Job Description
We are seeking an action-oriented engineer with intellectual curiosity and a passion for testing space flight hardware. Joining a dedicated spacecraft/space vehicle test team, you will serve as a Test Engineer with a primary focus on the verification of flight hardware.
As an Engineer II within BAE Systems Space and Mission Systems (SMS), you will work closely with and be mentored by industry experts. In this role, you may have the opportunity to:
Support significant test activities for large-scale bus and space vehicle programs.
Lead or support subsystems on small to mid-sized efforts.
Assume leadership responsibilities during some spacecraft testing.
The Engineering, Science and Analysis (ESA) Strategic Capabilities Unit provides the technical talent and organizational leadership necessary to deliver high-impact, discriminating technologies for our customers' missions. Our collaborative, cross-functional teams are committed to innovation, integrity, continuous learning, and rigorous execution.
What You’ll Do:
- Collaborate in a fast-paced team environment to integrate and test spacecraft hardware.
- Work in cleanroom and laboratory environments to verify hardware requirements and characterize/calibrate performance.
- Support the program's integration and test approach and develop AI&T flows from component testing through launch operations.
- Define and support the ground support equipment (GSE) and facilities required for assembly, integration, testing, and launch.
- Identify, document, and communicate the assumptions, limitations, and risks associated with AI&T.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with external customers and partners.
- Develop a deep understanding of spacecraft systems, subsystems, space vehicles, and launch operations.
- Maintain accurate test logs and generate comprehensive test reports.
- Write, review, update, and execute test procedures and scripts.
- Utilize precision test and measurement equipment to troubleshoot spaceflight hardware.
- Present findings and progress to peers, management, and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate with system/subsystem engineers, proposal leads, new business personnel, and other program support groups.
- Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
- Perform other duties as necessary.
On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.
Working Conditions:
- Work is performed in an office, laboratory, production floor, or cleanroom, outdoors or remote research environment.
- May occasionally work in production work centers where use of protective equipment and gear is required.
- May access other facilities in various weather conditions.
- BS degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical field is required plus 2 or more years related experience.
- Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
- Proven experience testing and troubleshooting spacecraft, space vehicles, and their related components and systems.
- Experience with environmental stress testing, including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC), vibration, and EMI/EMC testing.
- Demonstrated ability to develop comprehensive Test Plans and Verification Matrices to ensure full requirement coverage.
- Experience with spacecraft command and control systems, simulators, software test benches, and other electrical ground support equipment.
- Excellent communication skills are required.
A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills- Proven experience performing end-to-end validation and hands-on testing of spacecraft RF systems.
- Hands-on experience with the setup and execution of optical communication testing.
- Experience with space vehicle environmental testing, specifically EMI/EMC and RF.
- Experience developing baseline recommendations for spacecraft subsystem trending and establishing test case pass/fail criteria in collaboration with Requirements Engineers (REs).
- Demonstrated ability to experiment with various methodologies - including the use of limited-fidelity tools or simulators - while proactively seeking feedback to drive processes to a conclusive outcome.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $79365 - $134921
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
Multiple positions may be available on this opening.
