Lead Test System Designer

Production Irvine, California


Description

Summary
Be more than just an employee number! Join Terran Orbital, a leader in innovation, manufacturing, and operations in the satellite industry. We are a pioneer in the miniaturization of space technologies and the delivery of responsive space solutions. We are a unique, fast-growing, and trusted team focused on quickly and economically designing, building, launching, and operating state-of-the-art satellites for advanced mission constellations.
Terran Orbital Corporation is seeking an experienced Lead Test System Designer to join our growing team. The candidate will play a crucial part in revolutionizing our production capabilities by leading the design and build of module component and satellite vehicle test systems. You will bring your experience to a growing team of engineers tasks to expand our manufacturing test hardware platforms to the next level, defining and implementing best practices in Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), and overseeing the manufacturing of first-article and multiple duplicates to support production needs.
Strategizing modularity, reusability, maintenance and sparing, you be a driving force behind our space vehicle deliveries!
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the mechanical and electrical design of all production EGSE
  • Strategically lead a small team of mechanical and electrical engineers in the design of test platforms, test racks, Interchangeable Test Adapters (ITAs) and harnesses
  • Implement pragmatic processes, taking the appropriate internal and external components to build an efficient design workflow that is value-driven
  • Engage with other manufacturing groups (within module and vehicle manufacturing) to propose solutions for production from single modules to multiple product line factories
  • Perform individual and group reviews to ensure the quality and functionality of EGSE, at all steps of the design and build process
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to team members
  • Lead EGSE design and development process improvement initiatives
  • Work with responsible test engineers and test software developers to define system requirements and ensure seamless integration of automated solutions
  • Conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations on the implementation of automation technologies to support high-volume production
  • Communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities to engineering and leadership clearly and effectively
  • Author detailed technical documentation for automation systems, including design specifications, user manuals, maintenance guides, 3D models and 2D GD&T-compliant prints appropriate for out-of-house builds (build-to-print)
  • Provide technical support and training to end-users, ensuring smooth adoption and operation of automated systems
  • Support debugging and troubleshooting on-site and remotely during off hours as needed
Qualifications and Skills
  • 10+ years of experience in PCBA and Component/Module Test EGSE Design
  • 5+ years SolidWorks (or equivalent) experience
  • 2+ years of team leadership/mentoring experience
  • Strong technical expertise in leading test equipment design projects
  • Ability to guide multiple engineers in delivering robust automation solutions
  • Strong understanding of hardware engineering principles, including 3D modelling, 2D prints, and pragmatic GD&T
  • Ability to design complex test equipment with multiple components and subcomponents
  • Ability to design test racks, ITAs, PCBA bed-of-nails fixtures, environmental (e.g. thermal, vibration) test fixtures
  • Basic understanding of electrical engineering principles
  • 5+ years of experience working in an Agile environment
  • 5+ years of experience working with Jira (or equivalent), including 1+ years leading projects in the environment and creating custom projects and reports
  • 5+ years of experience working with Confluence (or equivalent)
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills to identify and resolve technical issues
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
  • Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality automated solutions
ADDITIONAL DIFFERENTIATORS
  • Experienced in working within a real-world production environment
  • Prior experience in scaling automation for high-volume manufacturing environments
  • Experience with HIL platform design and build
Benefits
  • 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • Employee Equity Incentive Program
  • 401(k) Match
  • Unlimited PTO
Salary Range $100,000-$150,000 
Your actual level and base salary will be determined case-by-case and may vary based on the job-related qualification, knowledge, skills, education, and experience. In addition to base salary, we offer equity for each employee, 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, unlimited flex time off, covered life insurance, maternity and paternity leave, tuition reimbursement, employee referrals, and lots of swag! 
About Terran Orbital
Terran Orbital is a leading manufacturer of satellite products primarily serving the aerospace and defense industries. Terran Orbital provides end-to-end satellite solutions by combining satellite design, production, launch planning, mission operations, and on-orbit support to meet the needs of the most demanding military, civil, and commercial customers. Learn more at www.terranorbital.com 
 
Physical Demands
An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. In performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely required to sit or stand for long durations of time, in addition to bending, reaching, and walking. This would require the ability to lift or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage. 
 
Work Environment
The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.
 
Disclaimers
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant 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. In addition, please note that this position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.
 
Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. 
 
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [email protected].