About this opportunity
Inversion Space lists this Senior Test Engineer opportunity in playa vista, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Senior Test EngineerTurning Space into a Transportation Layer for EarthWho We Are: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.What You'll DoAs a Senior Test Engineer at Inversion, you will own the planning and execution of critical mechanical test campaigns for one of the most capable reentry vehicles ever developed. You'll lead testing from early component and subsystem development through integrated demonstration, working closely with design, analysis, manufacturing, and external test partners to retire risk and validate system performance.This is a unique opportunity to build and lead high-consequence mechanical test campaigns for a new aerospace vehicle from early development through qualification and production. You will be a key member of the Mechanical team, reporting to the Director of Mechanical.Key ResponsibilitiesOwn the planning and execution of component, subsystem, and system-level test campaigns supporting deployment and separation mechanism developmentLead complex test campaigns to demonstrate system performance under representative environmentsDevelop test plans, procedures, success criteria, and test readiness documentation for mechanical development and validation activitiesCoordinate closely with external test facilities and vendors to define test requirements, facility interfaces, schedules, constraints, and execution plansDesign and develop test fixtures, adapters, support equipment, and other GSE required to safely and effectively execute testingPartner with structures, mechanisms, dynamics, and manufacturing engineers to ensure test articles, fixtures, and instrumentation support key technical objectivesDefine instrumentation and data collection needs in collaboration with internal and external partners to ensure test results can validate performance and inform model correlationDrive test campaign logistics including hardware readiness, facility integration, procedural development, configuration tracking, and execution coordinationLead troubleshooting and issue resolution during test preparation and execution, and drive rapid turnaround on test learnings into follow-on hardware or proceduresAuthor test reports and communicate results, risks, and recommended next steps in design reviews and cross-functional program forumsRequired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent technical experienceTypically 5+ years of professional experience in development testing, qualification testing, or mechanical system test engineering for aerospace, defense, or similarly demanding applicationsExperience developing and executing component and subsystem-level test campaigns for mechanical hardwareExperience writing test plans, procedures, test readiness documentation, and post-test reportsExperience designing test fixtures, adapters, tooling, or ground support equipment for mechanical or aerospace hardwareStrong understanding of mechanical systems, including structures, mechanisms, interfaces, and hardware integrationExperience coordinating with external test facilities, vendors, or suppliers to execute complex test programsDemonstrated ability to work cross-functionally with design, analysis, manufacturing, and program teams to drive tests from concept through executionDemonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skillsProven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environmentMust have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government Secret/Top Secret security clearance.Desired QualificationsMaster's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experienceExperience owning complex mechanism, deployment, or separation system test campaigns from early development through integrated demonstrationExperience testing hardware in high-dynamic, high-shock, vibration, or transient mechanical environmentsExperience supporting correlation of test results to loads, structural dynamics, or multibody dynamics modelsExperience developing and executing tests for qualified flight hardwareExperience with instrumentation planning, sensor selection, data acquisition coordination, and extraction of design-relevant test dataExperience supporting rapid hardware iteration and test-driven development in a hardware-rich environmentExperience working with external government, commercial, or specialized test facilitiesExperience using CAD tools to design test fixtures, support equipment, or integration hardwareOur office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence.
Worksite address
playa vista, CA, 90094, US
Who can apply
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