Development Test Engineer - Mechanisms

Castelion Corporation•Torrance, CA

About The Position

The Development Test Engineer owns the planning, execution, and analysis of tests that turn designs into flight-ready mechanisms. The role sits at the center of engineering, manufacturing, and operations, translating requirements into real-world validation through benchtop, environmental, subsystem, and vehicle-level testing. The engineer designs test stands and writes automation software to enable rapid testing and iterative design. This is a hands-on role for engineers who thrive in fast-paced, ambiguity-heavy environments and believe the fastest way to learn is to test real hardware. The role supports development and acceptance testing for flight mechanisms for Castelion’s hypersonic strike missiles, and may support flight tests and rocket motor static fires as required. The position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information. If designated, employment may depend on obtaining and maintaining required government clearance or authorization and meeting applicable citizenship or other eligibility requirements. The position requires access to export-controlled information; employment is contingent on the candidate being able to access all applicable information without additional export licensing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related engineering field.
3+ years of experience developing, integrating, or testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware.
Proficiency with test instrumentation and lab equipment, including DAQs, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and sensors.
Knowledge of common sensors such as load cells, pressure transducers, LVDTs, and encoders.
Strong debugging, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis skills.
Comfort working across disciplines in high-ownership environments.
Willingness to support extended hours, weekends, travel, and on-site operations during critical test campaigns.
Comfort working in fast-moving environments where hardware is the source of truth.
Ability to access applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing; the position may also require government clearance or authorization and associated eligibility requirements if designated.

Nice To Haves

Aerospace, automotive, defense, or other high-reliability hardware testing experience.
Environmental testing experience, including vibration, thermal-vacuum, thermal cycling, or shock.
Flight test, range operations, or hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experience.
Familiarity with requirements verification, qualification evidence, and failure tracking.
Hands-on machining, wiring, soldering, or rapid prototyping experience.
Python for automated test software.

Responsibilities

Translate system and subsystem requirements into test objectives, acceptance criteria, and verification methods.
Own development and acceptance testing for flight mechanisms for Castelion’s hypersonic strike missiles.
Design and build complex test stands with integrated load actuators and instrumentation.
Develop automated test software for instrument control, test sequencing, data logging, and analysis; Python is preferred.
Maintain rigorous configuration control, data management, and test documentation.
Improve test infrastructure, automation, and data quality to increase test cadence and learning velocity.
Support flight tests and rocket motor static fires as required.