Test Technician V

Sierra Space; Englewood (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Dental plan

Vision plan

401(k) with match

Job summary

Sierra Space in Englewood, Alabama, is seeking a Test Technician V to perform routine, advanced, and novel tests on spacecraft components, mechanisms, circuits and systems. You will serve as a SME/Lead for a Work Center and collaborate with Test Engineers to optimize procedures and configurations.

The role requires 12+ years' experience, expert use of test equipment, hand tools, electrical harnessing, and mentoring of teammates.

Qualifications

• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Understands general floor practices including safety and handling of flight hardware.
• Ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance.
• Expert proficiency using basic test equipment, hand tools, electrical harnessing and mechanical fixturing.
• Able to set up and validate special test equipment; perform advanced test functions.
• Follow test procedures and advise on improvements.
• Knowledge of 5S, FOD, and ESD awareness.
• Lead and perform advanced test setup and execution tasks.
• Record and verify test results with high attention to detail.
• Train or mentor other test technicians; SME/Lead experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct routine, advanced, and novel tests on spacecraft components and systems.
• Set up test configurations using hand tools, fixturing, instrumentation, and software.
• Assist engineers with test procedure development and work instructions.
• Document test results accurately and thoroughly per work instructions.
• Perform test configuration repairs or component replacements as needed.
• Maintain and calibrate test equipment and perform data reviews.
• Identify anomalies and report to engineering; support failure investigations.
• Lead a Work Center as SME or Lead Technician and mentor peers.
• Contribute to test process improvements and equipment upgrades.

Skills

Test procedures

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Lead technician

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem solving

Team leadership

Training others

Tools

ATE

Test software

Multimeter

Oscilloscope

Electrical harnessing

Fixtures

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.

Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.

Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.

We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Test Technician V is responsible for performing routine, advanced, and novel tests on spacecraft components, mechanisms, circuits, and systems. This expert role requires extensive expertise in interpreting test procedure requirements, configuring test setups based on drawings or schematics, performing basic to advanced tests, and reporting detailed test results as defined within test documentation. The Test Technician V is an experienced technician who has developed an advanced level of technical knowledge within their field. The position involves serving as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) or Lead for a Work Center and providing input to Test Engineers for test configurations and procedures. Additionally, the role involves providing feedback to programs and Test Engineers on test capabilities, requirements, and inefficiencies based on prior experience. This role is responsible for training and mentoring other team members. The Technician V will perform predefined data processing, data reviews, and provide detailed feedback on test results to engineers and other team members.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.

We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform routine, advanced, and novel tests on spacecraft components, mechanisms, circuits, and systems while acting as a key liaison between Technician work and Engineering work, ensuring effective communication.
• Set up simple to complex test configurations using hand tools, fixturing, test instrumentation, and software.
• Assist Test Engineers with the development of test procedures and work instructions.
• Document test results accurately and comprehensively, verifying them based on work instruction criteria.
• Perform test configuration repairs and/or component removal or replacement as needed.
• Conduct advanced equipment setup and maintenance activities.
• Use precision measurement tools to ensure components meet specified requirements.
• Perform predefined tests with consistent accuracy to ensure product quality and reliability.
• Adhere to general production floor practices, including safety, cleanliness, FOD, ESD, and test process protocols.
• Identify and report any anomalies or deviations from expected results to engineering.
• Assist with test failure investigations and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrate correct handling and storage requirements for all hardware.
• Serve as a team lead or Subject Matter Expert (SME) within a Work Center.
• Provide input to Test Engineers for test configurations and procedures.
• Collaborate with team members and programs to improve testing processes and configurations.
• Work closely with Test Engineering to develop procedure updates and test equipment improvements based on lessons learned.
• Validate test equipment and test configurations, and review test setups and test data logs.
• Assist with the design and development of Special Test Equipment (STE) and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) for testing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically 12+ years of related experience.
• Experienced understanding of general best floor practices including safety and handling of Flight hardware.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance is required
• Expert proficiency using basic test equipment, hand tools, electrical harnessing and mechanical fixturing.
• Able to setup and validate special test equipment. Perform advanced test functions using special test equipment.
• Ability to follow test procedure instructions and advise Test Engineering on improvements or deficiencies.
• Understanding of 5S, FOD, and ESD awareness.
• Understanding of correct storage and handling requirements for all hardware.
• Ability to lead and successfully perform advanced test setup and test execution tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to record and verify test results accurately.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to identify and report anomalies.
• Ability to train or mentor other test technicians.SME and/or Lead Technician experience.
• Ability to provide input to Test Engineers for test configurations and test procedures.
• Ability to advise Test Engineering and programs on capability requirements for test execution.
• Capable of executing all tests within a Work Center.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a manufacturing or testing environment.
• Advanced understanding of electrical circuits and mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) and test software.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing issues with electronics, mechanical components, and software.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Experience with environmental testing, such as thermal, thermal vacuum, vibration, and shock testing.
• Knowledge of calibration procedures and standards for test equipment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Extensive experience with all tests within a Work Center.
• Previous experience as a team lead.

Compensation:

Pay Range:

$37.90 - $52.11

Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non‑U.S. Citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry‑leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission‑proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space‑based assets and enable space exploration.

Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.