilled in CAD design and test instrumentation. This role is essential for our cutting-edge clean energy projects.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on test engineering experience.
• Experience designing assemblies and test fixtures using CAD.
• Experience using test instrumentation like pressure transducers and thermocouples.

Responsibilities

• Architect and build test rigs for heat pipe components.
• Develop test plans and protocols with pass/fail criteria.
• Lead test design and readiness reviews with stakeholders.
• Validate measurement precision and accuracy.

Skills

Test engineering

Collaboration

Data analysis

CAD design

Programming

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physics or engineering

Tools

CAD software

LabVIEW

Simulink

Job description

About Us

At Antares, our long-term mission is to make clean energy abundant from Earth to the Asteroid Belt. We’re focused on building mass-producible, inherently safe, deployable microreactors for terrestrial, underwater, and space use.

Formed in 2023, Antares has a team from SpaceX, The White House, MIT, Rigetti Computing, The Air Force, General Atomics, Relativity Space, Ursa Major, and National Laboratories. Antares has raised over $130M in venture capital and has over $13M in government funding.

About the Team

As a Test Engineer in Antares’ Test Engineering team, you will design, build, and own test infrastructure for our R1 microreactor. You will develop end-to-end test plans—from concept to data analysis—for components and subsystems spanning heat rejection, power distribution, thermal management, and mechanical systems. You will help develop and document testing best practices, requirements, and workflows to enable rapid iteration and high-quality data. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that prototype, development, and qualification hardware is designed with respect to a test plan that validates critical features and performance parameters. You will design, validate, and maintain test setups to ensure required precision and accuracy.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Architect, build, and employ bespoke test stands and rigs for heat pipe components and assemblies
• Develop comprehensive test plans and protocols: instrumentation, execution steps, pass/fail criteria, and data analysis workflows
• Build test schedules and ensure alignment with development and business needs
• Lead test design and readiness reviews and communicate approach and results with stakeholders
• Validate measurement precision and accuracy; procure or design specialized fixtures and sensors as needed
• Create schematics and CAD models of test setups and facilities
• Define standard processes and workflows for prototype, qualification, and production-grade testing
• Provide subject matter expertise on test methods, including mentoring teammates
• Participate in root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to prevent repeat failure

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in physics or an engineering discipline
• 2+ years of hands-on test engineering experience
• Experience designing assemblies and test fixtures using CAD
• Experience integrating and using test instrumentation (pressure transducers, thermocouples, strain gauges, relays, solenoid valves, etc.)

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master’s degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering
• Experience designing and building test rigs and executing thermal and mechanical tests
• Experience with LabVIEW, Simulink, or similar test software
• Experience testing thermal management or heat-rejection systems, or vacuum-relevant components
• Experience in mechanical, durability, or materials testing
• Leadership experience on a project or research team
• Strong project management and cross-disciplinary communication skills
• Demonstrated track record of high-impact technical contributions
• Experience with part inspection technologies (micrometers, CMM, white light scanning, etc.)
• Knowledge of PLM, ERP, and related manufacturing systems
• Strong Python or general programming experience

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical milestones
• Ability to lift 25 lbs; role may require standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying

Location

• We are located in Torrance, CA in a large facility with space for collaboration, R&D, and production, with easy access to major freeways.

Culture

Our values emphasize systems thinking, end-user focus, unconventional problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. Practical, team-based work and in-person collaboration are valued.

Equal Opportunity

Antares is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to protected characteristics.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, a refugee, or an asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR requirements here.