Sr. Test Engineer
Summary
Designs and runs test campaigns for lunar rover hardware at Astrolab's Hawthorne, CA facility — from structural and avionics sub-assemblies to fully integrated rovers. Day-to-day spans designing test setups and DAQ systems, root-cause troubleshooting, building tooling, and hands-on fabrication, with preferred experience in Python/LabVIEW, CAD, and environmental chambers.
Astrolab is looking for a team member who will support both the development of lunar rovers and development of our production facility and processes. You will collaborate with other Astrolab engineers to advance product design in tandem with advancing our means to build and test. You will be ultimately responsible for ensuring the success of our sub-assembly and technology test campaigns.
- Design, define, and develop test processes for structural components, structural assemblies, avionics assemblies, electro-mechanical sub-assemblies, new technology development, and fully integrated rovers
- Design test equipment and test setups that are flexible and evolve with our ever-evolving scope
- Develop data acquisition systems and integrate with other data streams for seamless post processing
- Triage and determine solutions for non-conformances. Perform hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis
- Champion concurrent engineering – Collaborate with the cross functional team to develop the product, processes, and facility
- Perform light fabrication and assembly hands-on work
- Design assembly and fabrication tooling. Own these from concept through implementation
- Develop work instructions and documentation for build and test processes
- Collaborate engineering team members to develop production systems, outline detailed project plans, and execute
- Perform trade studies on capital equipment and tool procurement
- Support on-site and off-site vehicle testing
- Directly interact with customers and strategic partners
- Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field
- 5+ years of experience working in production, R&D, or test operation environments
- Experience in DAQ systems, meaningful experience in set-up and troubleshooting, and prior experience in basic coding (LabVIEW, Python, etc)
- Experience understanding the design, assembly, integration, and testing of electromechanical systems
- Experience developing and executing qualification and acceptance test campaigns for complex hardware or new technologie
- Experience in set-up and operation of environmental test equipment (I.E Tvac chambers, thermal chambers, etc.)
- Proficient in electromechanical assembly and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated mastery of project management and associated tools
- Proficiency with CAD modeling software (e.g., NX or SolidWorks)
- Experience in written documentation skills including use of Microsoft suite products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks