Spacecraft Test Engineer

At Astro Forge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity's capabilities in space.

As a Spacecraft Test Engineer, you will be the final gatekeeper for our flight hardware. You will own the transition from “it should work” to “it will work” in the harshest environments imaginable. This is a multidisciplinary role requiring a systems mindset—you'll be as comfortable writing Python scripts for automated data acquisition as you are designing custom mechanical fixtures for vibration testing.

You will lead the charge in defining how we test our spacecraft, from initial component-level characterization to full Integrated System Tests (IST) and environmental campaigns including thermal vacuum, vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.

• Test Strategy & Execution:
  Develop, document, and execute comprehensive test plans for spacecraft components, subsystems, and fully integrated vehicles.
• Hardware Design:
  Design and build Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) to support spacecraft testing.
• Automation:
  Develop software and scripts (primarily Python) to automate test sequences, monitor telemetry, and process post-test data.
• Environmental Campaigns:
  Lead spacecraft through environmental stress screening including thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and shock testing.
• Anomaly Resolution:
  Root-cause failures during testing and work with design teams to implement hardware or software fixes.
• Documentation:
  Maintain rigorous test logs and produce flight readiness reports demonstrating system reliability for deep-space operations.

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline such as Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft or complex aerospace testing such as launch vehicles, satellites, or high-performance robotics.
• Strong fundamentals in electrical engineering (circuits, harnesses, data acquisition) and mechanical engineering (structural analysis and thermal dynamics).
• Experience with Python or C++ for test automation and equipment interfacing.
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, power supplies, and environmental test facilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes startup environment where rapid iteration is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical information.
• Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.

• Experience supporting deep space missions or asteroid-bound hardware.
• Familiarity with FPGA or microcontroller-level debugging.
• Experience designing custom PCBs for electrical ground support equipment (EGSE).
• 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Vision and FSA benefits available
• 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
• 10 paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan - 401(k), with company match
• Equity on the ground floor of a startup

Level II: $94,250 - $103,500

Level III: $104,250 - $118,500

Level IV: $114,250 - $139,500

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.