Senior Test Engineer

What We Do

At Terabase Energy, we believe that digitalization and automation will drive the next wave of innovation and cost reduction in large-scale solar. To fully unlock the potential of this opportunity, Terabase is developing an interconnected software and construction automation platform. We work alongside project developers, owners, and engineering & construction firms to support the design, optimization, and construction of huge solar projects around the world. Our team is a blend of solar industry veterans and newbies, thought-leaders, dreamers, software, electrical, and mechanical engineers, coders, product managers, project managers, and sales and marketing professionals. We are based in Northern California, with several other offices in the United States and around the world. If all of this piques your interest, we’d love to hear from you!

Position Overview 

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Test Engineer with expertise in structural component testing and reliability testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems. The ideal candidate will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of complex test programs to validate the performance, durability, and safety of components and systems under various operating conditions. This position plays a key role in ensuring product integrity, compliance with industry standards, and long-term field reliability. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead structural and reliability testing efforts for mechanical and electromechanical components and systems, including test planning, setup, execution, data analysis, and reporting. 

• Develop and implement test protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and validation strategies in alignment with product requirements and applicable industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, MIL-STD, etc.). 

• Design and oversee custom test fixtures, instrumentation, and control systems to simulate real-world loading and environmental conditions (static, dynamic, fatigue, thermal, vibration, etc.). 

• Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations using tools such as FMEA, fault tree analysis, and statistical methods. 

• Collaborate with design and quality engineering teams to integrate testing outcomes into product development and continuous improvement processes. 

• Manage test resources, including scheduling, budgeting, procurement of materials, and maintenance of lab equipment. 

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a culture of safety within the lab and testing environments. 

• Mentor junior test engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and support in test design and execution. 

• Prepare and present detailed technical reports and documentation to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline (Master’s degree preferred). 

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in structural and reliability testing of components/systems in industries such as aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery, or consumer products. 

• Strong knowledge of material behavior, fatigue life, stress/strain analysis, and structural mechanics. 

• Proficiency in using data acquisition systems (DAQ), strain gages, load cells, and other test instrumentation. 

• Experience with environmental and accelerated life testing (e.g., HALT/HASS, thermal cycling, vibration). 

• Familiarity with reliability engineering principles, test-to-failure, Weibull analysis, and life data modeling. 

• Experience with tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, Minitab, or Python for data analysis and automation. 

• High level of CAD proficiency including 3D modeling & 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred), and GD&T 

• Ability to perform finite element analysis (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation), for design validation including non-linear behavior 

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T. 

• Excellent technical writing, communication, and project management skills. 

• Ability to work independently and exercise solid decision making 

• Self-motivating work ethic with a drive to understand all aspects of a design project 

• Able to manage up to 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast depending on development activities. 

Working Environment: 

• Combination of office and lab/shop environment. 

• Occasional travel to test sites, vendors, or customer facilities may be required. 

• Ability to lift equipment (up to 50 lbs) and work around industrial test machinery. 

• Knowledgeable of AWS D1.1/D1.3 welding standards

Compensation And Benefits

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $130,000 - $140,000.

Within each posted range individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher) dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous time off and holiday policy

• Remote flexibility

• Flexible time off

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Career progression

• 401k match

• Stock options

• Home office set up allowance

• And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at [email protected] with any staffing-related inquiries.