Deployable Structures Test Engineer

We are looking for a Deployable Structures Test Engineer to own the ground deployment test program for E‑Space's large deployable antenna structure. This person will design and execute gravity‑offload deployment test campaigns, characterize deployment kinematics and force profiles, establish ground‑to‑flight correlation, and verify deployment repeatability against aperture geometry requirements. This is a specialized role at the intersection of mechanisms, structural testing, and test facility engineering – for someone who has thought carefully about what it actually means to simulate zero‑gravity deployment on the ground.

On‑site in California or Texas. Hands‑on test facility presence required. Some travel between sites expected. Based out of our Saratoga, CA or Arlington, TX office. Compensation will be determined by relevant knowledge, skills, and experience. This is a full‑time, exempt position.

• Own the deployment test plan for the antenna assembly – from test requirements definition through gravity‑offload rig design, test execution, and post‑test correlation.
• Design or oversee design of gravity‑offload and support fixtures appropriate for large flexible deployable structures, including friction‑budget analysis and rig compliance characterization.
• Execute deployment tests, capturing deployment force/torque profiles, deployable element tip trajectories, deployment timelines, and deployment‑state shape measurements (photogrammetry or equivalent).
• Establish ground‑to‑flight correlation methodology: characterize offload rig artifacts, derive correction factors, and bound residual uncertainty in flight deployment prediction.
• Verify deployment repeatability run‑to‑run and characterize sensitivity to deployment sequencing, temperature, and lubricant state.
• Coordinate with the deployment mechanism team to characterize actuator force output and locked‑state stiffness/backlash for use as structural dynamics boundary conditions.
• Coordinate with structural subsystem teams to characterize subsystem performance and define an integrated testing campaign.
• Feed deployment test data into the integrated structural model; participate in model‑test correlation reviews with the IAS structures analyst.

• BS, MS, or Ph.D. in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience with deployment or mechanism testing of flight hardware – solar arrays, antennas, booms, or equivalent deployable structures.
• Hands‑on experience with gravity‑offload test setups for large flexible hardware.
• Experience with force/torque measurement, deployment kinematics instrumentation, and photogrammetry or optical shape measurement.
• Practical understanding of test‑to‑flight fidelity gaps for deployable structures in 1g.
• Experience with composite boom deployment mechanisms or wrap‑rib/coilable boom hardware.
• Familiarity with friction and lubrication behavior in space mechanisms across temperature ranges.
• Experience contributing to model‑test correlation for deployment dynamics simulations.
• Knowledge of TVAC deployment testing and the additional instrumentation challenges it introduces.

• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off

E‑Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.