Test Engineer - Satellite Hardware

Lynk; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading satellite technology firm in Chantilly, VA is looking for a Test Engineer to support the testing of satellite hardware. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering and over 5 years of relevant experience, with skills in electronics, programming, and RF test equipment. Responsibilities include designing testing procedures, debugging during tests, and automating data collection. Ideal candidates should be proficient in 3D CAD software and have a strong background in space hardware projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a Test Engineer.
• Experience using Linux-based systems.
• 7+ years of experience working on projects doing design, integration, or test of space hardware.

Responsibilities

• Integrate space and lab hardware electronics and design test beds.
• Debug and troubleshoot issues that arise during testing.
• Automate testing and data collection tools.

Skills

Hands-on experience with single-board computers

Communication skills

Programming in C++, C, Python, MATLAB

Experience with standard RF lab equipment

Working with electronic components

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant engineering field

Tools

SolidWorks

Oscilloscope

Spectrum Analyzer

Vector Network Analyzer

Job description

About Lynk

Lynk is the inventor of satellite direct to device or D2D technology, and has the world’s only commercial license from the FCC to operate a commercial D2D system. Today, Lynk allows mobile network operators' subscribers to send and receive text messages to and from space via standard unmodified, mobile devices. Lynk’s service has been tested and proven on all seven continents, has regulatory approvals in more than 30 countries and is currently being deployed commercially based on more than 40 MNO commercial service contracts covering approximately 50 countries.

Our technology will enable all 8 billion people on the planet to stay connected with the existing standard phone in their pocket. Everywhere. No matter what.

By joining Lynk, you will have the opportunity to directly touch the lives of billions. Your mission will be to bring mobile broadband to billions, pull hundreds of millions out of poverty, and save countless lives.

Job Summary

As a Test Engineer, Satellite Hardware at Lynk, you will wear many hats in the world of electronics and RF hardware and software. The immediate role of the Test Engineer will be to support testing of the payload hardware in the lab environment. While playing with all this hardware on a bench, you will probably need to pick up a soldering gun, assemble circuits on a breadboard, and use an oscilloscope, vector network analyzer, and spectrum analyzer.

Core Responsibilities

• Integrate space and lab hardware electronics and design test beds, fixtures, procedures, etc. for operational verification of hardware and software technologies.
• Design, develop, specify, and maintain hardware and software for Electronic Ground Support Equipment aka EGSE to be used to support satellite payload verification, particularly before, during, and after functional and environmental testing.
• Bench-level work with electronics to debug and troubleshoot issues that arise during testing, including functional and environmental testing.
• Working alongside engineers and technicians, Inform the design, development, and optimization of the company’s operational testing procedures and policies for our Production and research and development campaign for our space technology.
• Automate testing and data collection tools to ensure testing can be done reliably and repeatedly.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree or better in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or similar degrees.
• 5+ years of experience as a Test Engineer.
• Hands-on experience with single-board computers, microcontrollers, FPGAs, GPUs, CPUs, SoCs, software-defined radios, and/or antennas.
• Ability to generate schematics and read and understand datasheets for integrated circuits and electronics.
• Working knowledge of electronic components and test equipment.
• Experience using Linux based systems.
• Experience with standard RF lab equipment is required: Oscilloscopes, Spectrum and Vector Network Analyzer, Multimeter, etc.
• Programming Proficiency in one or more programming languages, such as, C++, C, Python, MATLAB, etc.
• Must have good communication skills and be able to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• 7+ years of experience working on projects doing design, integration, or test of space hardware.
• Experience with GD and T and tolerance analysis.
• Experienced and highly proficient in 3D CAD software, ideally SolidWorks.
• Must be good with computers. Fluent in Windows, proficient with Microsoft Office - Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• EMI testing RE 102, RS103.
• Vibration Testing, Experience with GEVs.
• Familiarity with ethernet, serial and or CAN communication protocols.
• Recent participation in projects developing space payload hardware and software, preferably communications systems.

ITAR Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government export control regulations (ITAR), applicants must be one of the following: (i) a U.S. citizen or national, (ii) a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) an asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158. Individuals who do not meet these criteria must be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. For more information, please refer to the ITAR guidelines.

Learn about ITAR.

Job Location

Chantilly, VA