Component Test Engineer (Spacecraft AI&T)

Karman+ - Launching the Regolith Age • Broomfield, CO

34d • $90,000 - $140,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At Karman+, we’re building spacecraft systems that will take us beyond Earth orbit. For the High Frontier mission, we need a hands-on Component Test Engineer to join our AI&T team to plan and execute a variety of component level tests. This includes helping to establish standard component test processes and best practices. This is a key role for an engineer who loves to create robust test infrastructure, ensure repeatability, and define best practices for spacecraft integration campaigns. Note that this role is much more than procedure writing, we expect you to have a deep understanding of the components you are testing, work directly with the REs to design useful tests, and independently perform troubleshooting when necessary. As a Component Test Engineer, you will help define processes, procedures, and standards to ensure consistency, scalability, and reliability in testing efforts. This is a hands-on, component test focused role. This position is highly collaborative — as a member of the AI&T team you will work with every other team in the organization; including avionics, FSW, thermal, structures, mechanisms, communications, and GNC.

Requirements

• Understanding of how environmental test facilities are designed and operated.
• Understanding of qualification and acceptance test flows and standards.
• Deep understanding of component-level testing, including power distribution and data buses (CAN, RS-422/485, Ethernet).
• Experience with Python or similar scripting language.
• Experience with Linux based operating systems.
• Experience with ESD labs, cleanrooms, and electrical test equipment (power supplies, oscilloscopes, electronic loads, network analyzers, etc.)
• Proven ability to develop processes and procedures for test setups, documentation, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with test harness design
• Familiarity with electrical drawings, schematics, and harness design tools (e.g., Altium, Visio, etc.).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on, iterative development environment.
• BS in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Direct experience in spacecraft AI&T, avionics testing, or related hardware test roles. This means the ability to:
• independently plan and execute flight component checkout procedures
• independently design and build a BOB cable, and
• independently adapt flight harness schematics into a FlatSat version.
• BS or MS in engineering, aerospace engineering, or related technical field.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to spacecraft component environmental testing (TVAC, thermal cycle, vibration)
• Experience defining harness standards and training others on process compliance.
• Familiarity with configuration management tools and version-controlled documentation.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of various component-level tests. Component tests will include both environmental qualification/acceptance and bench level checkouts prior to flight vehicle integration. Some examples:
• RF power amplifier TVAC
• IMU bench checkout
• Frangibolt vibration testing
• Star tracker and camera “dark sky” testing
• Drive component-level test development and execution
• Author and execute checkout procedures for vendor components prior to flight vehicle integration (C&I checks, in-rush, initial power on, basic CMD/TLM, software/firmware flashing, etc.)
• Adapt component checkout procedures developed by in-house component teams for AI&T use. Execute these procedures prior to flight vehicle integration.
• Support responsible engineers in the planning and execution of in-house component level environmental testing (vibe, TVAC, and thermal cycle). This includes both environmental qualification and acceptance test campaigns
• Design and verify test harnesses for bench checkouts and environmental testing
• Jumper harnesses to connect serial busses to USB interfaces
• Breakout box (BOB) harnesses
• Thermal vacuum (TVAC) feedthrough harnesses
• Develop and document standard operating procedures for component level bench checkouts, qualification, and acceptance testing
• Leverage component EDUs to learn and develop flight component test procedures
• Maintain handling and storage guidelines for individual components
• Electrostatic discharge
• Cleanliness
• Connector cycles
• Inventory management and tracking
• Help maintain the functionality and operation of TVAC and thermal cycle chambers, ensuring rapid turnaround between tests and limited downtime.
• May include operating the chambers in addition to operating the components in the chambers
• Design vacuum-side test equipment to preserve chamber cleanliness
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvements.

Benefits

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options.
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees