Principal Test Engineer

About This Role:

• Design tests, procedures, controls, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of automated testing systems, tooling, and/or ground support equipment (GSE) to streamline production and testing workflows.
• Oversee the execution of test programs, validate test documentation, and ensure equipment meets requirements; mentor and train team members on validated procedures and equipment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues with hardware and equipment, analyze test data, and generate clear, comprehensive test reports, including flags/non-conformances and other necessary documentation.
• Coordinate with mission managers, operations teams, and other stakeholders to ensure test programs align with project budgets, timelines, and performance goals.

Must Haves:

• At least 10 years of professional experience in aerospace engineering, with a strong background in systems-level testing and validation.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• Expertise in interpreting engineering documentation (e.g., electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, CAD models, wire lists).
• Extensive knowledge of requirements management, system design, integration, and test functions.
• Proven track record in conducting or designing environmental tests, including thermal, thermal vacuum (TVAC), EMI, vibration, shock, acoustic, etc.
• Deep experience with testing equipment, instrumentation, and standards (e.g., GEVS), and methodologies for both manual and automated testing.
• Strong familiarity with product quality assurance principles and experience managing test flags, non-conformance documentation, and corrective actions.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation tools (e.g., Python, Lua, MATLAB, VBA).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills (both written and verbal), with an ability to lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience developing Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and/or automated test equipment.
• Experience developing test plans and system-level requirements derivation and allocation
• Experience performing certification testing for various certification organizations (e.g. FAA, NASA, DoD)
• Ability to support nights and weekends as required

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged sitting and/or standing
• Will occasionally work with hazardous chemicals and/or tools/equipment (e.g., solvents, hi-pot testers)
• May occasionally require working in uncomfortable positions and/or dangerous environments (e.g., during test setup/teardown inside a thermal chamber)

Some of Our Awesome Benefits:

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance option for employees and dependents
• Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings (HSA) Accounts offered with an employer contribution to the HSA
• 100% employer paid Life, AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Flexible Time Off policy for vacation and sick leave, and 12 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan and equity options
• Daily catered lunches and snacks
• International exposure to our team in France
• Fully paid parental leave; 14 weeks for primary caregiver and 10 weeks for secondary caregiver
• Carrot Fertility provides comprehensive, inclusive fertility healthcare and family-forming benefits with financial support
• Off-sites and many social events and celebrations
• Relocation assistance when applicable