Test Engineer II-Senior

About the role

You own the end-to-end validation strategy for the R1 microreactor, translating high-level performance requirements into executable test plans and ensuring rigorous verification of heat rejection, power distribution, thermal management, and mechanical subsystems. You design, construct, and maintain bespoke test stands and fixtures that guarantee measurement precision, accuracy, and repeatability for critical component and system tests. You collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams to align prototype and qualification hardware with test objectives, enabling rapid iteration while safeguarding data integrity and compliance. You lead test readiness reviews, communicate complex methodologies to diverse stakeholders, and mentor teammates on best practices and testing standards. You analyze test data to identify anomalies, support root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions that eliminate repeat failures and strengthen long-term reliability. You define and document standard processes and workflows for prototype, qualification, and production testing, ensuring scalability and consistency across the program. You leverage your expertise in instrumentation, sensors, and specialized fixtures to validate performance under demanding conditions, including thermal, mechanical, and vacuum-relevant environments.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Architect and deploy bespoke test stands and rigs tailored to heat pipe components and assemblies, ensuring precise measurement and safe operation.
• Develop comprehensive test plans and protocols that specify instrumentation, execution steps, pass/fail criteria, and data analysis workflows for every subsystem.
• Build detailed test schedules that synchronize prototype, development, and qualification activities with business and engineering milestones.
• Lead test design and readiness reviews, presenting clear methodologies and results to internal and external stakeholders to secure alignment and confidence.
• Validate measurement precision and accuracy of pressure, temperature, strain, and flow instrumentation, and procure or design specialized fixtures and sensors as required.
• Create schematics and CAD models of test setups and facilities to support layout, integration, and future modifications.
• Define and maintain standard processes and workflows for prototype testing, qualification testing, and production-grade testing to improve consistency and traceability.
• Provide subject matter expertise on test methods, offering hands-on mentoring to teammates and elevating the overall capability of the Test Engineering team.
• Participate actively in root cause investigations, correlating test data with design and manufacturing variables to implement effective corrective actions.
• Integrate test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and control software to build robust test environments that support rapid iteration and high-quality data collection.
• Partner with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure test strategies account for thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance constraints.
• Track and report test metrics, including reliability, repeatability, and compliance with requirements, to inform design decisions and risk mitigation.
• Support the development of automated test procedures where applicable, balancing manual oversight with efficiency and scalability.
• Maintain meticulous documentation of procedures, results, and deviations to facilitate audits, certifications, and knowledge transfer.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's degree in physics or an engineering discipline, with a strong foundation in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and measurement theory.
• Bring 2+ years of hands-on test engineering experience, with demonstrated success in designing experiments and validating hardware performance.
• Possess experience designing assemblies and test fixtures using CAD tools, including the ability to iterate based on feedback and constraints.
• Demonstrate experience integrating and using a wide range of test instrumentation, such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, strain gauges, relays, and solenoid valves.
• Show proficiency in preparing and executing test protocols, defining clear pass/fail criteria, and conducting systematic data analysis.
• Exhibit meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to identify subtle anomalies in test data that may indicate underlying issues.
• Maintain strong organizational skills to manage multiple test activities, schedules, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate effectively with technical and cross-functional teams, ensuring alignment between test objectives, design constraints, and business goals.
• Adhere to safety standards and procedures when working with high-energy systems, high pressures, and complex mechanical assemblies.
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones and delivery commitments.
• Capability to lift 25 lbs; the role may require standing, climbing, bending, grasping, sitting, pulling, pushing, stooping, stretching, and carrying.
• Eligibility to obtain any required security clearances or background checks as mandated by government contracts, if applicable.
• Commitment to following documented procedures, calibration standards, and quality management systems relevant to testing and manufacturing.

Nice to have

• Hold a Master's degree or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering, with a focus on thermal systems, fluid dynamics, or related fields.
• Accumulate 5+ years of hands-on test engineering experience, with a portfolio of complex testing programs in advanced technology environments.
• Demonstrate experience designing and building test rigs and executing thermal and mechanical tests under demanding conditions.
• Show familiarity with LabVIEW, Simulink, or similar test and control software for automating data acquisition and analysis.
• Bring experience testing thermal management or heat-rejection systems, or components relevant to vacuum environments and space applications.
• Apply expertise in mechanical, durability, or materials testing methods, including non-destructive evaluation and failure analysis.
• Exhibit leadership experience within a project or research team, guiding technical decisions and mentoring peers.
• Strengthen cross-disciplinary communication skills to translate requirements between engineering, manufacturing, and operations.
• Maintain a documented track record of high-impact technical contributions in challenging technical programs.
• Apply knowledge of part inspection technologies, such as micrometers, coordinate measuring machines (CMM), and white light scanning, to validate component dimensions and tolerances.
• Utilize product lifecycle management (PLM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and related manufacturing systems to manage test documentation and traceability.
• Leverage strong Python or general programming experience to develop test scripts, automate workflows, and analyze large datasets.

Practical notes

• Hours: Full-time schedule in alignment with project needs, including evenings and weekends during critical phases.
• Travel: Not applicable.
• Visa: Sponsorship may be considered for qualified candidates, subject to business needs and eligibility.
• Deadlines: Apply promptly to ensure full consideration for upcoming hiring windows.