Development Test Specialist

Northwood Space • Los Angeles, CA

4d • $35 - $42

About The Position

Northwood is seeking a Development Test Specialist to build and operate hands-on test infrastructure that enables rapid hardware iteration from prototype through integration and qualification. The role involves assembling and troubleshooting test racks and setups, performing benchtop and integrated testing, and supporting environmental and system-level test campaigns with high-quality documentation and traceability. The specialist will work closely with test engineers and hardware teams to debug anomalies, execute rework, fabricate harnessing and RF assemblies, and maintain a well-run lab environment. This is a hands-on position for someone who thrives in fast-paced development environments and enjoys turning prototypes into repeatable test setups that accelerate learning and reliability.

Applicants must meet U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR requirements, and be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Northwood Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment is governed by merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application and interview process upon request.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
• At least 6 years of experience as an electronics technician, test technician, or specialist supporting complex hardware.
• Knowledge of Ohm's Law, DC power supplies, and multimeters.
• Ability to perform SMT and through-hole component soldering and rework, including fine-pitch work.
• Knowledge of or experience operating basic machine shop equipment, including sanders, grinders, saws, and hand tools.
• Must meet the stated U.S. Government space technology export regulation and ITAR eligibility requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Associate or bachelor's degree with a focus in physics, mathematics, or engineering.
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Familiarity with the Linux command line.
• Ability to fabricate and repair electrical systems, including soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors and harnesses.
• Ability to fabricate mechanical components and assemblies, including milling, drilling, tapping, and torquing.
• Knowledge of or experience with RF testing, including spectrum analyzer and network analyzer measurements and dB units.

Responsibilities

• Build, wire, and troubleshoot test racks, fixtures, and mechanical/electrical test setups.
• Perform benchtop and integrated testing independently or with engineers, following procedures and requirements.
• Execute SMT and through-hole solder rework and fabricate harnesses and coax assemblies.
• Support integration and environmental testing through repeatable configurations, calibration and traceability, and documentation.
• Summarize and share test data and preliminary results, and support anomaly investigations through resolution.
• Maintain lab readiness, including calibrated instrumentation, equipment health, tooling, consumables, and organization.
• Drive 5S and process improvements to improve throughput and reliability.
• Help develop safe work practices for high-voltage and high-power RF systems.
• Partner with test engineers to improve rack maintainability, documentation, and throughput.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED