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Job Description
Job Title:
Aerospace Test Engineer Location:
Boulder, Colorado Employment Type:
Full-time Salary Range:
From $110,000 to $130,000 depending on experience
About ThinkOrbital:
ThinkOrbital is developing breakthrough technologies to defend, service, and build in space. From pioneering autonomous welding in orbit to long-range X-ray imaging systems for space domain awareness and infrastructure inspection, we are redefining what's possible in the final frontier. Our team is made up of driven engineers, scientists, and operators who thrive in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.
Position Summary:
ThinkOrbital is seeking a Test Engineer to lead the planning, execution, and reporting of hardware testing across aerospace programs. This hands-on role focuses on verification and validation of components, subsystems, and integrated systems. The Test Engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop test strategies, operate test setups, execute qualification and acceptance testing, analyse results, and troubleshoot issues. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, takes ownership of technical challenges, and works effectively across disciplines to ensure mission success.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop, review, and execute test plans, procedures, and verification documentation for aerospace hardware, subsystems, and integrated systems Plan and coordinate test campaigns, including facility requirements, ground support equipment (GSE), instrumentation, data acquisition, safety reviews, and logistics Design, assemble, and operate test setups used for functional, performance, qualification, acceptance, and environmental testing Execute and oversee environmental testing activities including vibration, thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, EMI/EMC, and other qualification testing as required Analyze test data, document results, generate test reports, and provide recommendations to engineering leadership and program teams Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, software, and system-level anomalies encountered during integration and testing activities Develop and maintain test equipment, fixtures, instrumentation, procedures, and laboratory capabilities to improve efficiency and repeatability Maintain configuration control of test articles, test equipment, procedures, and associated documentation throughout the program lifecycle Interface with external test facilities, suppliers, customers, and partners to coordinate testing activities and deliverables Support root-cause investigations and corrective action implementation resulting from test failures or hardware anomalies Ensure compliance with company, customer, and industry safety standards while operating in laboratory, cleanroom, vacuum, high-voltage, and radiation (X-ray) environments
Mandatory Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability hardware testing, integration, or verification activities Experience developing and executing test plans, test procedures, verification documentation, and test reports Experience operating laboratory equipment and instrumentation such as oscilloscopes, power supplies, multimeters, data acquisition systems, and environmental test equipment Experience troubleshooting complex electrical, mechanical, or integrated system-level hardware issues Familiarity with qualification and acceptance testing methodologies for aerospace or other high-reliability systems Strong understanding of engineering documentation, configuration management, and verification processes Ability to work hands-on with hardware in laboratory, cleanroom, and manufacturing environments Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership; able to work independently, take initiative, and solve ambiguous technical challenges with minimal supervision
Desired Qualifications:
Experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicle, aviation, defense, robotics, or other high-reliability hardware programs Experience planning and executing thermal vacuum (TVAC), vibration, shock, EMI/EMC, thermal cycling, and environmental qualification testing Experience developing or operating Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and automated test systems Experience with vacuum systems, thermal chambers, environmental chambers, and laboratory test infrastructure Familiarity with data acquisition systems, scripting, or automation tools (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, etc.) Experience with requirements verification and traceability methodologies Experience working with electrical harnesses, avionics, power systems, sensors, and instrumentation Experience operating in cleanroom or contamination-controlled environments
What We Offer:
Competitive benefits and stock options Health, Vision and Dental Insurance Flexible work schedule Opportunity to shape next-generation space systems A small, fast-moving team where your impact is tangible
Job Type:
Full-time Pay:
$110,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Vision insurance
