Sr Development Test Engineer

Astra•Alameda, CA

99d•$140,000 - $180,000

About The Position

This role is focused on development test ownership across fluid systems, instrumentation, DAQ, test stand design/build, hazardous operations, live test execution, troubleshooting, and post-test analysis. You will design, build, and operate development test stands for propulsion and fluid systems — from initial concept through first test. That means owning the hardware end-to-end: P&ID development, component selection, tube routing and fabrication, panel layout, wiring harness installation, DAQ configuration, and checkout. You won't hand off to a separate fab team. You build it, you stand it up, you run it.

Requirements

5+ years of hands-on experience in test engineering, propulsion, or aerospace GSE.
Demonstrated ability to take a test stand from blank paper to operating hardware.
Direct experience with high-pressure fluid systems, cryogenics, or propellant handling.
Comfortable working in a hazardous operations environment and holding others to procedural rigor.
Proficient with DAQ hardware (NI, Beckhoff, or equivalent) and comfortable writing basic sequences or scripts for data acquisition.
Able to read and mark up mechanical drawings.
Take ownership of work from first sketch to final test report.
Compliance with U.S. Government space technology trade restrictions, specifically the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and additional regulations governing satellite, launch vehicle, missile, and other related technologies.
Applicant's status as a documented U.S. Person or their ability to receive a trade license from the cognizant government agency.
Ability to receive the appropriate clearance and be allowed to work on U.S. government contracts (if applicable).

Nice To Haves

Tube fabrication and fitting experience a plus.

Responsibilities

Design and build test infrastructure for propulsion, fluids, and mechanical systems, including pressurization circuits, propellant loading and drain systems, flow stands, and proof/leak test rigs.
Develop and own P&IDs from scratch.
Select valves, pressure transducers, flow meters, relief devices, and structural hardware.
Fabricate, fit, and assemble fluid system hardware.
Troubleshoot and repair under pressure during active test campaigns.
Write, review, and execute test procedures for hazardous operations including cryogenics, high-pressure gas, and flammable propellants.
Commission new test stands from cold iron to first ignition.
Support test operations as console operator, test conductor, or stand crew.