Senior/Staff Test Engineer - Structures and Mechanisms

AscendArc • Beaverton, OR

34d • $120,000 - $190,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Come join us in shaping the future! Get on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical team as a Test Engineer – Structures and Mechanisms developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it. AscendArc is a seed stage startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of experience designing and building test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware for aerospace or high-reliability systems
• Hands-on experience with test execution and familiarity with environmental and structural testing (thermal, vibration, shock, etc.)
• Strong ability to gather and interpret test requirements from cross-functional stakeholders to develop practical tooling and fixture solutions
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and mechanical analysis tools
• Data acquisition and management experience
• Hands-on mindset with experience in rapid prototyping, fabrication, and iterative build-test cycles

Nice To Haves

• Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
• Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
• Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and integrate test fixtures, tooling, and support hardware to effectively test spacecraft structures and mechanisms.
• Assist responsible engineers in design and/or concepting of functional, environmental, and qualification tests, including thermal, vibration, shock, deployment, and pressure testing.
• Support test readiness reviews, drive testing schedules, and ensure safe test operations.
• Develop responsive testing infrastructure, generate roadmap for executing spacecraft qualification, define resource and infrastructure needs to achieve company milestones.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree