Optical Test Engineer - Space Technologies

Worker Type

Regular

AV is seeking an experienced Test Engineer for multiple programs within the Space Technologies division. The Space Technologies division falls under the Labs sector.

The Space Technologies division has been developing the techniques, systems, subsystems, and design elements required to implement high reliability optomechanical and electrical systems.

The Test Engineer is a key member of an integrated team operating in a very dynamic environment. The candidate will work across engineering disciplines to help define V&V statements, develop SW for automated tests and provide overall systems support for multiple programs.

The ideal candidate will have strong optics background as well as hands‑on experience with optical tests, optical test benches, autocollimators, vibration tables, thermal chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, Clean rooms, and spaceflight hardware.

On any given day the selected candidate may be asked to perform the following:

• Work within the systems test team to refine System/Subsystem requirement verification statements and verification cross‑reference matrices to ensure the requirements are testable.
• Develop, document, and execute test plans and procedures for optical and opto‑mechanical spaceflight components.
• Perform alignment, calibration, and verification testing of lenses, mirrors, beam paths, and sensor systems.
• Implement test setups, including selection and integration of optical test equipment (interferometers, collimators, beam profilers, spectrometers, etc.).
• Plan, coordinate, and execute tests (optical, vibration, thermal, vacuum, etc.) for spaceflight components and systems according to industry standards and customer requirements.
• Develop and design hardware and software for automated test equipment as well as supporting existing systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams and technicians.
• Work with a multi‑disciplinary team to achieve system test design automation, integration, SIL integration, and off‑site tests.
• Work with the Systems Team to ensure proper requirement Verification and Validation methodology and execution.
• Analyze test data, identify anomalies, and provide recommendations for design improvements to ensure product reliability and performance.
• Support failure investigation, troubleshooting, and resolutions.

• B.S. or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 3 years related experience.
• Proficiency in using optical test equipment (e.g., interferometers, alignment scopes, cameras, light sources, etc.).
• Familiarity with environmental test standards for space hardware (e.g., NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540, etc.).
• Experience in automated control and measurement systems.
• Experience in System design, Verification, and Validation.
• Experience testing performance of systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience developing integration and test plans/procedures and reports.
• Experience in signal processing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

• B.S. or higher in Engineering or related field with 6 years of experience.
• 2+ years of experience in optical testing, preferably in a spaceflight or high‑reliability environment.
• Hands‑on experience in conducting environmental tests for spaceflight hardware or satellite systems in a cleanroom environment.
• Experience with MATLAB, Simulink, LabVIEW, Python, and JAVA.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to assume technical responsibility for pieces of a program or multiple programs.

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$62,963 - $89,250

Aero Vironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

T his position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the…