Test Engineer III

Redwire; Longmont (CO); On-site; USD 101,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire Space in Longmont, CO seeks a Test Engineer III to test hardware for space and airborne applications, with an emphasis on RF systems. You will collaborate across engineering disciplines to execute testing in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates have prior space or airborne hardware testing experience and will report to the Systems Integration and Test Manager. You will join an interdisciplinary team, execute comprehensive test plans, and mentor junior engineers while working

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering; Physics; Mathematics with 5+ years of experience.
• Advanced degree may substitute for 2 years of experience.
• Experience in processing data from environmental tests such as vibration, shock, thermal cycling and/or thermal-vacuum testing.
• Experience assembling and/or testing hardware for space or airborne environments.
• Proficiency in writing test documentation, including plans and reports.
• Experience leading stage-gate reviews (CDR, TRR) and interfacing with stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience in space, small satellites, and RF systems.
• Experience leading and mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Execute, develop and manage comprehensive test plans for flight hardware.
• Define test requirements and verification methods with Systems Engineering.
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to negotiate test plans.
• Represent Test Engineering at program milestones and report status.
• Design and use test fixtures to support risk mitigation and verification.
• Plan and execute environmental testing (vibration, thermal cycling, vacuum).
• Develop in-house test capabilities and collaborate across Redwire groups.
• Lead cross-functional teams to ensure successful test execution.

Skills

Test planning

Environmental testing

RF systems

Documentation

Leadership

Education

B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering; Physics; Mathematics

Advanced degree may substitute for 2 years

Tools

CAD

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Vector network analyzers

Job description

Unlock the Future of Space at Redwire Space

Do you thrive on turning the impossible into reality? At Redwire Space, every day presents an opportunity to innovate, tackle fascinating challenges, and directly shape future technologies for multiple domains (space and terrestrial). Redwire is where groundbreaking ideas take flight, and the results are truly out of this world.

Innovate with Our RF Systems Group in Longmont, Colorado

Join Redwire's RF Systems group in Longmont, Colorado, and become an integral part of engineering the next generation of RF products. These enable mission‑critical capabilities across space, air, land, and beyond. Whether it's advanced communications, sophisticated sensing, electronic warfare, or directed energy, our team delivers cutting‑edge solutions — from orbital deployments to the tactical edge — in support of one force, every front.

Join a Team Driven by Curiosity, Purpose, and Impact

Decide today to become a part of our engineering team and you'll find yourself in a collaborative, agile environment where curiosity, purpose, and impact guide every decision. We are not just a company; we are a collective renowned for our technical expertise, leadership in engineering, and unwavering commitment to project ownership. Come experience a place where your contributions truly matter.

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Test Engineer III at our Longmont, CO facility. In this role, you’ll work within a team testing hardware for space and airborne applications, with a strong emphasis on RF systems. You’ll collaborate across engineering disciplines to execute testing in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. The ideal candidate brings prior experience testing hardware in space or airborne environments.

You will join a growing, interdisciplinary team and report to the Systems Integration and Test Manager.

Essential Functions

• Execute, develop and manage comprehensive test plans for high-value flight hardware, from initial concept through execution.


• Define test requirements and verification methods in close collaboration with the Systems Engineering team.


• Interface within internal and external stakeholders to negotiate test requirements and methods, co‑develop plans, and provide regular updates on test progress.


• Represent Test Engineering at major program milestones and communicate test status and work in a collaborative team.


• Identify appropriate testing methods and design test fixtures to support risk mitigation, prototype development, and requirement verification.


• Plan and execute environmental testing, of hardware, including functional test such as vibration testing, thermal cycling, thermal vacuum, and other qualification tests.


• Develop and enhance in‑house test capabilities and collaborate with other Redwire groups to leverage existing resources across the organization.


• Work closely with cross‑functional teams, including technicians, product and technical leadership, and program managers, to ensure successful test execution.


• Leading and mentoring junior engineers.

Ideal Experience

• B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering; Physics; Mathematics; or other space‑related discipline, with 5+ years of relevant industry experience.


• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a related field may substitute for 2 years of experience.


• Experience in overseeing and processing data from environmental tests such as vibration, shock, thermal cycling and/or thermal‑vacuum testing.


• Experience in assembling and/or testing hardware for space or airborne environments .


• Proficiency in writing test documentation, including test plans, procedures, and reports.


• Experience preparing and presenting stage‑gate reviews (e.g., CDR, TRR) and interfacing internal and external stakeholders.


• Hands‑on experience in space, small satellites, and/or RF systems.


• Experience with test failures and working with the project team and customer to develop options.


• Familiar with writing test documentation, such as test plans, procedures, and reports.


• Experience with preparing and leading project stage‑gate meetings (such as CDR, TRR, etc.) and interfacing with customers.


• Providing leadership to a team of engineers in the development and execution of a test campaign

Desired Skills

• Experience using CAD to design and fabricate mechanical systems, fixtures, and mechanisms.


• Knowledge of structural and metrology test methods for characterizing hardware.


• Ability to support technical risk identification and mitigation planning.


• Comfortable recommending internal process improvements.


• Familiarity with RF testing and equipment, such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and vector network analyzers a plus but not required.


• Familiarity with antenna/microwave system testing and standards such as NASA/SMC (GSFC-STD-7000A, MIL-STD-810, SMC-S-016).


• Experience using CAD to design and fabricate mechanical systems, fixturing, and/or mechanisms.


• Experience and training in safe handling protocols for flight hardware, including cleanroom and ESD standards.


• Experience with test‑analysis correlation, including the ability to understand, interpret, and validate analysis predictions through test methods.


• Experience with generating requirements and establishing appropriate verification criteria.


• Experience in supporting technical risk identification, mitigation planning and mitigation execution.


• Experience leading and mentoring junior engineers.

Grow with us as we innovate the next generation capabilities for a new era of space exploration! We offer a highly competitive benefits package along with a commitment to our core values of Integrity, Innovation, Impact, Inclusion, and Excellence.

Don’t meet every single requirement above? No worries. We want people who can grow, collaborate and build a stronger team. We strive to build a diverse and inclusive culture, so if you’re excited about this job posting, you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

SalaryRange:

$101,000 - $140,000/year

How We Determine What We Pay (compensation Philosophy)

Redwire determinespay for positions using local, national, and industry‑specific survey data, for our locations throughout the US. We will evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index, in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and internal equity within the company for the same position. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will be considered for higher pay.

Redwire Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Redwire Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

All offers of employment at Redwire Space are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and your ability to provide proof of eligibility to work in the US. Note that some positions will also require US citizenship or ability to obtain a security clearance due to requirements of a classified program.

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.