Aerospace Test Engineer III

Tustin, California 92780 | On-site | Full-time, exempt

Annual salary: $105,000–$135,000

The Opportunity

PTF Consulting is recruiting for an aerospace company with more than 50 years of experience designing, developing, manufacturing, and qualifying deployable systems for major aerospace contractors and government agencies. Its engineering and technician teams support hardware intended for demanding environments in space, on the moon, and beyond.

This hands-on systems integration and test role will help take spacecraft payloads and space structures from development through qualification and acceptance. You will plan and run test campaigns, work directly with hardware, resolve integration challenges, and provide the evidence needed to verify system performance and deliver reliable spaceflight systems.

What You Will Do

Plan, develop, and execute tests at the component, subsystem, and integrated-system levels for spacecraft payloads and space structures.

Define test objectives and methods, then write detailed test plans and procedures that meet applicable government, industry, and company standards.

Design and support mechanical and electrical test fixtures, ground support equipment, and other test hardware.

Perform environmental testing, including thermal, vacuum, vibration, shock, and acoustic testing.

Integrate hardware and hardware/software systems and support end-to-end testing.

Collect, monitor, and analyze test data using data acquisition systems such as NI LabVIEW or equivalent tools.

Identify trends and anomalies, investigate results, and recommend improvements.

Prepare clear test reports and technical documentation; support configuration management and control for test and integration activities.

Work with engineering, technician, customer, and program teams to refine test plans, reduce risk, and verify and validate requirements.

Support customer discussions, technical interchange meetings, and program reviews.

Contribute to proposals, presentations, and technical briefings for advanced aerospace programs.

Required Experience and Skills

U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a security clearance are required.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical field.

At least five years of systems integration and test experience with hardware components and systems.

At least two years working across multiple phases of the system design life cycle, with hands-on experience from development through qualification and acceptance testing.

At least three years of space systems environmental testing experience, including thermal, vacuum, vibration, shock, and acoustic testing.

Experience developing and executing test procedures.

At least two years of Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) experience and two years working with SysML.

At least two years designing test fixtures; SolidWorks proficiency is required and will be assessed.

At least one year using data acquisition systems and software such as NI LabVIEW or equivalent tools.

Experience with hardware/software integration and testing.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.

Strong organization, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Clear written and verbal communication and effective collaboration across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

Secret or Top Secret security clearance is strongly preferred, not required.

An advanced degree in a relevant technical field.

Experience supporting NASA or Department of Defense programs, satellite systems, or spaceflight hardware; the application criteria identify two years as preferred.

Familiarity with GSFC-STD-7000, SMC-S-016, or comparable standards; one year of testing to either named standard is preferred.

Work Arrangement

This position is based on-site in Tustin, California 92780. Candidates must be able to commute to the site or relocate before starting. A current Tustin location is preferred, not required.

Benefits

Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.

Retirement plan with company matching and profit sharing.

Flexible spending account and employee assistance program.

Company-sponsored life and long-term disability insurance.

Professional development assistance and education/tuition reimbursement.

Paid time off, with up to four weeks in the first year, and a paid holiday schedule.

Hands-on work with advanced aerospace technology and opportunities to broaden responsibilities and technical skills.

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and veterans, and participates in E-Verify.