Sr. Propulsion Test Engineer (Weekend Shift)

Join a team where your impact reaches beyond the stars! At Terran Orbital, you’re not just part of the system – you’re a vital force propelling our mission forward. As trailblazers in satellite manufacturing and aerospace innovation, we shatter boundaries daily to deliver groundbreaking solutions that power our nation’s defense and commercial missions. We are a unique, fast growing, and trusted team dedicated to swiftly and efficiently designing, building, launching, and operating state of the art satellites for advanced mission constellations. If you’re driven by purpose, inspired by challenges, and ready to leave your mark on the universe, you’ll find a home and endless opportunities for growth here. Together, let’s redefine what is possible in orbit and beyond!

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Sr. Propulsion Test Engineer to join our growing team. Reporting to the VP, Components & Modules, the Sr. Propulsion Test Engineer will lead the testing and validation of our electric propulsion modules, execute complex test programs and support our Production team in build, test, and delivery of our Propulsion modules.

This role is on our  Weekend Shift (Friday-Sunday) from 6:00AM – 7:00PM.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Generate test plans, procedures, and reports for propulsion system components and integrated systems.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines (mechanical, thermal, structural, systems, software, manufacturing) to ensure the propulsion system meets all requirements.
• Generate and review fluid P&IDs, electrical schematics and controls schematics.
• Support development of test scripts for the verification and validation of flight hardware.
• Develop and execute various hardware and software tests on propulsion subsystems and integrated systems.
• Lead the design, development, and execution of environmental testing including vibration, thermal, TVAC, etc. for propulsion components and subsystems.
• Procure, maintain and/or improve test equipment and facilities.
• Perform test setup, inspections, checkouts and troubleshooting as needed.
• Analyze test data and identify root causes of issues, recommending and implementing corrective actions.
• Design and implement test fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems to support propulsion system testing.
• Coordinate with external vendors and contractors to support project technical and schedule requirements.
• Provide engineering support to weekend shift production activities for propulsion system components and integrated systems, including NCR dispositions, design clarifications, testing troubleshooting, and assembly & integration.
• Ability to self-govern and work independently, with minimal supervision, and to utilize efficient time management practices to achieve assigned tasks.

• B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in hardware development testing in the space propulsion industry.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in thermal, structural, and fluids analysis.
• Experience with aerospace/space testing facilities.
• Knowledge of instrumentation including pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and accelerometers.
• Experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Winplot, TestStand, or other similar software.
• Experience with CAD software (Solidworks).
• Experience with developing verification strategies and performing and documenting verification tests.
• Experience with diagnostics monitoring, failure detection, and data analysis.
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Additional Differentiators

• M.S degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience with electric propulsion systems and hardware.
• Extensive hands-on experience with vibration test equipment, thermal chambers, EMI/EMC testing, and TVAC chambers.

• 100% Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents

• 401(k) Match
• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Education Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave

Salary Range $120,000-$165,000

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 100% covered medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) match, Flexible Time Off (FTO), 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

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] .

Terran Orbital does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with Terran Orbital, a Master Services Agreement (MSA) must be executed and confirmed prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed MSA, Terran Orbital shall not be responsible to any individual or entity for any payment relating to any form of fee or compensation.

And, in the event that a resume or candidate is submitted by a recruiter, an employment agency, or a staffing firm without a fully executed MSA, Terran Orbital has the unrestricted right to pursue and hire any of those candidate(s) without any legal or financial responsibility to the recruiter, agency, and/or firm.