Test Engineer II (Arc Vehicle)
About The Position
Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
- Typically 2+ years of hands-on experience in aerospace environmental testing (vibration, shock, thermal vacuum, or acoustic testing) at the subsystem or vehicle level.
- Proven experience authoring comprehensive test plans, executing qualification/acceptance testing, and post-processing test data.
- Direct, hands-on experience with data acquisition systems (DAQ), sensor signal conditioning, and instrumentation setup.
- Experience designing mechanical test fixtures, interface plates, or test GSE in CAD (Siemens NX or equivalent).
- Working understanding of aerospace testing standards.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with spacecraft, launch vehicle, or high-reliability tactical hardware qualification campaigns.
- Familiarity with test automation and data processing script development using Python, MATLAB, or LabVIEW.
- Experience working with external test labs and managing vendor-facing test execution.
- Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams.
Responsibilities
- Develop, own, and execute end-to-end environmental qualification and acceptance test campaigns (vibration, shock, acoustic, thermal, and TVAC) for the Arc vehicle.
- Author, review, and approve detailed vehicle-level test plans, test procedures, and formal test reports.
- Design and procure test fixtures, structural interface plates, and test ground support equipment (GSE) using CAD software.
- Configure, calibrate, and operate data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and sensor suites, including accelerometers, thermocouples, RTDs, and strain gauges.
- Analyze post-test data, perform signal processing, and verify test results against design margins and structural requirements.
- Lead the troubleshooting of test anomalies, instrumentation dropouts, and hardware failures, performing rigorous root-cause analysis.
- Coordinate with external test facilities, vendors, and internal schedulers to ensure on-time test execution.
Benefits
- The California annual base salary for this role is currently $106,000-150,000.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
