Senior Test Engineer

Terabase Energy•Woodland, CA

6d•$130,000 - $140,000

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Test Engineer with expertise in structural component testing and reliability testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems. The ideal candidate will lead the planning, execution, and analysis of complex test programs to validate the performance, durability, and safety of components and systems under various operating conditions. This position plays a key role in ensuring product integrity, compliance with industry standards, and long-term field reliability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline (Master’s degree preferred).
7+ years of hands-on experience in structural and reliability testing of components/systems in industries such as aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery, or consumer products.
Strong knowledge of material behavior, fatigue life, stress/strain analysis, and structural mechanics.
Proficiency in using data acquisition systems (DAQ), strain gages, load cells, and other test instrumentation.
Experience with environmental and accelerated life testing (e.g., HALT/HASS, thermal cycling, vibration).
Familiarity with reliability engineering principles, test-to-failure, Weibull analysis, and life data modeling.
Experience with tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, Minitab, or Python for data analysis and automation.
High level of CAD proficiency including 3D modeling & 2D drafting (SolidWorks preferred), and GD&T
Ability to perform finite element analysis (e.g. ANSYS, ABAQUS, SolidWorks Simulation), for design validation including non-linear behavior
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and GD&T.
Excellent technical writing, communication, and project management skills.
Ability to work independently and exercise solid decision making
Self-motivating work ethic with a drive to understand all aspects of a design project
Able to manage up to 25% travel to customer/vendor sites and R&D facilities along the West Coast depending on development activities.
Knowledgeable of AWS D1.1/D1.3 welding standards

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Lead structural and reliability testing efforts for mechanical and electromechanical components and systems, including test planning, setup, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
Develop and implement test protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and validation strategies in alignment with product requirements and applicable industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO, MIL-STD, etc.).
Design and oversee custom test fixtures, instrumentation, and control systems to simulate real-world loading and environmental conditions (static, dynamic, fatigue, thermal, vibration, etc.).
Perform failure analysis and root cause investigations using tools such as FMEA, fault tree analysis, and statistical methods.
Collaborate with design and quality engineering teams to integrate testing outcomes into product development and continuous improvement processes.
Manage test resources, including scheduling, budgeting, procurement of materials, and maintenance of lab equipment.
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a culture of safety within the lab and testing environments.
Mentor junior test engineers and technicians, providing technical guidance and support in test design and execution.
Prepare and present detailed technical reports and documentation to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.